May Blog Entry FAIL.

Apparently it is now June - which means I completely FAILED on a May post.

I had no idea that writing once a month would be a lofty goal for me.

May Happenings:

For once I don't have subbing updates because SCHOOL IS OUT FOR SUMMER!!  I have not heard any discussions of "I will tell you who I like if you tell me who you like"  or "who farted?!"
Around our house we always know who farted.

******
Our water was out for a day.  So that was annoying.

I kept checking it and checking it but by mid-afternoon . . . . quite frankly . . the toilet just needed to be flushed. So I grabbed a 5 gallon pail and headed for the lake.  I felt glamourously-pioneer-like and almost thought about hooking up a thresher to our oxen . . oh wait . . .

ANYWAY.  I hike down to the lake, fill the bucket and then slowly walk up the hill to our house trying NOT to spill all the water.  I get into the house, head upstairs to the bathroom, take the lid off the toilet water container and . . . . BAM.  It was full.  Somehow the water managed to get turned back on during my “operation toilet water” adventure.

******
I turned 34.  It was rather anti-climatic.
But I do have some Amazon gift cards to spend yet so that is very exciting.
I'm letting the money marinate in my amazon account while I stew over what I should buy.

*******
We had to spend some time in White Bear to interview potential renters.  It was an emotional weekend for me.  I have managed to not step foot in that house for a really long time becuase of my strange attachment to it . . . . I walked in . . . said hi to the renters and then started sniffling.

HOW EMBARRASSING.

And then during every interview I had to leave for awhile - gather my wits and head back in.

The good news is that we found our new renters.
The bad news is . . . . I still don't live in that house.
Such a strange Catch 22.

We get home from "weird emotional weekend" in time to find out that our fridge had died.
Who has time for that?!

I won't even go into detail of how Boyd spent 10+ hours working on a used fridge, pulling our fridge into our front yard, etc etc only to find out the "new' fridge is loud and that our old fridge just needs a silly little part to work again . . . . . .

Building character. Building character.

****

We have planted flowers and vegetables outside in hopes of appearing "normal" and even a few potted plants around the house. I have ZERO green thumbs.  Not a one.  I keep finding myself spraying the house plants with my Mrs. Meyers cleaner spray (in my defense it looks like the water sprayer . . . you know. . . in a waterbottle with a nozzle . . . ).  Initially I was astounded by how lovely the plants smelled as I watered them . . . very . . . lemoney verbenaey.  FOR THE LOVE!!!

Said plants are no longer with us :(

We have also tried to plant trees and have been successful with planting a whopping 3.  I had no idea how stressful tree planting is . . . . . I want a windbreak but Boyd refuses to give up any view.
We are at a stalemate.

Obviously you all agree with my viewpoint.
Thank you.

******* 

I was lucky enough to get to a few auctions.  One was in Porter, Minnesota which was a crazy awesome experience.  I introduced my friend Michelle to auctions by dragging her with me in the "creeper van" to Porter.  It was strange to see so many people drinking beer . . . . .  in the morning.

I love auctions.  I finally found an avenue where I “shine”.  I even got a pat on the back at an auction recently from an auctioneer.  Apparently I "nailed it out there". :)

I now have a "cool card".

Boyd just informed me there is no "cool card" associated with those activities.

I was telling Brother1 how both Grandma and mom have turned me down a few times on attending auctions and he replied with: “If they turned you down - that means you have a real problem.”

 ******
Cooper and Cate were around recently to celebrate Coop’s birthday.  They are such a delight and their energy knows no bounds.  They would run down our hill to the lake - touch the lake - scream something about alligators and then run back up the hill.
x20

Cate also held each kitten approximately 30 times and kissed them all good night. (Have I mentioned that we have 10 new kittens?!) Coop just turned 5 and is loving life, remote control cars, baseball and 4-wheeler rides.

Birthday Party Success!

*****

I have the summer Lucky Day sale THIS Thursday so I need to stop writing - - it is taking valuable time away from me pacing the house, wringing my hands and eating more junk food.

******

Lake Norden baseball has started up.  I love seeing the field lights and hearing the cheers from my house.

Summer Nights are my favorite.  Unless it is day time . . then summer days are my favorites.  ALTHOUGH . . . summer mornings are to die for around here.
Breakfast on the porch every.single.day.

******
Here are some pics because I am too lazy to recount May any further:

We are having a barn moved to our property.  And it only costs one gazillion dollars.

Joy of tossing small children off a dock.

Summer Days

I have TEN of these DARLING KITTENS!!! 

Some of my favorite kiddos.

2 cool dudes.

Kona loves Jim and Phyllis

Thumbs UP!

Lou, Mel and Kona even like a peaceful boat ride. ;)

Boyd adores Ellie Bean.  And she seems to think he is alright too.

Now .. . on to June . . . . . Summertime, please slow down.

April

April has been very bi-polar weather-wise.  Lots of warmth.  Lots of cold.  Random snow and rain.

Pet Updates (because I know you all care): Mel is currently sporting the “cone of shame”. 

Kona is in dog heaven with all the geese that have flown back.  She LOVES to chase anything that moves, which sort of stresses me out.

Lou is happy as a clam to be invited along with any animal chasing taking place.

AND . . . big news . . . . I am going to be a Grandma!!
Betsy and Lucy appear to be BOTH knocked up.
I am preparing a speech for them right now on “waiting until you find the right one”

It seems like just yesterday they were kittens.

Now they are BOTH expecting kittens. *sniff sniff*

******

The Lucky Day Spring Sale happened this month and it was a smashing success!  As always . . . loved the items that the vendors brought in!  I am always amazed at their creativity.  Currently I am in a bit of "after sale funk" which means I pace around the house trying to find more projects to start working on.

Thank heavens for auction and garage sale season - my inventory is LOW.

picnic baskets, handmade coffee/side tables and vintage fans.  mmmmmmm

I was in love with so many items!

Tables Tables Tables!

A few of the vendors! It would not be possible without these helpful and energetic women!

 ********

We celebrated O and G’s birthdays in April.  I can’t believe they are now 8 and 10.  Such great kids.
At one point I was complimenting Owen on how nice he was being to little cousin Cate. 

Me:  “I can tell that Cate feels really special that you take the time to play with her.  That is very kind of you.”

Owen (shrugging his shoulders):  “Well . . . . I don’t have a lot going on today since its my day off.”

Graham is into sports apparel.  Owen is into remote control toys.  I find it ironic that my 8-year-old nephew’s birthday list looks a lot like my 39-year-old’s gift list. 

The maiden voyage on the creek with Owen's boat. :)

Some of my favorite people!  And little Caters is my MJ model. :)

 
******

Boyd is nearing the end of school and I am BEYOND ECSTATIC for him to be done with homework. (he is SO crabby when he has his graduate deadlines coming up).
Good things coming.

Not much to report with subbing.  At one point a middle-schooler asked me: “Wanna arm wrestle?” 

Brother2 has admitted that he’s not a huge fan of me subbing in the high school.
I have no idea why. :) 

The ice is off the lake completely!!!  Boyd just retrieved our dock which floated away last fall.  How does that happen you wonder?  It happens when people don't listen to their wives.
Let that be a lesson.

He has also been dumping loads and loads of dirt on our yard and then driving, raking and piling it all over the place.  It keeps him busy for DAYS.
Literally.

And finally.  A few pics of my littlest niece, Ellie Bean.  She and Boyd are becoming fast friends. :)

Happy Spring Everyone!

The "road" to the crick

Happy Baby.

March Madness

March came in like a lion.  My hope is that it leaves like a lamb.  Today is nice.  2 days ago we had a snow storm which got school out early for their spring break. (Holla!)

Let's start with my subbing time, shall we?

  

I finally have my initial introduction down for elementary subbing:

"Hi.  My name is Mrs. Knudsen.  First rule:  No hiding from me."

I never would have guessed that would be an actual issue.

Budging, (along with hiding from the teacher) also seems to be a very big deal in elementary.  

In line to head back to the classroom from the water fountain and there will be a fight about this topic.

She budged

I get my spot back

No you don't!

Yes, I do!

Mrs. Knudsen! He was behind me and now he is in front of me!!

He didn't wash his hands! He shouldn't be at the front of the line!

Or the ailments and needs to see the nurse:

I have a headache.

I need an icepack.

My eye hurts.

My tummy hurts.

I twisted my ankle.

However, high school subbing . . . . nothing.  They just grab their work and get to it.  

Granted, sometimes I THINK there might be an eye roll here or there or maybe a critique of my clothing choices . . . but that might just be my imagination.  

And there is very little talking.  I don't get asked a million questions:  

 "How old are you? Who is your mom? Do you have kids? Are you going to be a teacher? 
What is your favorite word?  How old are you?"

I think it is because . . . . they do not care. :)

****

The other night Boyd and I went to my parents' house for dinner.  I realize Boyd and Dad are engrossed watching something on the computer.  Boyd is laughing until he is crying and Dad says: "That one is just like a ninja"  

Ummmmm . . . what are you guys watching?!

Cat videos.  

Yes.  Some men might be in tune with fantasy football, the news or . . . whatever else they surf for on the Internets.  But my guy . . . . cat videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1haUojWxnA

Cats are the Best. 

******

Speaking of darling animals - A friend of mine has lambs at her house.  ummmmm . . . . I.Must.Go.There.Right.Now.  So I drug little Oli and Ellie along and got my baby animal fix.  I was even nice and let Oli hold the lamb for awhile.  But . . . oh my . . . so sweet!

Patches, the dog, was quite sweet as well.

Oli holding the lamb - Ellie is in the background - not sure what to think

*****

We are finally getting some nice weather.  Spring is peaking around the corner.  

We took advantage of some last days with snow and went sledding.

Boyd is the Sledding Master.

Dad giving Ellie a sled ride.

Graham and the Old Man.

I love Oli's expression.

Me and a Chill Baby.

******

I had a  mini Lucky Day sale in Sioux Falls and it went great! One of my vendors was moving out of her cool house and wanted to sell all her furniture.  Perfect.
A lot of fun and a lot less work for me. :)

We also celebrated Ellie and Cate's birthdays.  It was princess themed and even the guys participated with crowns and necklaces. :)

Cate handled the candles for both of them.  Her hair may have caught on fire. :)

But it was quickly extinguished.  

******

BIG NEWS:  Boyd is now employed!!! He will be a full-time teacher starting this fall with Hamlin School.  Such a relief!!  I had started to do some research on teaching in Costa Rica or Hawaii and although that sounded quite fantastic . . . . 

I was already tired figuring out house stuff, certifications, etc.  

So . .. . YEAH!!!

* Speaking of middle schoolers -  I was subbing the other day and the 6th graders came in and said "Your husband is going to be our teacher next year!  He's sooooo funny!"

Really?! Boyd?!

********

I am so looking forward to Spring.  The geese are flying back and is music to my ears.  I love it.  I have also been diligent in writing down the days' "highs" in a notebook every night.  It is amazing how much that can help.  Granted . . . there are days when it is hard to think of something good so my "high" might be:  "My lungs work well."

BUT . . HEY!  My lungs DO work well.  I can be thankful for that. :)

And if all else fails and you really need a smile on your face . . . . google "farting preacher" videos.  BUT ONLY If you are okay with a bit of religious ridicule (disclaimer). 

Have a great spring everyone!

February Blues

I am tired of winter.  I have been trying to ski my way out of the winter blues but its not working. And I know it is silly to complain because the weather this week has been phenomenal!!

BUT for the first time in 10 years . . . . it appears we will not be taking a winter vacation.  I blame Boyd and his ability to get suckered into common core training over spring break. *sigh*

Something about needing to get a teaching job . . . . 

Although lovely - NOT how I want to spend spring break.

I have started taking sewing lessons.  I have warned my teacher friend that I have to go very very slowly or I will get overwhelmed and start throwing things.  It was going great and then I tried sewing at home and BAM!  Machine broken.  

I was transported back to 8th grade home-ec class where my teacher would tsk tsk and say "Again!?  How is your machine broken AGAIN?!"

  

I wish I knew.  I am not an engineer.

After days of the machine sitting in the middle of the dining table . . . Boyd finally decided to try and fix it EVEN THOUGH I told him dramatically: "THERE IS NO POINT!! It is impossible!!!"

He proved me wrong.  Which is great . . . but I hate being wrong.   

But then again . . he IS an engineer so really he SHOULD be able to fix it.

And I know an instruction manual would be a great way for me to "exercise my brain" but I refuse.  Absolutely refuse.  

Those tiny little pictures and diagrams give me the heebie jeebies.

Even Lucy began to think of the machine as permanently part of the table.

Hamlin basketball is winding down.  

I'm not going to lie . . . . . sort of looking forward to it. :)

I tend to be a little tense at games.  

Shocking, I know.

*******

My odd jobs are going pretty well.  The other day I went in to substitute teach and all of the sudden I realized . . . . I was not panicking!  I was not afraid of the children!  I knew the lunchroom drill! 

But then somehow I ended up subbing for a classroom full of hyenas.  

What happened to the adoring children?!

And EVERY time I sub . . . . I get asked how old I am.  I have never felt weird about my age . . . after all 33 is pretty "middle of the road" but when they look at you like you are going to keel over and die once they know how old you are . . . . well . . . I'm now a little self-conscious.

Darn kids.

Matilda Jane is going great.  

Succumb to the pressure and buy darling clothing.

I double dog dare you.

I have also been working on Lucky Day stuff.  I finally have some furniture pieces that I can work on so I am very excited.  Spring Sale will be held in April.   YES!  

There will also be a mini-sale in Sioux Falls in March.  

Stay tuned.

******

Valentine's Day was this month.  Boyd informed me that he had a really great idea for it but that it will take too long to execute so that translated into: "I am not doing anything for the holiday."

I'm not sure why he switched from his usual tactic of: "That is today?!"

After all, this method has worked for the past 13 years.

But to give him credit:  I was apologizing for not being the best-of-the-best in domesticity and he said:  "Life is Short. Don't waste your time making the bed."

Which after I thought about it . . . . 

he certainly has NEVER ONCE wasted any time on making the bed.  

A wise man.

******

Brother1 and Sister2 and their families were around this past weekend.  So.Much.Energy. :)  Coop demanded some "steamroller" and "spooks and creeps" - Both are games that Dad made up.  

Cate and Ellie delighted everyone by dancing whenever they heard music.

Caters felt pretty special with a headlamp

Ellie kept laughing and laughing.  Boyd had the best audience ever.

We recently had book club which is always lovely. 

And I was reminded that I have not done a "Nerd Alert" in a REALLY long time. 

So . . here is a quick list of some good reads.

 (Warning:  MOST of these books are kind of dark or heavy unless otherwise noted)

Reconstructing Amelia

Defending Jacob

Labor Day

A Room with A View (a classic - not dark or heavy)

The Dead Ex (sounds dark but was kind of funny - you know . . because dead ex's are funny?!)

Gone Girl

Divergent Series 

Kitchen House

It Takes a Village Idiot (so funny)

Wonder (So good - I may have even shed a tear or two)

Carry on Warrior (girl power!)

Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum book - love these)

Looking for Alaska

In the Kingdom of Men

Love Does (I just ordered this again because I lost my first copy)

The Silver Linings Playbook (great)

Next Up: This is Where I Leave You. (It looks funny. I hope it is - I could use a funny book)

At the moment I am re-reading Island of the Blue Dolphins for the 12th time because I am around elementary children way too much and they are all reading it and it made me think back on how that was my FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME and I must read it Right.Now.

******
My sewing machine just broke again.

Good night.

Kona is the only one in the fam who adores winter.
And Boyd.

****  Boyd just corrected me and and said that Dad did not come up with "steam roller".  Apparently it was on Wayne's World?!  I have no idea . . . .

January

A quick catchup-up:

We celebrated Christmas.  Shocking, I know.

It is fun seeing O doting and caring for his younger cousins.

We had GLORIOUS snow and lovely temps.
And multiple dogs

Boyd and I celebrated 13 years of marriage on December 30th. 
Time FLIES.
Even when you are not having fun.

I jest. 

I miss dancing. 

This is a picture of my cat, Lucy.  She is in heat ALL THE TIME.  She makes strange noises, is in love with everything and in general has a death wish with our resident husky/wolf. 

And she gets into EVERYTHING.

I have been self-employed now since the beginning of January and it is splendid.  I have organized my basement, cleaned my house and then found myself decoupaging the light switches.  Which made me realize I should find some random odd jobs.

So I decided to tell the school I had more availability for subbing.

Subbing is . . . HARD.  And it gives me the sweats.

What color is Jupiter?
Why?
I don't get this math question.
Are you Mr. K's wife?
Are you Mrs. S's daughter?
What is Earth made up of?
He stole my pencil.
She broke my pencil.
He threw my pencil.
I don't have an eraser.
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I get a drink of water?
Do you like us?

So.  That was my day.

I have also been painting for my Grandma.  I love to paint.  It is calming and I can listen to music.  Plus Grandma finds me delightful and that is awesome.  I was complaining about my knee issues to my Dad and he was telling me that lunges would possibly help me (I highly doubt it but whatever) and so I demonstrated that I knew the correct form and way of doing them.

And Grandma exclaims: "Isn't she neat?!"
Grandmas are the best.

We have been to WAY TOO MANY basketball games.  Boyd is coaching 7th grade girls; Brother 2 is playing C team and JV; and G is playing 3rd grade basketball with Dad coaching them.  I was worried that Boyd would not like coaching but he LOVES it.  He thinks the girls are fun and loves the sing-alongs on the bus rides.

How cute are those guys?!

Boyd and the 7th grade girls

Kona ran away while I had her in town with me.  She had been SOOO good and then all of the sudden her nose twitched and she was off.  I started running after her.  And yelling.  And waving my arms.  Brother2 happened to be with a couple of friends driving around town and he recognized Kona and then embarrassingly recognized me (poor kid).  I have never been so thankful to run into 15 year old boys.  Disaster averted.

Such a great weather weekend.  Brother1 came to visit along with Coop and Cate and so we had some merry sledding times.  A recap:

Caters loves Miss Ellie

When living in the Midwest you have to take advantage of a lull in the weather.

Boyd schooling Oli at Othello.

In other news:  How cute is this old picture I found of Lou?!  He was so TINY.  And yes, I found this picture because of said "organizing basement time".  Unfortunately I also found all my old yearbooks.

I hope January is treating you all well. 

December.

December always flies by.

Boyd's family was in town over "Thanksmas".  We typically only get to see his siblings once a year so it was great to spend time with them.  We even had decent temps - - although the siblings were still cold.

Southerners/West Coasters. ;)

Broom Hockey on the lake.

We played some broom hockey over Thanksmas.  And when I say "we", I mean Boyd and the guys.  I'm not sure who enjoyed it more - - the little boys or the adults.
We also held the 2nd Annual Turkey Bowl.
No injuries = Success.

We finally have some snow - - granted - -not a ton which makes snow shoes obsolete but I trust that SOON that will not be a problem.  My husband loves winter.  As does our Siberian Husky.  

I'm closing my eyes til spring. :)

I love Christmas decor.  I was looking at my light fixture and realized it was full of dead bugs.  As lovely as that was . . I thought . . . "I should switch it up"  and came up with this lovely concoction.  I love it.  Even Oli was impressed when he stayed overnight.

 I am nearly done with my legal secretary job.  I was asked to go full-time - and with Lucky Day and Matilda Jane on my plate - -
it is not an option.

So, I am now embarking on a new adventure of self-employment!  

Not to be confused with Unemployment. :)

I am hoping to build both Lucky Day and Matilda Jane.

I hope to learn how to sew and other creative skills.

And most importantly, I can now watch soap operas during the day.

Boyd is his usual optimistic self: "Go get 'em!"
Followed with:  "Where are you going with that hammer?"

I feel like I don't have much I can actually write about. Or maybe anything exciting.
the most exciting thing that has happened recently was that we bought a washing machine. zzzzz
And a couch!  But then we got the couch home only to realize they left out 2 of the cushions.
This would only happen to us. And it is only taking World Market 1-2 years to ship us the new cushions.
For the Love.

Brother2 is a freshman this year. 
He has grown out of most of his clothes and eats all of my food.
We do not see eye-to-eye on many things - most recently regarding footwear.
He sometimes comes over to work on homework.
He does not appreciate it when I bring up uncomfortable topics.


Go figure. 

This past weekend was lovely.  Sister1's boys came over for awhile.  We talked Kona into going back to her "roots" as a sled dog.  She loved it and the boys loved it.  Boyd also took them sledding. 
I opted to just help with sugar cookies.

Because it was COLD. 
Yes.  The 5 year-old has more fortitude than I.

Oli and his ski mask.  So sweet and menacing at the same time.

Lou waiting ever so patiently for some sugar droppings.

Boyd and I also went to Sioux Falls to see Brother1's family.  Caters and Cooper are a delight.  They were so excited to see us and you cannot help but feel super important.

We played hide-n-seek; football, read stories and watched Cooper in his Sunday School program.
Cate was upset that she had to wear a darling black and white knitted skirt to church.
She told Erin it looked like poop.
How.Cute.Is.That?!

Reading book #64

Boyd is nearing the end of this busy semester of graduate work.
He will start student teaching in January.
(Say what?!  Why is Sabrina quitting her job right now?!)

 I'm so excited for him to be fully certified.  Fingers crossed there are job openings next year.
He is also coaching 7th grade girls basketball this year.
Coaching scares the crap out of me.
I should rephrase:  Parents scare the crap out of me.

 I am, however, a fantastic statistician. 

Christmas is nearly here.
I have grandiose thoughts of getting Christmas cards in the mail.
Don't hold your breath.

I hope you all are taking the time to enjoy the season.
Blessings to you all.