The Weekend's Recycling Project.

The funny thing is, is that is never considered recycling on the farm. It's just using what you have. In this case, we had an old door that was used as the basement entry for 20 years. The dogs scratched it up pretty badly (probably during storms) and I think there was a problem with the latch. It was just too good to throw away.What they needed was a new chicken hutch. This is where the chickens lay their eggs. The hutch is a series of small boxes (10 in this case) with round openings. The hens like to feel secure and somewhat hidden in their nesting spots.

Kids need to learn how to hammer, and measure and use a very safe saw under very supervised conditions. (Remember, this is Mom talking.) Opa's (Grandpap's) thoughts were that the chickens weren't going to complain if the measurements were off by an inch. Hence, the perfect construction project for kids. So, using wood scraps (including old barn siding, and wall joists from an old mobile home) and various pieces of found material, a hutch was built.

In the end, the chickens got a new hutch. The egg counts are coming in: the first day, there were 3 eggs in the lower row of nests, and one in the upper row.

In Case You Were Wondering...

It is entirely possible to BURN mac and cheese. And by burn, I mean boil the noodles so long that all of the water has either boiled away or been soaked up by the paste-like noodles. It sort of makes a crackling sound and a strange burning smell. (FYI).

Look, I was distracted, and I usually don't make mac and cheese for BREAKFAST! That'll teach the little guy to go out on a limb with his breakfast order!

New Cleaning Day Game

My usual, somewhat fun, Ebay Treasure Hunt /Cleaning Day game was replaced yesterday with a much more frustrating NEW game: it's the "Can I Throw This Away Yet?" Game, which is closely related to the "Where Can I Put This, Besides The Kitchen Counter" Game. Here are some of my findings, and what I did with them: Easter stuff: Easter was two weeks ago, I'm tired of looking at the baskets. The attic is calling for them. Have the kids go through with a large zip lock bag with their name on it. Put the remaining candy in the pantry. The chalk and bubbles go to the garage. Toothbrushes to the bathroom. General sort.

Lima beans in a glass...fermenting, obviously. I think sprouting was the goal. Little decision time was wasted...garbage disposal, done.

Little chicks that grow when you put them in water. Four, one for each kid. (So, this is why I have no drinking glasses). They were in the kids Easter Baskets. Very Cute..the kids love to watch them grow. NOW WHAT? I consolidated into one large vase. If they are still there next week, they are trash bound.

A balloon with a monster face drawn expertly by the god-like science teacher. I'm sure my son felt like the "chosen one" when he was selected to take it home. It's been bounced around here for a week, always underfoot. I popped it and put it in the trash (shhh!).

A really sweet piano made from cardboard. Made by my daughter for a report that she did on Beethoven. Moved to her room. I figured we'll look at that for a while longer.

I'm hoping to return to my usual fun next week!

We Have A Winner...

I'm following up on a recent contest that I held. I asked you all for funny Mom stories. Britt from Texas told about how she was was trying to teach her girls how to say "Thank You" when they received a compliment, instead of "I Know". During this practice session, one of the girls said: "Mom, that is a very nice big butt that you have"....and Mom was forced to say: "Thank You!"! HA...they got you! Your Joy Beadworks interchangeable earrings are on the way!

It's All About The Spin..

Some of my crew like Cheerio's for breakfast , OK, they actually prefer the store brand "Toasted Oats", and they get upset if I get the name brand because the they say the store brand is better. Anyhoo, They usually want a little extra sugar on the already "Honey Nut" version. Here's where the spin comes in: I tell them they can have a tiny bit of sugar, but it comes at a price. I call it : "Sugar Insurance", it means that they can not be crabby today...because they have already had some extra sweetness to counterbalance the grumpy crabbiness that may come into play later. Hey, anything to get me through the day.....

Something to Keep the Little Guy Busy...Warning for those easily Grossed Out.

The refrigerator needed a good clean-out. The freezer: I can't get another thing in there, but yet there is nothing to eat in there? I started with the refrigerator, all of the old pasta in the back, the 3 carrots that I saved from dinner the other night. ( What was I thinking?)

So as I was cleaning, I let my Little Mister Helpful make Refrigerator Stew. He dumped all of the little bits of saved dinners, old pasta, and various other discards into the sink and mixed and spilled, and spooned and stirred to his hearts delight. He had such a great time. I love letting them do things that they wouldn't normally be able to do.
Some of my more interesting finds: a (dirty) snowball, and glow sticks from several July 4th's past.

Hey...Mom Made That!

Here's something I'd like to tell you about: Mom Made That! Here's the idea: Let's support one another. There are lots of us talented Mom's around, with skills in many areas. This site helps to connect us all. It offers a way to advertise our various products and provide links to our sites. Here's my listing:

JOY BEADWORKS

Joy Beadworks Specializes in Interchangeable Sterling Silver Jewelry. Our Bead Ring allows you to easily change the handmade glass beads to match your mood or your outfit. Our Earrings are completely customizable. You choose the earring "base", a sterling silver leverback, hoop or swirl, then add the "dangles" which are sold separately to allow for an economical way to have lots of choices. We have just introduced a wood and fused glass ring, it is just the right amount of chunk to MAKE an outfit. All of these items and lots more are available in our Etsy shop: http://www.joybeadworks.etsy.com/.
We design our line with the Mom Uniform in mind: Jeans and a T-shirt. Our designs add some flair, some sparkle and lots of versatility. We know from experience that your friends will be so busy complimenting on your new jewelry, they won't even notice the stain on your shirt! As a Mom of 4 all under the age of 10, I have lots of Mom Experiences, I blog about them and my business at http://www.joybeadworks.blogspot.com/ (Oh Yeah, you are here already!)

Click the Link to the Right to Check it Out.

The Absolute Hands Down BEST Thing about being a Mom:

I have just figured out the answer to this great and mysterious question. Sure there are the sticky sweet answers we are supposed to give, like "loving my family", but I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about the real world skill set that provides strength and stability. The kind of thing that can only be gained through rigorous on the job training, with no breaks---ever. The wisdom and true "knowing" that is invaluable.

NOTHING CAN SURPRISE US!

I found twelve dollars worth of cheese on the floor in the garage the other day. My daughter wrote on her little brother with a fudge sickle. I can have a huge goop of lollipop in my hair and proceed normally. There can be all manner of mishmash in my car. Seriously, anything could be in there. I am routinely barraged with questions asked in all seriousness: "Is Bigfoot a boy or a girl?", "Can a Napkin see to Sweden?"

When my husband asks, it usually requires too much effort to explain the seriously zig zagged train of thought that got us to where we are. He usually loses interest thirty seconds into the story, and by a minute, he's sorry he asked. So, why is there a Popsicle stick in the shower? There just IS, that's all.

So proceed with calm knowing. We are gaining the invaluable skill of being unfazed.

Enter to Win: You Just Need a Funny Kid Story.

Last night, as I was putting my boys in bed. I tucked the older, top bunker in, then for some reason, went to turn out the light before I tucked the little guy. As I was on my way to the light switch, he reminded me that I didn't give HIM a kiss goodnight. I turned around and explained that I was just turning off the light, and THEN I was going to tuck him and give him a kiss goodnight. As I was tucking him in, he said: " Oh, I thought you sold-ed MY kiss on Ebay!". If that doesn't speak volumes!

I have recently joined the Mom Bloggers, as you may have noticed. I decided to hold a contest for a pair of my signature interchangeable earrings (chocolate brown swarovski pearls on sterling silver leverbacks). Please send something funny that Your kid said this week. I will collect responses, (enter below by commenting) and whichever makes me laugh the most wins! I'll give you a week to collect your funny stories. We all need a good laugh.

For My Sisters, You Know Who You Are:

I saw this last night after I found myself thinking about how lucky I am all day to have such great friends.

Here are Anna Quindlen's words:

"What I expect from my male friends is that they are polite and clean. What I expect from my female friends is unconditional love, the ability to finish my sentences for me when I am sobbing, a complete and total willingness to pour their hearts out to me, and the ability to tell me why the meat thermometer isn't supposed to touch the bone."

A Wrap Up

Thanks to all who Helped to make this weekend's "Fashion Show and Unique Boutique" event a success. I'm sure that we raised a significant amount of funds for a great cause.

On a personal note, I recieved a lot of really great feedback on my line. So many people stopped by to compliment my things. I really try to explain the unique-ness and interchangabilty options to everyone. If there was something that I heard all day long, it was: "What a Great Idea!" This feedback is so encouraging.

Busy, Busy, Busy Over Here

I am excited about being asked to participate in a charity event to honor a little boy who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. This little boy is the son of Aaron Smith, a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Having 4 healthy children is more of a blessing than I will ever be fully aware of. The anguish that I feel when one of my kids gets hurt is terrible, and I am lucky to have such small things to worry about. I know that facing a battle against Leukemia is one that will require courage and support.

Sweet Pea's is a local shop that specializes in offering locally handmade items; I have been a part of their team for a few years now. This local group of artisans has organized a "Unique Boutique Fashion and Gift Show", and portions of our proceeds will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The big show is this weekend on Sunday. I have been extraordinarily busy over here making volumes of beautiful things for the show. I will also be introducing something brand new! More soon....