Mattress Surfing

Today we moved the crib out of Eric's room and replaced it with a twin bed. Jonathan was to take the crib mattress downstairs to store in the basement with the other parts of the crib. He decided that sliding down the stairs would better and faster. A whoop and a holler later and everyone wanted in on the fun. We did discover the lighter kids slid better. Kalynne wanted a turn. Her brothers were overjoyed at the chance to try to shove her down the stairs. Well, she tried and managed to go down the stairs without the mattress when it got stuck and she didn't.


Joanna wasn't thrilled to have to bring up the mattress, but the fun afterward more than made up for it. Work before play, right? Eric absolutely love mattress surfing and seems to have no fear. I hope I don't catch him trying to do it solo!


Here is a video of Joanna and Eric taking a turn (just tilt your head a bit). Too bad there is no sound but just imagine delighted screams that have a uh-uh-uh feel to them too. I think there was only one crash into a wall and none into the piano at the bottom of the stairs. I think the kids like this better than sledding. It is definitely warmer!

Eric's New Glasses

School is in Session

The winter break is over not from winter but from school. Except for a snow day, the kids are back in school. I am also back in school. I do not get any snow days either. Clint suggested, and I agreed that perhaps the timing is right that I go back to college to finish my Elementary Education degree.

I am using one of the local community colleges in the area. Since Eric is still at home all of my classes this semester are strictly online classes. It saves on childcare costs as well as gas and travel time. That option, online classes, wasn't available when I was first pursuing my degree. Maybe if it had been, I would already have my degree. I think it is better now though while I am busier with life and family, I am more responsible and like to think mature. The kiddos remind me on occasion that I am not which is usually after pulling some prank.

I have finished my first week. So far so good as my homework has been turned in already. Most was due tomorrow (Sunday), but I wanted to keep that day for church and family. One assignment (Intro to Psychology) received full marks plus an extra credit point. The other while not graded received good remarks from the teacher. It was for Intro to Art and was a self-portrait box (pictures below). I am also in a Political Science class.

I enjoy the art class so far and find the political science class interesting. The psychology class is by far the hardest. I make sure I do that class reading in the morning after I have woken up a bit. I was nervous being the oldest student or being too dumb. I don't know if I am the oldest, but I am not the only mother in my classes or education major. Hopefully the success of the first week will keep me going. I am just wondering how I am going to handle Spring Break as the children's break is not the same time as mine. I am pushing for my own laptop but so far have been told to keep wishing.


My first art project --

2010: The Year of Repairs

Just over two weeks into the new and I am ready to scream, "DO OVER!" The joys and blessings of owning a home have allowed us to pay for furnance and dryer repairs, buy a new dishwasher and now septic tank repair.

The dryer was dying when the furnace and dishwasher decided to break on the same day. We do not live in a warm climate like Arizona or Hawaii. We do have friends with space heaters, plenty of quilts and a fireplace to ward off the chill. The furnance was repaired (new blower motor). The dishwasher was pronounced DOA (burnt out washer motor that would cost as much to repair as a new model). The first dryer repair (DYI) was some help but not much. The second fixed the problem. I think I am helping pay for the appliance repairman's daughter's wedding. Oh yeah, I had to buy a new toaster too that week.

Yesterday started with a flat tire on the van. It was discoverd after I tried to back it out of the driveway and got it stuck on the ice. It culminated into a broken stereo with the library's CDs stuck in it. The climax was this morning when it was discovered the septic tank had backflowed into our basement. ICK! The huge electric because of 3 hour drying time or constantly on dishwashers or even really cold temperatures did not help cheer our spirits.

Blessings, blessings, there's got to be blessings in all this. I know there has to be blessings.
1. I love my new dishwasher. It is sooo cool. It was also on sale and a cheaper price we found was matched (savings equaling over $200) plus it was the last one in stock so we were able to take it home that day.
2. I paid $5.79 for a new toaster thanks to a gift certificate and free shipping.
3. The furnance was repaired the day before the snowstorm and following negative degree temperatures.
4. We had friends offering us a place to stay as well as space heaters. Also we do have a second furnance upstairs so there was a place to warm ourselves while watching some good movies.
5. The flat tire was discovered at home and not as a blow out or out while driving.
6. We have a camping potty in our trailer to use as a toilet plus a outdoor port-a-potty at the park behind our house (not to mention lots of trees).
7. Thank goodness for equal pay so we can slowly pay off the electric/gas bill.
8. We haven't lost electricity in addition to lack of ability to flush or use the sinks.

*Knock on Wood* for that last one.

Yeah, it could be worse. It could be so much worse. It just seems to be overwhleming paying for all these repairs on top on my tuition right now when there are no raises or incentive pay for employees at Clint's company. At least he is still employed!

Here's hoping that this year has done it's time coming in like a lion and now it can be a lamb. Studying Psychology this semester doesn't seem very lamb-like though.

Zeke

I have enjoyed watching the different relationship dynamics since having Zeke. Since we have had some super cold weather as of late, Zeke has been inside so it makes watching him more fun. His antics are funny as he not the most graceful dog. His ear has a habit of turning inside out giving him a lopsided look. He loves the outdoors, and I think the snow is his favorite. He just runs and bounds through with a doggy grin on his face. The outdoors only comes in second to being with his family. We are glad to have saved him from the shelter as he brings us much laughter.

Zeke has a different relationship with each family member. Take me for instance, Zeke is just like my children, I swear. I am the Alpha, the one in charge and the disciplinarian. When Zeke is doing something wrong, I am usually the one that punishes him. What is funny is when I haven't caught him in a no-no situation, but he will see me and start running away. Zeke will keep out of my reach or hide behind another family member when he knows he is in trouble. The dog acts guilty even if not caught (just like my kids). It is not all fear as Zeke does find me me a suitable companion albeit boring sometimes.

Kalynne is the caretaker, and Zeke adores her. He knows she is a pushover. She is his playmate and whimpers when she leaves his sight. It makes going to the bathroom or even piano practice difficult for Kaly.

Clint is Zeke's buddy and best friend. Both Zeke and Eric wait at the door to greet Clint when they see his car drive up. It is hard to tell who is more excited. Clint is pretty enamored himself and loves having Zeke.

Watching and whimpering while his playmates head back to school

Charissa is the one who rough-houses with Zeke. He loves wrestling with her, and it is quite funny to watch. To knock down his opponent Zeke jumps at and hits them broadside. Also Zeke doesn't fight fair if he is losing and goes for the toes. That hurts!

Eric and Zeke are quite the duo. Eric loves Zeke while Zeke tolerates him. The only incident was when Zeke nipped Eric on the lip. Eric was repeatedly poking Zeke in the eye. A poor dog can take only so much. Zeke knew he was in major trouble when he did it. Zeke has come to the understanding that Eric is not low man on the totem pole here. Now to solve the being contstantly bothered, Zeke has learned a method that is acceptable. He nibbles (lips only) Eric's toes or fingers. That grosses Eric out and stops the annoying action.

I witnessed it when Eric was holding on to the tip of Zeke's tail following Zeke around. Zeke tired of the game quickly and nibbled Eric's fingers to stop the game. Zeke does give Eric kisses and once Eric realizes whiskers are not meant to be pulled, perhaps Zeke will not run from Eric so much. There are times Zeke looks so worn out from entertaining and avoiding Eric. I think he is almost begging to be locked in the crate to be able to sleep. I can so sympathize, Zeke!