Fall Pics Around the Farm

Ryan wanted pictures in the field on a bale of straw. I was happy to assist him.

It kinda looks like he's sitting on the ground. But he really is on the bale of straw.

We had to take Katelyn's glasses off- they were dark black! If the bales are still there this weekend, I think I'll take them back at dusk for better shots!

The Letter

It often times seems unfair that the harder you work to better yourself, the bigger price you pay. Let me explain a little using a recent experience.

It's not a secret that I was once younger than I am now and VERY dumb. I ended up divorced with three really great kids to care for on my own. I say on my own because unless I was able to find where out where their dad was working, the state made no efforts to seek him out to collect child support. (Oh, and it took me nearly a year to save the $50 required by the state to instate a garnishment on his wages.) BLAH-BLAH, long story short- this has not been easy at times.

Along the way, I met a really sweet guy (who I love very much!) and he was more than happy to take on the role of substitute father. Truly a blessing in my life.

Through the years, I've made every effort to learn and better myself. (Busted my behind if you will.) I managed to earn a really great job that I love and it pays well too. (Okay- that may sound like I'm bragging, but it isn't intended that way- bear with me.)

Where does all this hard work get me in relation to the fore mentioned days of stupid???? Well, let me tell you- I get a bigger share of the support bill for Hunter! I'm not complaining about paying more, I love the kid. BUT- the ex has done nothing to better himself. Alcohol (and probably still drugs), bouncing from job to job, trouble with the law, whining about how difficult his life is, wah-wah. Something about assaulting an officer and going to rehab instead of facing the music- Now he claims that he is incapable of working and reports zero income. (Funny- He told Hunter that he works at Cal Ranch...)

Now comes the kicker- since he is so poor and pathetic, the state reduces his share of the child support to a whopping $48!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that???? Outrageous! I work hard and earn more so he can pay less- What's that about?????? Hunter suggested that I just send a thank you card.

You can see that all of this did not sit well with me- until the letter.

The Letter-

Dear Dad,

I just wanted to thank you for your continued lack of support and disregard for my care. It has taught me something very important- others love me.

I have the privilege of having the best father in the world. I work with him. He teaches me about hard work, respect and honesty. I have also learned how to be responsible by watching him. He respects me and our family. He gives me the things I need, and gets me some extra special things too.

The best part about it is that no one told him he had to take care of me and teach me to be a responsible man. He did it because he wanted to and because he loves me. I hope when I grow up, I'm just like him.

Thank you for the opportunity that you gave me- to see the world with open eyes and to decide for myself the example that I want to follow.



...I guess life is fair after all

Finally! A Bit More Progress

Someone told me that once the paint is done, everything else goes really fast...

...NOT!

So far, it's gone slower than I could have even imagined it would.

The kitchen hasn't been touched in nearly two weeks- Oh wait- they cut the hole for the downdraft vent in the cabinet.

This still looks the same-DEPRESSING!!! I wish they'd hurry!

Doesn't really look like an island yet, does it???

This is the wall that Wes has to cut- OOPS! Missing wires! I suppose that's what happens when you're working full time and staying up late to wire. He thinks he wired this part of the house somewhere around 01:00.

Look! I found something that's new! This was not here yesterday! (I'll bet Wes did it.)

WOW! The pillars are FINALLY sided! Nice!

Front view with gutters and sided pillars-

And finally- a few views of the trex deck. I was worried when the frame was the only thing up. It was pretty ugly- I have to say it's starting to look better!

Does This Look Clean To You???

I've sent Hunter to his room every night for the last two weeks to get it cleaned. He claims this is clean. Is he blind???? What do you think??? Any suggestions??? I understand that most teenage boys have messy rooms, but this is utterly ridiculous! The worst part is that the house is on the market...what am I supposed to say to someone looking at the house??..."We don't open this door, just trust me it's a bedroom."????

Birthday's are Still NOT Happy Days...

Another birthday has come and gone for me.

I'm still holding at twenty-eight. There will be no discussion regarding this matter.

I tried to sleep in- kids were up as soon as the phone rang.

They don't get along- they can't go even a few minutes without a battle- Oh joy!

Hunter tried to keep their fighting to a minimum- but somehow Ryan was pushed by Katelyn- He'd been standing on the arm of the couch- Ryan called Kate a goo-goo, gaa-gaa baby. Kate says she accidentally bumped him off- it was his fault he almost hit the brick fireplace. (Hunter says she shoved him pretty hard!) By the time I made it downstairs, Ryan was on top of Katelyn and her glasses were on the carpet. Good morning to me!! I sent them directly to their rooms to think about it. Ryan hollered down the hall- "Happy Birthday Mom!, Can I come out now?"

Wes spent nearly the entire holiday working at Buttars. The rest of the day, he worked on the house. I decided that I wanted blackened shrimp for dinner- Ryan and Kate will both eat penne pasta. So, that's what I made. I also made an apple pie. Wes and Hunter weren't answering the phone, so I ate alone. They reheated later.

Wes surprised me- He picked up a few things when he was at Disneyland for my birthday- A gorgeous watch with interchangeable bands and bezels. Way cool!

He also got me a shirt- it's a little small, men just don't get the buy the size for the boobs! I'll need to loose @ 10 pounds to fit in it. At least he didn't buy too big! I'd rather he thinks I'm smaller than bigger!

Be Safe! Put Down Your Phone!

After losing a great friend to a fatal car accident late last year, things seem to touch home more than they used to. A recently watched a video about texting and driving- thought I'd share it today with you.

http://ut.zerofatalities.com/images/0809/vid.jpg

Please watch the video- and remember, there is no text, email or phone call that cannot wait until you are safely off the road...

Love You All!

Busy Week

The first week of school has been extremely busy, so I apologize for not posting for awhile. I just love the hour plus of homework each day with Ryan and Katelyn!

The finish-up stuff on the house has kept me busy too- both days that I have off, I've spent running around the entire state...at least Ryan and Kate weren't whining in the back seat the entire time! (I did enough whining for the three of us because of all the adventures I had on Monday getting a sink!)

Thought I'd share a few pictures of the first day of school.. Katelyn (a.k.a. Roxy Girl) showing off her style...
Ryan happy to be going back to school......I mean really happy!