Sandy, :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

~~~~~

Title of painting is "Leaving Prints Behind". It was the kitty walking away that had me in tears yesterday. But still wanted to share. :hug:

I just read a bunch to get caught up and lost a lot by the time I got to the end.

Sandy - I hope your mom improves and that they can get a better handle on preventing these seizures.

I decided to recaulk the bathtub on Saturday. I thought it would be easy and quick. HA! It took hours to get the old caulk out and I found out that using a caulking gun is no longer that easy for me to do. I got it done and it looks so much better, but I could hardly move Sunday. I rested a lot and felt better yesterday. Today, I'm back in pain. I am sick of this hug thing. This ain't no hug, it's more like a vise.

My kids have finally seen the "light". They have been asking for an allowance for years. I don't believe in just giving them money for no reason, so I've always said they have to do significant chores above what we already expect of them if they want to get paid. They came to me last week because they decided they wanted a steady income. They have agreed to my terms and my housework burden should be significantly less in the near future.

I see it as a win-win. They will learn many good life skills (I do not want to send my boys out into the world unable to take care of themselves) and I get to give up things like scooping the litter box, vacuuming the game room and stairs, and cleaning the downstairs bathroom. They are also learning how to properly sort and wash the laundry. Over time, they should be able to completely take that job over. They already load / unload the dishwasher and do the garbage.

Alex wants to learn how to use the steam mop and do the kitchen floor and learn how to swiffer the hardwoods upstairs. That will take a bit of time because I'm pretty particular and don't even like how my DH does it! Maybe the 10 year old will be more trainable??

Honestly, if this works out, I will breathe a huge sigh of relief and will actually be able to get to other projects rather than just trying to keep the house from becoming uninhabitable. I often feel like I'm drowning.

Well, I'm rambling now and need to get back to work. Blech! I just wish I could get excited about life. I honestly think I need to switch hemispheres every 6 months. I do not deal well with the decreasing amount of sunlight.

Good Morning! I am at school and ready for my 11:00 class. Today's topic is the legal status of same sex marriage. It is chilly and gloomy here, but at at least we are not having any snow. Just a bit of rain.

Things are pretty tense here. No contract, lack of progress in negotiations, 25% cut in budget. We are not asking for raises -- just trying to avoid furloughs.

Good Morning! :) Still raining and cool here. Good baking weather!

Holly, sounds like you've got a win-win situation at your house! Good for you! It's so important that boys learn the basics so they can take care of themselves. Both of my boys love to cook and I was happy to show them how when they took an interest.

Sandy, I hope Mom is doing better today. :hug:

Everyone stay warm and have a great Tuesday! :grouphug:

hugs and prayers ... Sandy & Jenn :hug: and anyone else that needs one or just gets one!! take one, they are warm and free!!

received a phone call this morning from my friend in Markesan - she now is a dealer for the long-arm quilting machine ... and I'll be able to get it this next week!! working out the $$ later ... I'm excited!

I have 2 big boards almost done (takes more time to do them separately than it was to do on a mural) .. lol .. and I have about 6 (16" squ) almost finished, too ... trying to get enough done for the craft show this weekend!

also, received an email from the quilt show gals for the April 9&10 - and that's the one in Monroe, WI ... they really promote the barn quilt idea!!

hope everyone has a great tuesday!!

this is the front of the craft shop with the 16" blocks ...

Kelly - That is really cool that your sons like to cook. That is another one of their chores is that each of them has to help cook at least one dinner per week. I want them to learn how to cook and they are old enough now.

Hi everyone. Mom is back at rehab and doing much better. Thanks for all the prayers. :hug:

Our Springfield trip is postponed until the 29th and 30th of November. Lou is definitely calling the bill for a vote on the 30th. It is official! I have been on the phone all day with reps and others. Long day.

:grouphug: I will come back and read everyone's updates in a bit. I need a quick nap.

hi all - here are 3 - 2ft x 2ft barn quilts ... enjoy! (can't wait to hear what it looks like on the big screen!) :D

Vonn, they look good. I love the old barn/farmhouse style. I'm on laptop now, so I'll look on the big screen tomorrow! :)

Sandy, glad mom is on the road to recovery! Praying it is a full one!

Holly, good for you teaching your boys the things they really do need to know. Reminds me of a cookbook I bought a few years ago... "Where's mom now that I need her". They also have one "Where's Dad now that I need him". I bought copies of each for both my sons.

:grouphug: to all! I read, just can't remember much tonight.

I had to get DH to take me to the doctor today. I woke up in so much pain from a UTI, that I could barely walk much less drive. They did the test and called before I got home that it was really bad. So I"m on antibiotics...praying I don't have an allergic reaction to this one! I hope this is my "every 2 yr" bout with this. NOT fun at all!

Good morning!

holly...good job mom! My ds's 21 and 18 love to cook...they are pretty
good at it....with the rest of it all, I wish I had been more diligent about
housework chores...they mostly did outside chores as we have a large
property. Anyway, keep up the good work.

kel...what did you bake? Its time to get all my stuff together as its
cookie marathon time.:D

sandy...great news! I hope your mom continues to improve.:hug:

pam...feel better!:hug:

fin and vonn...you ladies are so talented!

barb and deb....:hug:

tricia, wiz, weav, sarah, moo everyone have a great day!

Rainy, windy day here and all I want to do is crawl back in bed. The
rain really irritates my hip pain.:( Maybe I will take a little tiny nap.:)

The rest of the week is going to be nuts. We have girls scout meetings,
volunteer stuff, and am doing some childcare.

This weekend my troop is going to volunteer at a horse rescue farm.

We will be mucking the stalls and learning about the care of and history\
of horse rescue. We end the day with a hayride thru the countryside.
Should be fun!

Then on sunday we have our big pierogi making party. Some how I
have to get a quadruple batch of pierogi dough made...our family keeps
growing!

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend!

Love and hugs to all!:grouphug::hug::hug: