jaymacave
Sunday, July 31, 2005
"An agricultural life is one eminently calculated for human happiness and human virtue." -Josiah Quincy
I read something recently that struck something in me. It was not a comment that I haven't heard several times before, but one that I wish I would never have to hear again. It made me feel that there are many people around me who do not realize how very important America's agriculture is. The ignorance of some just saddens me a great deal. Yes, I may be biased (just a bit), but I truly believe there are not many better people out there than farmers. I did not grow up on a farm, but I would absolutely not trade my life for anything. The farm people I have had the pleasure of meeting and being involved with are by far the most hard-working, generous, selfless people I know. There is not another group of people anywhere who works as hard as they do for much less than most.

Today has been rather uneventful. This morning my husband came in from his morning chores and he and the girls and I just snuggled in bed like we do every weekend. We got up and had breakfast, I did some laundry, took a shower, got the girls dressed and ready for the day. Then, after a bit we walked to the barn and the girls and I helped C.K. feed calves and grain the show cows. As I was watching my children play with the calves, it became so clear to me (as it has many times in the past) that there could not possibly be a better life for them. The experiences and lessons that they have learned and will continue to learn as they grow up around agriculture are priceless and so very important. I very much want to make sure they know how lucky they are and not to take a minute of it for granted. In their short lives they have already witnessed the miracle of life, and the reality of death. They know by watching their father the value of hard work, determination, and dedication. They understand that even though you may work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you may not have the money and material belongings others have from working just as much. Yet, they know that is ok, because what you take away from it is worth so much more than anything you can put in your bank account. Farmers don't farm because it is a prestigious living, they do it because they love it and take great pride in what they are producing.

This afternoon, we visited the local farm market and it made me smile to see so many out-of-towners there. It gave me faith to know that America's farmers and agriculture are not taken for granted by everyone. Not everyone believes that just because there isn't a sign out front with the word "organic," the products must be chock full of hormones, pesticides, and meds. *SIGH* So, tonight the girls and I are going to make some wonderful treats with the bushel of peaches I bought and I will know that when we are getting good and messy that we are enjoying the fruits of someone else's labor. :)
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Note to self.
Camping and pregnancy do not mix. Some friends of ours invited us to camp out last night. So, we all took the kids and "roughed it" for the night. (So much for getting in bed at 7 last night and not moving, huh?) The girls were so excited to go, so we loaded up the van with the tent, chairs, sleeping bags, etc and off we went. We set up the tents, built a fire, made burgers and hot dogs, smores, sat around and talked. It was actually nice. The really funny part was when Mackenna realized that going potty while camping isn't what she is used to. Oh, to have had a camera when she realized she just had to squat. It was hilarious! Of course, Jaycie thought it was the neatest thing ever, like she was getting away with something. LOL I was less than thrilled, however. Oh, and remind me to buy an air mattress for the next time. My back and hips are dying today from sleeping on the hard ground. The kids finally fell asleep at 11 and were up with the sun by 6. Ay yi yi. They had a ball, though and got dirtier than they have ever been in their lives. We came home about 9 and took some much needed baths. We all just woke up from a nap. Everyone else feels better, I feel more tired than I was when I laid down. Go figure.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Can I just say it?
Ok, I will. I am exhausted. Utterly, totally wiped out. After my last daycare kid leaves today I just want to crawl into bed and not get out of it until I have to Monday morning. :( I hate to whine and I know others have it so much worse than me, but I feel like I never stop moving. Daycare starts at 6:30 and most nights it doesn't end until about 7. There are swim lessons on top of that. Then, it is dinner, baths, quality time, and bed for my girls. Then, it is laundry, dishes, etc that I didn't get done earlier in the day. Normally, it doesn't phase me. I enjoy my job and I enjoy my family immensely. But, now that I am as big as a house, uncomfortable, and not sleeping well it is taking its toll. I just got done mowing the fenced in yard where the kids play and I honestly feel like I could collapse. I am starting to doubt how I am going to handle things when I have a newborn. YIKES.

Ok, whine session over. TGIF!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Funny story.
Not funny as in ha-ha, but funny as in weird. :)

I have been getting Jaycie some school clothes on ebay little by little. Well, I scored big time. I found an ebay store that sells Tommy Hilfiger clothes nwt for super cheap. I "won" (I always think that is a funny term for something you have to pay for) a lot of two nwt long sleeved t-shirts. Get this--$8.95 + shipping (I think was three something). The price tag on each shirt says $39.95. Well, the other day, the mail lady comes to my house with this funny looking package. It was a brown paper package with a string tied around it like a gift. In the middle of the string was like a melted lead seal with a funny design on it. I am wishing now I would have taken a picture. There was the word "gift" stamped on it in various places with green ink. I had to sign for it which was strange, I had NO idea what it was or who it was from because --here is the kicker--it was postmarked from Egypt! The return address was in egyptian and the stamps clearly said "Egypt " on them. So, I walk into the house contemplating whether or not I should open it because I know no one who lives in Egypt or has ever been. Country bumpkin me was thinking it was laced with anthrax or it would blow up if I ripped the paper. LOL Well, I finally decided to stop being so paranoid and open it. It was the shirts. Hmmm. Now, keep in mind that I paid a normal shipping price and the ebay listing said notta about coming from another country. It then occurred to me to check out the tags on the shirts. Wouldn't you know that they were made in Egypt. So, now I have all these scenarios in my head like they came right from the factory, and some begrudged employee is making some side change. LOL What do you think?

Oh, and does anyone know what else can cause lightheadedness and headaches during pregnancy? I have been dealing with both since last evening. Blood sugar has to be fine, I am eating ok. I am anemic, but have been taking my iron supplements, and I just had an appt. yesterday afternoon and the bp was normal. Any ideas? If it keeps up, I may have to call my ob in the morning--it is making me a bit nervous.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Yes, this is NY.

Can you believe how freaking hot and humid it is? Did I pick the worse summer in NY history to be pregnant or what? 95 degrees. Un freaking believable. I am beginning to think there is no happy medium here. We either have two feet of snow or it is so hot you can barely tolerate it. I cannot wait for fall. LOL
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Money lovin' and Porsche ridin'.




The other day, my 6 1/2 year old came home from day camp with a little purse she had made. Isn't it cute? Well, notice the bottom left corner. When do our kids learn to love money? LOL I have a feeling that she is going to turn into quite the shopper as well. She is always so eager to throw things into my carts. ;)

Last evening we went to dinner at a friend's home. There was a man there who had just bought a new porsche. It was very nice, if you get into cars (which I don't --quite happy with my cavalier and minivan thank you very much. ). Well, little miss thing and her friend were just dying to get a ride in it. Don't ask me how my kid even knows what a porsche is, she certainly has never heard anything about one over dinner or included in bedtime stories. So, this 28 year old has never ridden in a car worth more than everything I own, but my first grader was out cruising in one last night. I have a hunch that she may try and marry rich one day. LOL
Friday, July 22, 2005
Done procrastinating.
63. I was born in PA.
64. I am a carb addict.
65. I have never eaten an avacado, eggplant, or mango.
66. I love ranch dressing.
67. I cannot drive a stick shift.
68. I want to learn to quilt and sew.
69. Sometimes I eat mayo on french fries.
70. I actually like the smell of skunk.
71. I hate when people touch my head.
72. Perms do not take in my hair.
73. I have only been on a plane twice.
74. I have assisted in the delivery of many calves.
75. I have given an IV to a cow.
76. I don't enjoy talking on the phone.
77. I get scared driving or riding over bridges.
78. I love chili cheese dogs.
79. I rarely eat ice cream.
80. I don't like to drive after dark.
81. I refuse to drive on snow or ice.
82. I have driven a school bus.
83. I have also driven a skid steer.
84. I love to sleep.
85. Both of my children have always slept through the night.
86. I doubt I will get that lucky again.
87. My best friend and I were born a day apart and our moms were roomates in the hospital.
88. My first date with my husband was the result of a dare from my boss at the time.
89. I have three step kids.
90. I love tulips.
91. I can only wear gold earrings or my ears get infected.
92. I hate feet.
93. I love Yankee Candles.
94. I collect Mary's moo moos.
95. I have never broken a bone.
96. I am extremely fair-skinned.
97. My hair seems to get darker as I get older.
98. I have never ridden a motorcycle.
99. I have always lived on a dirt road.
100. I am so glad to be done with this!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
My ass is a draggin'.



Ok, got home from the concert at 2am. Got back up at 6 for daycare kids to begin arriving. Oh man, if I hold still for a sec I am bound to fall asleep.

The concert was so great though. I could not be a bigger fan. No matter how many times I see Kenny, I am never dissapointed. He is just heaven sent for me. LOL C.K. and I took my little sister and she was just in awe of him too. I guess we are really related. ;) Gretchen Wilson and Pat Green were great as well. Good, good concert. Two thumbs up from this critic! Bet your ass there was a very pregnant lady just a bustin' a move in Albany last night. I have next to no voice today. :blush Guess I went a little overboard.

Now, on to the people "sitting" in front of us. Let me be clear and say that I am all for letting loose at a concert. I dance and hoot and holler with the best of them. However, I was very annoyed last night at the 5 drunken morons directly in front of us who were trying to dance on top of their seats. They kept falling over on each other and almost on us several times, each time spilling their beer on someone. GRRR! So, not only could I not see the stage (we even had great floor seats) for 1/4 of the show, but I couldn't see the screens, and I had to worry about taking a beer bath and getting hit. And, they were all sucking face with one another and way too touchy feely. LOL Oh, I was so irritated. Some people are just beyond idiotic.

Anyhow, enough negativity from me today. ;) Just had to get that out. I am waiting on two parents to come pick up kiddos, swim lessons at 6 and then it is early to bed for this family. I am complaining and my poor man only got an hour of sleep. The things he does for me.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
When did that happen?
It has suddenly hit me that I am now a grown up. I have a spouse, children, pets, a job, bills, a minivan, and as of last evening--life insurance and a retirement plan! Yikes! Time sure does fly. I am glad to have the latter stuff done, though. We had put that off WAAAAAYY to long. And, yes my independent girlfriends will be proud to know that my retirement plan is seperate from hubby's. LOL

I have noticed that there is an advantage to being 8 months pregnant in the climax of the summer heat and humidity. You get tons of attention. :wink Every woman I see when I am out and about makes comments like " Oh, bless your heart." or "You poor dear, how are you handling this heat?" Just this morning, I loaded up the van with kids and took my oldest to day camp. When I arrived, a counselor whom I had never met felt the need to hug me. LOL She had apparently been pregnant last summer when "it wasn't nearly as miserable." Cracks me up.

47. I hate wearing socks and/or sneakers in the summer months.
48. Going to the dentist gives me the heebie jeebies.
49. I actually like driving a minivan.
50. My favorite alcoholic drinks are rum and coke and anything sour apple.
51. My favorite color is blue.
52. I refuse to drink water unless it is above 8o degrees and the water is partially frozen.
53. I will eat chocolate anything.
54. I love escargot!
55. I have never been in a starbucks.
56. Have never even seen one irl. LOL
57. That is ok, because I can't stand coffee.
58. My biggest pet peeve (lately) is people who throw their cigarette butts anywhere. Particularly in my driveway. ARG
59. I like to garden.
60. I am actually a pretty decent artist when I get the ambition to try it.
61. I have a good singing voice.
62. Driving makes me tired.

How is that for progress? I hope none are repeats. LOL
Friday, July 15, 2005
TGIF!!
Oh I am so looking forward to this weekend. It will be the first one in well over a month that we haven't had to travel. I am so happy for us just to be able to relax and enjoy each other over the next couple of days. :)

Next week is busy, busy however. Session two of swim lessons, girl scout day camp all week, I have to testify in court for a custody case concerning one of my daycare children, husband has to go away on a day trip, Kenny Chesney concert (WOOHOO!!!!), another video conference, and I have a FULL load of kids the whole week. Whew, I bet it will fly right by.

I want some emoticons. Do blogs have them? I am sure you can include them, but I am not html literate by any means. And, I don't want them bad enough to learn either. LOL I do need to get on the ball and share some pics though.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Had a thought last night.
I had to attend a video conference last night in order to keep my credits current for my license. On the way home I realized that I was jamming to Kelly Clarkson on the radio. LOL After I thought about it, I couldn't believe that I actually really dig her last few songs. Oh my. Should I be embarrassed? Should I even be admitting that? Do I dare buy the CD?

It is 9 am and I have already done two loads of laundry, cleaned and vaccuumed out my car, got myself and two other children dressed, teeth brushed, ready for the day, fed five children breakfast and cleaned up the mess, vaccummed the living room carpet and now I am finally sitting. WHEW!! I have to leave in a bit with all five kids for swimming lessons. That is my real workout. Getting five kids in car/booster seats, out again. One in a stroller, make sure everyone is holding hands through the parking lot. Live through swim lessons, back in the stroller, back across the parking lot, back in car seats. Then unbuckling everyone when we get here. Oh my, what a morning. Normally, the car seats aren't a big deal, but my belly gets in the way now and I can't breathe while bending over. LOL I am a moose.

I need a spell check. I don't think I ever spell vaccum/vacuum/whatever correctly. Not that it matters, no one reads this anyway. :)
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Ramblings of the day.
#42. I hate whiners. I am so very thankful that my children are not whiny by nature. I have come to the conclusion that I am a very patient person, but that is one thing I just don't have the time for.

43. I love naptime. :) From 1-3, I have peace. I honestly believe that is how I get through my days. Don't get me wrong, I do really enjoy my job--but without that break every day, I am sure I would be bald from ripping my hair from my head.

44. I hate when my husband goes away on long trips. He is leaving for Vermont tomorrow and I miss him already. I just cannot seem to relax when he is gone for some reason.

45. I am just addicted to Diet coke with Lime and Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. I know, shame on me for drinking that crap while pregnant, but everyone has a vice, right? I think mine could be much worse.

46. I need to start reading again. My mind is bored lately and I am needing to exercise my brain. Scary thought.

The list is coming along slowly but surely, huh? That is one of the projects I am wishing I had never started. ;)
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
So hot.
Man, am I a wuss. This heat is really doing a number on me. Wow!

#41 of my "100 things" list: Apparently, this body is just not meant to carry a baby 40 weeks. Just had my 31 week appt. Baby is head down. Which really isn't all that uncommon, but given that I have been having contractions sporadically for the last week, my doctor and I just don't see me making it to September 13. So, another early baby. As long as she is healthy, it is ok with me. I am excited to meet her anyway. :)

Is there anyone else out there who is beyond tired of hearing anything at all about Tom Cruise? What is the fascination with this guy? I personally have never thought he was good looking, but I am usually among the minority. And, who is he kidding trying to make us all think he is straight? LOL And, now I just think he is a huge moron after his ranting and raving over post partum depression. I am just so tired of hearing his name every time I listen to the radio or TV lately. ARG.

Kids are begging to play on the slip and slide, so I am out for a bit. :)
Monday, July 11, 2005
back at it..
Haven't done this in a few days. I need to finish my 100 things, but I don't have enough ambition now. Maybe later.

Made the long drive to my parent's house this weekend for my family reunion. Got home late last night and we are all so tired. It really was a lovely time, though. I am just so in love with my life right now. My husband and my girls are just bliss. I could use some more sleep, but who is complaining? ;)

Saw some old friends while at "home." Surprises me how in love with these people I was once upon a time. My world revolved around my social life. Hysterical. Now, I feel like I have absolutely nothing in common with the majority of them. Life is a funny thing how it evolves, huh? Priorities change, relationships change, diminish. What I once thought was so important is anything but now.

Bought some baby clothes this weekend as well. Funny how with our first child, we were shopping days after getting the + sign on the pregnancy test. I have 9 weeks to go and this is the first time I have bought anything for this baby. Don't have that hospital bag packed yet either. I am such a procrastinator.

Later. :)
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
100 things about me...
Very ambitious, I know. :) I got this idea from a fellow blogger. I started thinking that I doubt I could come up with 100 things. I am determined, however. ;)

1. I am very outspoken,
2. but also very self-conscious ( weird combination, I know).
3. I am 14 years younger than my husband.
4. I have been married for almost 5 years and together for 8.
5. Still madly in love.
6. I have two gorgeous daughters.
7. Another one on the way.
8. I don't enjoy my job as much as I thought I would (love the kids, but the parents and the hours are a pita).
9. I cannot swim.
10. I am the first female in my family to breastfeed (I am so proud of that).
11. I nursed my first daughter for 13 months and my youngest for 27 months.
12. My boobs are worse for the wear. LOL
13. My dad is my hero.
14. I have a brother who is seven years younger than me,
15. And a sister who is fourteen years younger than me.
16. I hope I look as good as my mom when I am her age.
17. I need to finish my bachelor's degree ( one year left).
18. I love living in a small town.
19. I love country life.
20. I was never close to any of my grandparents.
21. I do not tan.
22. I have a gazillion freckles.
23. I have never traveled any further than Canada.
24. I did not have a big wedding,
25. or a honeymoon.
26. I love Kenny Chesney.
27. I am guilty of watching too much reality tv.
28. My oldest daughter is my clone in every way (scary!)
29. I have too many clothes in my closet.
30. Most are too small. LOL
31. I am somehow very liberal despite all the conservatives surrounding me.
32. I voted for John Kerry.
33. I hate spiders.
34. I love to garden.
35. I have never smoked pot.
36. I used to smoke cigarettes, but quit two different times.
37. I barely remember my first year of college.
38. I cannot parallel park to save my life.
39. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
40. Both of my children were due on holidays but came early.

I will think of more later.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Getting the hang of this blogging stuff..
Day three of the blog and although it was a trial thing, I really am enjoying it. I only jumped on the bandwagon because it seems to be the thing to do lately among my friends. :)

The kiddos just finished lunch and are now watching a movie before naptime. They need to get settled down before I make them lie down. So, I have a free few minutes of computer time.

Just got an email from my best friend's husband. Long story short, she moved to Florida to be with her family. Said she wasn't feeling happy or fullfilled with her life here anymore. Well, it has been two months and she is never coming back I am afraid. I miss her terribly. My heart aches for her husband who was blindsighted by the whole thing. Poor guy. I hope they are both able to move on and be happy and content on their own. Their one and only son is the same age as my oldest daughter. The husband is flying down next week to get him and bring him here for a few weeks. He wanted to know if I would watch him for two of the three weeks while he is at work. My kids are so excited to spend time with him. I think they have missed him as much as I have missed his mom.

It is crazy to me how much I depended on her. I took for granted the daily phone conversations, the get togethers, the time spent together taking our children on outings, etc. We are now down to a phone call a week (maybe) and several text messages a week. I feel like I am about to get a divorce as well. :( I really, really miss her. I hope sacrificing her marriage, home, family, friends, etc. was worth whatever it is she is gaining there.

Ok, movie is over and kids are arguing. I am out.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Long day...
Today was a looong day. We left at 9:30 am to meet my parents two hours away (halfway point between us) for lunch. They found us a van and drove it halfway to meet us. Husband drove the van home and the girls and I followed in the car. So, four hours in the car just exhausted me for some reason. We ate at Red Lobster and my meal just sucked. :( I was so excited to eat there and it didn't meet my expectations at all. Blech!!

So, anyhow....we finally got home at 4:00 pm and it was so stinking hot in this house. I had forgotten to turn the air on before we left. I have officially hit the "I cannot breathe" stage of this pregnancy and the heat and humidity are not helping whatsoever. I am thinking that may even be making me more tired. Who knows. Being this pregnant in the summer is no fun at all. I will make a HUGE mental note never to do it again! LOL

Oh yeah, and my sister had a sweatshirt on (in 90 degree weather :rolleyes) that said, "Satan is a nerd." Ay yi yi. I really do love her dearly, but she is just so odd to me. She is a great kid who never gets in or causes any trouble, so I guess we should just all be thankful for that.

Ok, that is it for today. I am too tired (as usual) to type anything intelligent. Back to the grind in the morning. I hate getting up at 6 a.m. I was not meant to be a farmer's wife, that is for sure.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Can't sleep
So tired, but can't seem to sleep. The girls are in bed, husband is asleep, laundry is done, dishwasher is running, etc. Nothing left to do but ramble, I guess. We are driving two hours to meet my parents for lunch and a visit for the day tomorrow. I love, love, love my family. I was so heartbroken when we moved away from my hometown. Now, though, I love having the distance. Does that sound awful? I just hate having to drive long to spend time with them. LOL Was much easier to visit before.

Something has been on my mind lately. Is there something wrong with me because I just do not feel as "spiritual" as those around me. Yes, I believe in God and there is a part of me that feels guilty for not making a better effort to teach my children about such things. BUT, for the most part--I just get creeped out by all that mumbo jumbo. :anon My 15 year old sister has decided that she wants to go to a Christian college and become a minister. My first thought when she told me was, "Oh boy, I sure hope she grows out of that." :anon again Ay yi yi. I know there could be much worse occupations she could choose, but for some reason, I get so turned off by the very thought. I really need to figure out where I stand with all of this religion stuff. LOL