Life of the Party

      I don't know about this one. I was completely confused throughout the entire book. The author rambles on and on about mindless daily tasks. I would rate this book 1 out of 5 due to the lack of a clear  story line. I was always taught to finish books once you start them so I patiently finished the book hoping Tuck's husband would clean himself up. I think with some planning this story line cold be so much more!

      Touchy subject, I know...      I think no marriage is perfect and everyone has their own struggles. The picture perfect happy couples on social media is all staged. The more you post happy pictures and quotes the more we all know something is missing. The couples that keep quiet and live their lives seem to be the happiest. You're going to argue and fuss along the way. It's how you handle and mend that bridge that matters.      I am NO life coach, so don't come at me!     Marriage has been one of the toughest transitions for me personally. Having children was nothing compared to adding an additional adult to my life. You have to learn to share more than just love. I struggle with sharing space, routines, and time. Sometimes I just need my half of the closet to just be mine. Give me time to read without coming in and assuming I need adult social time. When my little one is napping that time is for me to catch up on ch...

     Strangely enough my husband was off from work today. We don't usually get to see one another but on rare occasions. My phone rang and this lady was on the other end. She was frantic and wanted to know our set up. The weird part was that she kept saying, "when I was there last I saw." She sent me images and requested that I take in her goat.      I wouldn't have traveled over an hour to meet a total stranger without my husband. It's dangerous,  but he is always up for adventures and she sounded really upset. As it turns out her neighbor's dog had attacked her whole herd. She only had one lone doe who was devastated. The woman has been her at our house, but I don't remember her. She gave us Maggie along with her papers.      Maggie was in the barn giving birth when the dogs attacked. This woman couldn't defend her herd due to not owning a weapon. This is so ridiculous! I have owned a weapon (GUN) since I was five. I was taught how to ...

      Ah, yes... it has finally happened. My husband wasn't here to help with kid rearing and I had to handle it myself. I never wanted to be put in this position. I could tell Buttercup was in distress and had been in active labor with her third kid for over 3 hours. Her labored breathing was almost too much for me to handle. She has given birth before, only resulting in twins. I have watched this process many times but never really had to assist in the grunt work. I could tell she was weak and desperately needed assistance. I kept thinking... Can I do this and save them? My scatter brained self had to think fast.       I quickly called my grandmother to watch my toddler and began the necessary prep work. Gloves, towels, and readily made kid milk. Thank goodness we only have larger goats now. I was able to find the feet of the last baby left in her womb with finesse. I helped her ease out the last baby, which was the smallest of the triplets. Buttercu...

      Laughable moments come and go. These "moments" are not funny as they are happening. From experience, I can testify that my epic fails are your entertainment for the day. Life of the party I am not, but I would like to provide with some insight and funny moments from my house to yours...         The small branch (creek) was frozen over this morning, so dipping water for the goats was virtually impossible. I tried to bust through the ice and BEHOLD I broke the ice and fell through. The freezing water was beyond cold. I had ignored my husband's request to wear my muck boots and had regular house shoes on. My stubborn self continued with chores and about froze to death.                Last week, I decided to clean coops by myself. What was I thinking? I cannot work the gate and electric fence alone. Installing the wire had been my bright idea but I did not leave a space to roll the wheelbarrow over. Instead, it...

      As we SLOWLY progress through the month of January, we need to remember that not everyone has a warm home to come to. Each day as a layer up in various heavy duty clothing to go feed the animals this thought passes my mind. The bitting wind eats at my face and will have a burning sensation as I enter my home. Today, I'm thankful to have a home. It's not anything luxurious, but it gets the job done. Our mismatched flooring has a story to tell. Work with what you have.     The small tent town on the edge of our county line is a place that needs some assistance. It's progressively growing and I'm not so sure everyone knows about it. In the past few years it moves and reestablishes itself in various areas. From the Fire Service roads to under backroad bridges. I do not know the people who live there or what led them to their current residence. Share some grace their way as this winter weather worsens. When they took chickens from us a few years ago my husband ...

      It's that time of year again when the days grow shorter and the darkness takes over. The dreary weather doesn't seem to help matters much along with the cold chill that takes over. It's this time a year that is the hardest. Constantly refilling watering pans and heating elements so the water doesn't freeze seems almost impossible. We put out extra hay as well. Our winter supply of hay is always as risk and we always buy more than what we expect the animals to eat.        It was my mistake that one of our does unexpectedly got pregnant. I hate kidding season during the cold weather. We usually plan ahead and remove our billy ahead of time. Junior had jumped the lower fence and I had overlooked him during feeding rounds. Martha's stomach grows with multiple babies and her milk has started to drip.      So I guess I'll just focus on my white chili. Today's special is White Chili with a side of sweet cron bread. Everything in this dish...

        Warning... this is going to be a rant post. I know I don't look like a raving beauty, but I do not condone theft. If you cannot pay for items then you need to get a job and save up. With that being said, I can honestly say that I have never stolen anything from a store.      I was wearing farm gear that consisted of Carrhart gear and muddy boots. I probably had hay in my hair and looked like a hot mess, but that doesn't mean I would take items. Two women from the electronic department approached me asking if I needed help. It wasn't what they said, it was how they said it. Total strangers stopped to stare at the confrontation. I was looking for a HDMI cord. She glanced in my buggy which only had food in it. "Can I help you?" with all the sarcasm she could muster. Really, lady and you had to bring your fellow cashier over.      I wasn't rude. I told her I wasn't taking anything and that she could look through my stuff. I had a wea...

      There is a lot of debate here in my community about MLK day, so I think I should voice my opinion as well. Personally, I think it's important and significant to our history to celebrate MLK as a person and all his accomplishments. He worked hard during the Civil Rights era to promote equality. Because of his endeavors there was a change and shift in mindset.      So, today while we are off from school I plan to read a little bit about MLK to my children. I believe they need to know about our country's embarrassing past. As a teacher, my students will be completing a DBQ on a selection of his speech, I have a dream . His influence is still relevant today and his various written work still speaks volumes to its readers. 

      We've all been here. I know you've probably had to reserve a room and the stress of check out is insane. I'm trying to book a room in during one of the busiest times of the year,  Fourth of July in a very tourist destination. Why would I put myself through this you ask?           My husband's cousin is getting married the third and we cannot simply make the drive with a screaming toddler. The wedding venue is absolutely amazing and I don't want to ride in a vehicle two plus hours just to have messy hair and my nerves be on end. We will be staying in Pigeon Forge for two nights in ensure that I can get ready and be super confident that my child will also not be a mess. She hates being in any car. We've tried everything under the sun. Don't mention getting a tablet. I'm ANTI screen time for children.      We still might end up driving home that night. It all depends on my child's behavior and willingness to participate...

      People travel far and wide to come "slay the  dragon." This road is known for its multitude of curves and dangerous feats. The 318 curves attract both car and motorcyclist alike. Locals travel it often as it is the quickest way into Tennessee.  I cross it monthly and to see actual bicyclists was just absolutely strange. This time of year alone would be odd for riding any road on a bike that you manually have to pedal. The cold weather wards off motorcyclists and one would think the tempetkres would do the same for bicyclists as well.      There were six in total slowly climbing coming up from NC.  We had made a quick trip to Rural King for feed and other supplies.   I didn't expect to also see them on our way back, but I did. They had just made it to the lake as we were crossing back. I wonder where they were headed? I wonder how many times they about got hit? They had no flashing lights nor helmets. Each rider work dark cloth...

     A book review at its finest. I think every book is worthy of a review, so here goes nothing. I think the overall story is worth your time, however, I feel like the person who read it aloud on audible did the book dirty. Her accent and weird pausing in the middle of sentences really threw me off as a reader. I actually went back and purchased a paper copy. The author kept me guessing throughout each chapter, but the book was slow moving. I would put it down often to just take a break.      I would give this book a 3 out of a 5 due to the pacing and sequencing of events in the plot. Do not listen to it on  Audible, because it's terrible and dry.  

      Somedays you have to take off from work...      It's roughly 2:30 AM and I have yet to get any sleep. My child is currently running through the house screaming her head off. She's sick and refuses to rest. I have tried everything I can think of the calm her down. I have already submitted a leave slip and emailed my bosses. I hate missing work. You have no idea how bad it makes me feel.      Teacher guilt is a real thing! Somedays,  I wonder what I was thinking when I decided to have a child in my thirties? It's hard. It's hard to hold down and job while striving to be there for my child. Appointments, sickness, and mom brain usually gets the best of me. I should have had children while I was young and go do without sleep. I hate letting down my team, but sometimes you have to. My child comes first, so why am I stressing out so much? 

      Before you ask.... Yes, teachers love 2 hour delays. I'm beyond blessed to work for a school system that actually uses 2 hour delays. My driveway is frozen over and leaving in the dark is scary, not to mention dangerous. I love the fact that I get to leave during day light hours.      The surrounding counties are on regular schedule. I really hate that for teachers who will have to brave the black ice and the darkness. If I slide out of the road I would much rather it be when I can see all my surroundings as I trudge back home. I have had to walk home three times in my life time. All three times occurred on our small isolated side road within two miles of the house. I come prepared with boots, gloves, blanket, food, and hand warmers during the winter months. I'm a diabetic, so getting caught out with a low blood sugar reading is NOT going to happen to me.      2 hour delays also mean that I get to see my child wake up. It's a small thin...

      It's that time. I didn't know it would come so fast and so sudden. Taylor will be transitioning from her crib to a toddler bed. Some people may laugh or say I'm being too dramatic, but I'm sad. She has managed to climb out of her crib, so it's time to upgrade her bed. My momma heart just cannot get past it. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was transitioning her to the crib and now it's time to move to the next stage.      I thought moving from co-sleeping to crib life was hard. Now that she can get out of the bed, it's a true struggle to get her to sleep at night. I have endlessly had to return her to the bed. Sometimes even an hour past her usual 8 o'clock bed time. It's exhausting and my nerves are shot. Routine is key and so is consistency. It will all pay off in the end, but for now I'm going to take it in stride. Motherhood has really humbled me as a person. There was this underlying person all along that was nurturing, carin...

      I don't want to take away from the fires burning out west. Losing your home is devastating no matter who you are. Media has been focused on all the wealthy actors whose home has burned. They can rebuild and flourish. What about those low income families who only had one home and now have nothing?     What about the Hurricane Helene victims back here who are still living in tents during this arctic blast? Where is the funding to help the people in both cases who have lost  everything? They are still there. In Haywood County NC there is still individuals trying to make it in actual tents. You can see them gathered on the back road. Locals  and churches are still sending aid, but where is the government help? I do not believe everything I see on social media, so I will not comment on the various live feeds that show whole tent towns out past Asheville.      Don't forget the families who are fighting to stay warm in the coming days! Th...

      I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5.      This is a well written page turner book. I couldn't really put it down.   This rating was given based on the characters used. The book is written in way too many character's perspectives. I was somewhat confused as to who was speaking chapter to chapter. I would have to turn back to the beginning of each chapter to see whose POV I was reading. I think it would have been better if it was just in 1 to 3 character's perspectives.      I wanted a deeper back story for the characters too.  The author had an amazing story that kept me guessing. I love books that do this. I would love to read this book with an ELA class.       My school has a Keepers of the Flame book club. This book was our January book and I'm hoping we will get to read more books written by this author. Each book that is chosen was written by an indigenous author. We talk about cultural values, l...

      The silent treatment. Man, I hate being ignored and it annoys me to my core. To act like you don't even care about anything I have to say drives me insane. It's childish and almost too petty to even validate it. Mom has shutdown to the point of no return and will not even talk to us. She is so wrapped up in her phone, social media, and videos. How do I reach her.      I think what bothers me most is when she ignores my child and endlessly stairs into her phone. I tried talking to her about the phone addiction, but it was a useless conversation. She took it as a direct stab to her character. I just wanted her to be aware of what she was doing. I know somewhere I'm at fault too, but her behavior is ridiculous. I think when you reach a certain age you revert back to child like behaviors. I should have approached the subject with more delicacy than I did. My personality is to dominate that I have a hard time easing into topics that I'm passionate abo...

      My mother absolutely hates my husband to no end. She cuts him down every chance she gets and I correct her constantly. Playing the referee has being so tiring and I'm done with it. Her childlike antics are becoming so annoying that I don't know what I'm going to do with her. You always hear horror stories about how mother in laws can be, "monster in laws." Well, my mom is.      Boundaries.      I think this is something that we need to work on. She doesn't or shouldn't have a say in my marriage. Her opinion doesn't matter and her constant complaining tears us apart. She causes a divide and it shows. Her marriage to my father was abusive and she was a doormat. I cannot stand when she compares my husband to my dad. It isn't even fair. They are nothing alike. 

      It's here! The arctic blast the news have been covering for weeks, and let me tell you they were not kidding. I've become so accustomed to our light winters that this is almost too much to handle. Our gas logs didn't want to ignite and now our power has been flickering. Just great!      If you own livestock you know the winter weather comes with extra jobs. Carrying heavy buckets of hot water is not for the weak. I have found muscles that I didn't even know existed. I'm beyond sore. Hopefully today it will warm up enough to purge the air out of the line and our gas logs will be on the mend. I have no idea what we will do if the power goes out.      I planned ahead and picked up some easy items to cook and an extra tube of gas for the grill. If anything we will just bundle up and grill out. Best wishes to everyone having to deal with this weather. 

      Meltdowns are terrible and somewhat embarrassing. Today, while at Walmart, Taylor had one of her worst meltdowns. I still do not know what triggered her crying fit and nothing could appease her. I was pushing the buggy down the dogfood isle and she started screaming out of no where. People gawked and smirked at us. I was so ashamed of her crying fit that I left the entire buggy and carried her to the car. I had offered her the sippy cup, snacks, her plushy, and her emergency book. I tried carrying her and letting her walk beside me. She got down in the floor and screamed.      This has never happened to this extent before. Once we got to the car she was calm  and even smiled. I know she has so many emotions and cannot express them, but doing this seemed so over the top. Any suggestions? She's just so little that sometimes a change in scenery really does the trick.       .........     I really try to avoid judging oth...

      Oh don't worry. I will post pictures later if I remember to bring my phone along with me. We don't have cell service out my way, so carrying my phone is pretty much useless. With the super cold weather we are having the last thing I  expected was a baby goat to be born. I didn't even know our newer goat was even pregnant. She didn't show any signs and didn't have a milk bag. All of the goats are super fat at the moment from the extra hay, so I didn't really pay much attention to it.      I went to put feed out and there was the very small speckled babe. She is absolutely adorable. She is about four shades of brown with spots of lighter tan. I'm thrilled, but I was afraid she would freeze to death. We will be taking some extra precautions in the next few days to give her the best start. 

      I use the layering method with my chicken coops during the winter months and it works well. The cleaning process in the Spring is another world entirely. In case you are unfamiliar with what I'm talking about let me tell you. You add weekly layers of pine/ aspen chips to the coop floors. The break down on poops provides natural heat that will aid you coop in fighting off the cold.      I spend time shoveling out the goat stalls each week. What do I do with it all you ask? I put it in a wheel  barrow and dump it in my raised garden beds. I reap the benefits each season as it continues to break down. My plants love the nutrients and I love the vegetables that are harvested each year. I had to do a laying technique this week that I usually am NOT a fan of. I put a very thick layer of chips on top of my goat's bedding in hopes that I will work the in the same way it does for the chickens. Of course I do spot cleans and shovel out the poop for the mos...

      I think this topic is so underrated and not talked about enough. My parent has become so attached to her phone that she completely disassociates with us on a daily basis. The phone is her sole entertainment and she will avoid any and all conversations with me. She does watch Taylor for us a few days a week and I'm really afraid that she is so absorbed in her phone that Taylor will not have any engagement all day. Any ideas of how I should approach her about this topic.      Even in the car she will have her phone up in her face. She plays videos really loud in situations where having your phone out in the first place seems inappropriate. Put that thing on silent for heaven's sake. I'm about at my wits end with it. I pay the bill and thankfully we don't have cell service at home. Maybe I should just deactivate the phone so she has to communicate with us. Maybe it's her only outlet? She doesn't go out with friends or socialize with anyone.  ...

     Motherhood is so much more than simple care of a child. It is a persona, life experience, and most of all an on going learning altering event. Each day is filled with moments where I have room to grow and redirect myself. Motherhood is different for everyone who experiences it, and it provides purpose for those who previously lacked it.        The constant struggle to be a better parent is real. It's not simply providing for your child that truly matters, but the person who you shape to live without. You spend so much time guiding your young ones to be independent, and this truly takes a toll out. Motherhood is always questioning if you've done the right thing. With my own child I'm always questioning if I'm doing enough to help her learn new words. I spend time each night reading various book to her. I point to pictures and even ask questions that I know she will not answer. I question if I'm reading the "right" type of books to her or if they ag...

      I'm going to approach this topic again, so do not get annoyed. How on earth do you stop a child from biting all the  time? She does it when frustrated and just for fun.  What I've Tried: 1. Naughty chair: Only used when she is biting  2. Telling her it hurts repeatedly  3. I've tried getting up and walking away from her.  4. Pickle Juice. I placed some on my hand where she normally bites.      She is too young to pop. I feel like a failure because she continues to do this and I'm the only one who suffers. You heard that right. She only bites me! She will calmly bite even when I'm reading her a book. She doesn't let go and has even drawn blood. Help!!!! What can I do? 

      I'm not a big spender and this gift was not from me. A family member purchased my daughter a Tonies starter set. It is geared for children over three years old, but Taylor has fell in love with the characters. She opened it Christmas Eve and has played with it on and off ever since. It was an unexpected gift that was WAY out of my price range.  Review:      My personal review is nothing but positive although looking online made me realize how much was spent on my child. It appears that said family member paid over $100 for the set. I'm unsure it is truly worth that price, but it is entertaining.  Taylor is old enough to understand that when the character is placed on top it plays music. She will then dance around it while laughing. She only gets to play with it when we are there to supervise. Tonies has made a creative way for kids to access entertainment without having a screen in their face. As a parent the set up was somewhat confusing, b...

      I saw a post on social media that really hit home. Addiction does not skip over any specific type of person and seeing it first hand has really been detrimental to my personal understanding and considerations. A fellow peer of mine has really hit rock bottom and has resorted to sleeping out in public. It is heart breaking to see him out wondering the community aimlessly. I saw a whole community come together to help him and that's all I needed to see.        My thoughts are always very conflicted about situations such as these. First off, I really wanted to help but I didn't see the post until many days later. The Go Fund Me was shut down by then.  This homelessness needs to be addressed in some fashion. I do NOT know the answer and I know there is NO simple fix. Help those who want and need the help, but at the same time show them the way to recovery. It's a decision that each person has to make. I have watched several family members die fr...