You Did What to Your Chicken?

As you know, we have chickens.  We had some casualties last year and so we got 3 new chickens in the fall.  We still have one of the originals but all the rest are young.

They just started laying eggs for the first time about a month ago.  It's been great. They are great layers and we are enjoying them.  I did make a cheesecake with them the other day and it was very yellow because the yolks of these eggs are so dark and healthy.  It tasted good but kind of creeped me out in the color.  Oh well.

We noticed at the end of last week that one of this chickens was always in the coup.  She was constantly sitting on the eggs.  Even though we have no rooster, she thought that these eggs were going to be chicks.  She sat and sat and was getting kind of mean.  The technical term is called being "broody".

You can't let her continue to be broody.  She would just get more aggressive and the other chickens would stop laying eggs. We looked around and found a couple solutions.  The first was to just keep her out of the nesting box and put her in a metal cage.  We don't own a metal cage and didn't really want to buy one.

So we moved onto the second option which is to lower their temperature enough to snap them out of it.  The way you do this is to dunk the chicken in a bucket of water.  Seeing that I hate holding things that flap, Ryan was responsible for dunking the chicken.

He had to do it 3 or 4 times but it worked.  She is back to normal and all is well in the chicken world of our backyard again.

Here is a video of Ryan "water boarding", as we like to affectionately call it, the chicken.

The Year Winter Lasted a Day

Now that Ainsley is old enough to really enjoy the snow, we have been waiting for it to arrive.  Oh the irony of the warmest winter I can ever remember.  Then they started predicting snow for last night.  It was hard to believe it would really snow since the day before it was 60 degrees.  We didn't tell Ainsley about the possibility but prepared ourselves just in case. 

Well, we got a whooping inch of snow, but it was really sticky and wet snow, perfect for sledding and snowmen.  So we decided to make the best of it.  I called my neighbor, Marci, who has been giving me a hard time for not getting Ainsley out sledding the past couple years.  She agreed to meet me this morning to take Ainsley sledding. 

We bundled up and we were ready to go. 

 Even David had his snowman outfit on that included boots.  He's pumped.

Marci provided the sled and we were off.  We drove to the library where they have a hill that isn't too big but big enough.  It took one time down the hill and Ainsley was hooked.

She quickly graduated to getting pushed down the hill by herself.

And she squealed with glee on each trip.  At the bottom of the hill, she would say "Let's do it again" EVERY TIME!

I even got to get on the sled with her. 

It wasn't fast enough so we went back to pushing her down the hill.  Side note, only in NC can you wear jeans and a sweatshirt sledding and not be freezing!

And don't think for a second that I wasn't going to teach her that she has to bring her own sled up the hill.

The excitement was all just a little bit too much for David

When we got home we had to make a snowman.  Actually, we made 2.  A big sister snowman and a baby brother snowman.

And what caps off a snow day better than a cup of "Hot Chocolate Tea"?  (We may drink a lot of hot tea around here)

And now it's 12:00 and the snow is almost gone and it's supposed to be 54 tomorrow and 63 on Wednesday, we will look forward to winter again next year.

Made to be Obsolete

It's hard to move on from Tragedy. But we have to. And from tragedy I have moved to complete irritation.

As my husband would tell you, my job is to "Do Computers". Actually in reality I am a software developer. What I know about computer hardware is by necessity only. I hate working on computer hardware issues. But it's part of my job. So I do it begrudgingly.

At home, we run a small health business. If you have never checked us out you should at www.RenewedHealth.com. And while you are at it, follow us on Facebook.

Alright...back on track and past the cheap ploys. We bought a computer a little over a year ago for our home use. All we do on it is surf, email, and the accounting for the business. It's really minimal usage because the last thing I want to do when I get home is get on the computer. (My iPhone is a different story. Don't get Ryan started on how much he wants to smash it. Addicted much?)

The computer has been working great. It should. It's just barely out of warranty. And then the power supply blew on it last night. And of course it's a "special" power supply that only the manufacturer can supply for way too much money.

It just irks me to no end that this manufacturer would purposely make parts that no one else does. It's like they are making parts and computers that are made to be obsolete.

And this got me thinking to what we have on this earth that doesn't wear out and become obsolete. Almost everything does. So here are my top 5 things that I plan on having for my lifetime:

1. My China - It's my Mom's china from when she got married. It's beautiful and special because it was hers.


2. My photo albums. - It's such a treasure to have all your memories documented, especially when my little girl is growing up sooo fast.

3. My stuffed lion that my grandmother gave me the Christmas before she died. I was 4. I named it Some because I only knew my grandma some. Not only is it a great childhood memory but it's a great reminder of love of family.

4. My Wedding Ring. - It signifies the most important earthly relationship I have.


5. My Bible. It's definitely there for the long haul. Since it is living and all.

Am I missing anything?

Back to Reality

It's been a while since I blogged.  I'm not hitting my 5 blogs a month this month unless something very dramatic happens in the next 6 days. 

Since my last entry Ryan and I went to Mexico with his company.  It was a great time full of relaxation, guacamole, spa treatments, pretty dresses, blue lagoons (that's a drink that left my tongue blue for days if you were wondering), and good times with friends.

It started out a little rough when I dropped Ainsley off the night before we were supposed to leave at my faithful nanny, Mary Beth's house.  The drop went well and we were all packed by 10:00 ready to leave for the airport at 5:45 the next morning. 

I got the dreaded call at 10:20pm that night that Ainsley was sick and throwing up.  She had gotten the stomach bug.  I have to say that it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do - listen to my child cry for me over the phone, knowing that I couldn't go to her.  Mary Beth earned sainthood that night as Ainsley continued to be sick every 20 - 30 minutes until 4:00 am.  It was horrible.  But we knew it was a quick moving bug and she would be fine by the time we got to Mexico.  And she was. 

And we were able to really relax.  And it was amazing.  And my hair grew exponentially.  And I ate this soup that was half cream of spinach and half cream of tomato and stayed seperate but in the same bowl.  How cool.

We got back late on Sunday night to go to a full work week ahead.  I was catching up on my laundry when my dryer broke.  It's been on it's last leg for years and needed to be replaced desperately, but definitely not the week after vacation when the laundry back up was so high.  So I did what any sane person would do, I bought more laundry baskets...and a new dryer. 

It felt like we were finally catching up when Saturday night I came down with the same stinking stomach bug that Ainsley had a week and half earlier.  Kick my butt and knock me upside the head.  That stunk.  It was the worst I have been sick since who knows when.  Yikes.  The mommy guilt for leaving Ainsley hit a little harder too.  But I'm recovering.  And I have lost all the weight I gained in Mexico. 

And tomorrow looks like just a normal day.  Thank goodness for that.

Although I wish this was still the view out of my bedroom window.

Meet Me in Mexico

I am so proud of my husband.  He qualified for his company trip again this year.  If you remember, last year we went on a cruise.  It was so fun and I so enjoyed getting to spend time with his fabulous coworkers.  I have to say that Jody, Caroline, Mindy and I had a blast.  Oh the husbands did too but who is kidding who.  Girls know how to have fun and I loved hanging out with these women. 

This year we are going to Mexico.  I can't wait.  Last year we ended up on spring break (aka..SB O 10)  This year will be a much quieter trip on the beach.  And we have more people going this year too which should make it more fun.

And this year it's at an all inclusive spa and resort.  I'm not usually a spa kind of girl but after the year I've had, I'm ready for some pampering.

So I am prepping for my trip.  Last year I went on a diet.  And I was successful.  I had a plan and I lost the weight. 

And this year I just am not in the mood to lose weight.  I have some to lose.  But in light of the past few months, I'm going to offer myself some grace and skip the diet this year. 

So I'm prepping in a different way.  I told you that the trip is all inclusive.  So I'm in training of a different sort.  Having recently been pregnant, my wine tolerance is very low. 

Cheers!

Definitely Not a Baby Anymore

I knew she was growing up.  I just didn't think it would be this fast.

First kiss at 26 months.  Yikes.  I'm in for it when this cutie gets older.

An Average Day in the Woods

Last week we were on vacation.  We were in the Adirondack mountains in NY, a place I love more than anywhere in the world.  It's beautiful.  There are mountains and lakes and trees and all kinds of good nature.

The weather wasn't perfect to say the least while we were up there.  But the weather was decent for a hike.  Ryan and I love to hike and be in the woods.  Every year we end up doing the same hike, which is crazy because the Adirondacks are full of all kinds of different hikes with different views.

This time we decided to go up Pillsbury Mountain instead of our normal hike.  It's 1.6 miles to the top and classified as moderately difficult.  We figured not a problem. 

We grabbed our friend Todd and off we went.  We quickly discovered 3 things.  1 - Moderately difficult meant pretty much straight up.   2 - We were not in shape.  3 - Lots of rain in the previous days meant lots of slippery rocks.

But we pressed on.  We stopped a lot and enjoyed the different mushrooms (to look at not ingest) and even found a geocache.  We figured we would get to the top and see this gorgeous view.  That's what the Adirondacks are about.

After what seems like forever we got to the top and this is what we saw...

An abandoned cabin in a clearing with trees blocking the view.  But there was also this...

A fire tower 9 flights high with rickety platforms and sketchy chicken wire that got shorter the higher you went up to hold you in.  Oh and dark skies that were obviously going to produce rain.

I am not afraid of heights but Ryan is.  So I went first and quickly climbed to the top carrying my camera and my phone in my hand.  I planned on tweeting from the top because I am that nerd.  I made it up there and then looked down.  It was really high.  And the wind was gushing.  And it was cold.  And it was raining.  And it was super scary. Like I almost peed my pants scary.

After getting to the 8th level, Ryan quickly ran down.  He then started yelling at me to get down and something about a gust of wind taking me right off of the tower.  But I had to get pictures.  So here's my best shaky attempt at a view....

I can't imagine how much better this would have looked on a clear day.  But it was raining and I was pretty sure that I couldn't hold my phone, my camera and the 2 foot chicken wire fence at the same time.

I quickly shoved my camera and phone in my bra and inched my way down.  What took me 3 minutes to climb took me 15 minutes to descend.  I did stop at about level 4 to get a self portrait...

Nice hair.  And my eyes are watering like crazy.  And then we were happy to be on the ground....

And by the time we cautiously descended the steep climb back to the car we were exhausted and ready for a hot shower...

Well, everyone but this guy...

Way to go Tucker the Wonder Pug!  What other 11 year old pug could have made it up that mountain and still have a spring in his step at the bottom.

Some of My Favorite Things

I've been focused on my child so much lately that I needed a reminder of who I am and what I like.  As I have been going through this exercise, I thought I would share it with you.

Jesus
What's not to love.  King of the Universe.  God of Mercy.  God of Love.  God of Justice.  God of me.

Family

I love my family, the one I grew up in, the one I married into, and the one we are creating.  Here's an oldie but goodie of the 4 generations that represent a branch of my family.

My House
Best to use a quote here from one of my favorite books.  "I love my house.  I love my nest.  In all the world, my nest is best"

Wine

Everyone always catches on quickly when I get pregnant (which I am not currently in case you were wondering) because I do love my wine.

Candy

I dedicated a whole post to it over Easter.  I know I'm supposedly this healthy vegetarian but I do love my candy.

Taco Bell

Not much to say here.  Bean burritos from Taco Bell are just so yummy.  I'm using the old logo here on purpose.  It's a sort of comfort for my comfort food.

Side Note...Can you tell I'm hungry.  My list just went completely to my tummy.  Ok. Back to the list

Technology

It's part of my job but I just love when new technology comes out.  I love all the shiny new toys.  But I'm cheap so I usually just admire them from a far. But my boss bought me an original iPhone a couple years ago and now the new one's out and I keep dropping hints to him to buy me a new one.  It's new and shiny and in it's own way, kind of sexy.

My Bed

I love to sleep.  Make the room nice and dark, kind of like a cave, and I could sleep there forever.  This one really hits me on Thursday nights after I've worked all week.

The Adirondacks

We grew up vacationing there and now my parents have retired there.  When we lived in Albany, we would go every other weekend or more.  Now that we don't live there anymore, I miss going there so much.  I relish my week in the summer, even if you do have to wear a down coat to the 4th of July parade.  Here's a picture of Ryan on his jetski ruining the peace and quiet for everyone else.  But he's hot doing it so I let it slide.

Math 

It's the nerd in me but I love math.  I can't wait until Ainsley has math homework for me to help her with.

So there you have it.  A list that sums me up in quick 10 points.  I should have put lists on the list but I digress.  Enjoy getting a refresher on me.  I did.

Just What I Needed

The past week has been completely stressing me out.  Potty training is hard.  Last night I was in a funk.  I was super tired and emotionally at the end. 

We were getting ready for bed and I was letting the dogs out when I found this.

Don't see it...Let's zoom in.

Turn it around...

It was just the laugh that I needed. 

My Feet Went on a Cruise

I decided that I wanted to give you the summary of the cruise but thought a typical post might be boring with all the pictures of us having fun (side note, if you want to see them, click here.)  So I decided to let you know where we had been via my feet.

After a pedicure on a snowy day in Greensboro, my feet were ready to go

After boarding the ship in Miami, we took a load off on lawn chairs, still in my jeans.

Relaxing on my balcony after a run in the gym on the ship.

Back in flip flops with Caroline while we waited to not play bingo.  I'm not paying $40, $60, or $80 to play bingo

On a boat in Grand Cayman getting ready to snorkel after we swam with Stingrays.

All dressed up for a night "out" on the ship with Ryan's coworkers.  These sandals were borrowed from my mother in law and she might not get them back.  I love them and I wear way more red than she does.  Look out Lonnie.

On the beach in Cozumel next to my once very clean and very light green shoes after a crazy dune buggy ride.  Thanks for the mud Ryan.

On a make shift lawn chair after all the spring breakers took all the real ones by 8:15am.  Still one of my favorite times on the cruise.

Fresh from an afternoon nap

At the Fort Lauderale airport, I had to buy some sexy slipper socks to go under my sandals and my capris.  My feet were FREEZING!  It's hot I know.

Home again in my comfy jeans and socks...looking so forward to the spring weather that seems to have arrived while I was gone.

Hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I did...probaby not though, cuz we had a ton of fun. 

I'm in Trouble

You know I'm on a diet. You know I have a goal of 12 lbs in 8 weeks leading up to a cruise on March 7th. You may not know, but I've lost 10 lbs already and I still have 2.5 weeks to go.  I kind of figured...no problem...

Enter this tweet from Emily - "Target has the Easter stuff out. It's very...pastel. "

You may think of easter baskets, bunnies, plastic eggs...

Nope...this is what my mind thinks of...

Yep...Easter candy.  The best candy of the whole year.  It beats out Christmas and Halloween by a long shot.  When else can you get chocolate filled with creamy yummy sugar made to look like an egg.  I mean how do they do that.  It has a yolk.  I mean really.  What could be better?

Maybe this version.  No fun yolk, but it's an egg filled with caramel.  Chocolate...good.  Caramel....good.  What's not to like.

Then there's the classic Reese's Egg.  Kind of like a Reese's cup but way better.  Its so thick of the wonderful sugary peanut butter.  Too good to pass up.

And you can't forget about the fruity candy too.  What's Easter without jelly beans and what better jelly beans are there than Starburst?  

So you see my dilema.  There is good news.  I can walk right past these...

 

Good thing too because I was starting to get a sugar rush.  I guess I better go pop my Jillian Michaels video in because I already consumed enough jelly beans today to make it so I can't have dinner unless I burn some calories.