Merry Christmas from the Ranch!

A few pictures from our week!

 Nothing says Christmas cookie like a Tie Fighter...

A little snow....more predicted for tonight!



Merry Christmas!

Thankfulness :)

Things I'm thankful for this morning....

This kitty mug and a book about my sweet friend, Kristin's survival after a horrible car crash last spring (and thankful she survived and is doing well)

 This view from my kitchen sink...

 and this one from the patio doors...

 A sleeping dog..

 A cat, that while, not sleeping, is not destroying anything

Christmas cards from far and wide, including one from my college roommate that I thought lost contact with.....even when I haven't managed to send out ours.




Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Motivation, chaos, normal life at the Ranch...

If you are a teacher or a parent (ok, a human being) you know that this can be a nutty time of year. Add to that some computer and camera issues and you have an explanation for why my blogging has been slightly more sporadic lately.

School hasn't been too crazy, but it has been busy...today I participated in two manifestation determination meetings--meetings where we determine if the student's behavior is directly related to their diagnosed disability. Always a hard day and challenging discussion, involving difficult situations, teachers, deans, administrators, parents, kids...well, you get it.  I had to leave one of my team teachers by himself...he was fine, and we are about even from his coaching early dismissals...but I still feel kind of bad.  Today was also "Ugly Christmas Sweater Day"...there is nothing like trying to hold a serious meeting while everyone in the room is wearing a very hideous sweater....Tomorrow our counseling department celebrates "Festivus for the rest of us" (Seinfield reference)--always a fun day to spend some time with folks from all over the building as we run from class to class.  My students are hanging in there, we've had a few breakdowns and therefore breakthroughs. I think we've used more tissues this week than the rest of the year combined though... The Ranch kids only go to school until 10:30 on Friday (I have school all day) and then we are on break....

We finally have the Christmas tree purchased and moved in from the garage.  It has lights and about 3 ornaments-the ones we've been given this year--I suppose we'll get the other ornaments out soon...Many years ago I rolled my eyes at my mom when she said she wasn't going to put ornaments on the tree, just lights...but it is sounding pretty tempting right now.  But, I suppose the children will talk me into ornaments before the weekend is over.  Or, perhaps, now that they are almost as tall as me, perhaps they will just go get the ornaments and decorate the tree without me having to do anything (Hey, I can dream...)

The Boy has started Snowboard team and is loving it.  He has also developed a nasty cough and post-nasal drip...making me wonder daily if we need to steam him.  Tonight I made him take a shower with the Vic's "bubble bath" and he sounded a little better.

\The Girl and I have discussed re-arranging and perhaps even painting her room during break..requiring a deep cleaning and purging first though.  After spending about an hour in there tonight trying to help her sort and purge, I'm exhausted....I'm looking forward to a couple naps though...breaks are good.  I'm also hoping to read a couple books (the pile by the bed is growing again) and hopefully do some lesson planning between the bedroom cleaning.

The pets and kids miss Indy Dog, but are having less melt downs--Mr. IM is convinced that Liberty needs a new friend (and the Rescue Folks do have a puppy that looks just like Baby Indy)...but I don't think we are ready for another dog (and I'm not ready for a puppy) yet.  I suggested a kitten that could ride Liberty like a horse, but so far everyone has vetoed my idea.  I still trip over the spot where Indy slept every morning, in my attempt to step over where she isn't (follow that).  Tigger has stopped waking us up every morning--he now only seems to wake us up on weekends.  we are hypothesizing that he and Indy had some kind of weird arrangement, that Tigger was actually waking Indy up periodically to see if she was ok.  Or not, maybe Tigger really is just a jerk who likes to wake people up and "talk" to them in the middle of the night.

Speaking of Tigger, I've been on his case about writing his annual Christmas letter, but since I haven't created or ordered Christmas cards yet, that seems unnecessary.  Maybe over break Tigger and I will write a letter for the blog.  If you have a hankering to see photos of us in the meantime, head on over to Facebook (unless you're a stranger, in which case, don't, ok?)

Well, this isn't a very exciting blog, but at least you won't worry that I'm lost somewhere....until next time...

Getting a tree, Ranch style

After a slight snafu, involving questionable behavior from the children, we finally went to the tree lot today to pick up a tree.  The local Boy Scout Troop has a lot and, as usual, when we arrived they had about 5 trees left.  This year we didn't wait long enough to get a discount though (the year we bought a tree on December 19, we bought it for half off...).
We are in the midst of a seasonally appropriate snow as well--makes the view from the kitchen window very pretty!

 You can see the lot across the street--it is snowing and wet...so my phone didn't go to the lot with us.  Since The Girl is using my waterproof, shockproof camera for yearbook, that leaves me with only the phone as a photo taking device.
The Boy was cold, by the way.  The Girl was already sitting in the car, despite the six teenage Boy Scouts discussing Mr. IM's car and attaching the tree to said car's roof...

 Mr IM was also cold...and in case you were wondering, yes, that is a carbon fiber hood.

 View of the tree lot (and the hospital). See...we didn't take the last tree!

 The Boy says "my face is freezing...."

Nice and warm in the car...

The tree is thawing (and dripping) in the garage while we get ready for The Boy's birthday party at the new trampoline park at the new rec center....More festive photos to follow soon...

Happy Golden Birthday to the Boy!

Yep....he is 10 on the 10th...double digits...whoo, hoo...

A trampoline party is planned at our new rec center for next weekend, but in the meantime, Happy Birthday, Kid!

Birthday photos by year from last December...

What I read in November

1.  California (Edan Lepucki)--Another post-apocalyptic novel, set in the Western US, but not entirely in California.  Follows a couple who leave civilization and then decide to go back, sort of.  It was recommended in some magazine I read a while back.  Good book, pretty quick read.
2.  Redeemed (PC Cast and Kristin Cast)  Ah..and that's the end...no more Vampire Academy books.  Although it appears there might be a spin off, I'm not really clear on that.  Enjoyed the book, it was entertaining...glad I'm done with the (long) series and can read other things now.
3.  Moon Over Manifest (Clare Vanderpool) This is the first Newberry Award winner written in the last 15 years that I really enjoyed.  The Girl is going to read it with her class later this year and we listened to it in the car.  The kids and I loved it.  The main character is a 12ish year old girl who is sent to live with family friends while her dad looks for work during the Depression.  Lots of interesting characters, good story, nice resolution.
4.  The Blood of Olympus (Rick Riordan) Once again Rick Riordan swears this is the "last Percy Jackson book"...and it could be...but there are still a couple other series being published and who knows, Percy could reappear.  Typical Percy Jackson book, if you know what I mean...entertaining, quick read..
5.  Navigating Early (Clare Vanderpool)  Like so many other "second books", I didn't enjoy this one as much as Moon...but it could be the content or the characters--this was about a 12 year old boy at boarding school during World War 2.  It was good, but not as good as Moon over Manifest.  Again, it was a quick read--good book, I'm looking forward to seeing what Clare Vanderpool writes next.
6.  Inescapable (Nancy Mehl)  Interesting idea--although it has been done before. A young woman who grew up Old Order Mennonite returns to the small town she grew up in after living in Kansas City (St. Louis?) for five years.  There is a mystery, a bit of a love story.  It was interesting...it was free for Kindle when I picked it up, so it was a great weekend Kindle read.
7. Heroes of the Holocaust (Alan Zullo and Mara Bovsun) Interesting short collection of stories about teens who I hadn't heard of before who were instrumental in saving others during the WW 2 Holocaust.  I received it free from Scholastic when I ordered another WW 2 book and thought it was  a good addition to my World War 2 novel/picture book box.  I try to at least skim the books I put in my school box, so I have some idea what my students are reading.  This one was pretty good--short stories about several teens.

Warren Miller Rocks!

So for 20+ years I have napped through enjoyed watching Warren Miller films with Mr. IM but have never seen one in a theater.  This year we had a chance to go, so we went!  The film was good--entertaining, lots of "ooh" inducing ski scenes for the family and maybe a short nap for me. (ha, just kidding...or am I?).  It played at the art center, about 15 minutes from our house, on the Tuesday night that Thanksgiving break started (rather than a  random Monday school night in December!)

 Look what was in the parking lot!!! A mobile LLBean boot....oooh...And look how tall The Girl looks...ohhhhh...  The driver was fun--they drove the boot all the way from Freeport, stopping at other events along the way.  At least it is waterproof (ha, ha....)

 Yes....I was saying "Put your phone away!!!"

Some misc ski area and related sponsor swag--no prizes, but this was fun.  The Boy decided that the REI bottle opened is a snowboard and that he should attach it to his coat.  We'll see how that goes over at school next week...

Thanksgiving baskets, 2014 version

You may (or may not) remember that last year the Knights of Columbus delivered 410 Thanksgiving Baskets .  This project started about 10 years ago, when the Knights volunteered to provide 40 baskets for a local charity.  Over the years the project has grown and now involves the entire parish.  This year the knights requested donations of baskets and money for baskets to make 443 baskets, and were blessed with enough for 462 to deliver.  For the second time, we were able to help deliver to Joshua Station, a transitional housing center for families.


Here are some photos (and narrative) of our day building and delivering baskets...

 That's a lot of turkeys....

 and canned goods....

 and baskets....

 One of the baskets we made--he is showing off that he carried it part way from the car to the church by himself...

 "NO PHOTOS!  Geez!"  She was a good helper...

 Anther completed basket, headed for the delivery station

 This one must be heavier...took two boys to carry!












Wow...that is a lot of baskets....

 Loaded car....

 Baskets delivered!

Joshua Station, from the parking lot.  This year we were able to tour their new 3 bedroom unit--it is pretty cool.  Designed for a single mom and her 7 kids--great use of space and beautifully put together.

How The Boy spent Thanksgiving

 Technically I think this is the night before..but the reading material  choice is so, um, interesting...

This also is the day before...abut 3:00, approximately 15 minutes before he said, "um....I feel sweaty and gross...I'm going to go change out of these jammies"

 4th grade turkey project:  Write a story about how your turkey is going to hide on Thanksgiving and then dress the turkey accordingly..can you guess who this is?

 Thanksgiving morning...in pajamas that were changed into because the others were sweaty..(see above)...having a lollipop for breakfast

In new pajamas (again), helping Mr. IM put the turkey in a paper sack to bake.

Where is The Girl?  Sleeping....or hiding....I'm sure she will appear at some point...



I think the most entertaining part is the parade of pajamas....he kept changing...but never into clothes...today they are all dressed and skiing/snowboarding....and the pajamas are all in the laundry!

Thanksgiving Present

Last year's Thanksgiving post was about Thanksgivings Past...This year I bring to you Thanksgiving Present (not to be confused with presents on Thanksgiving...see last year's post for some of those).

We decided late last week that staying home is the way to go--we have two invitations to join friends, but decided that all of us will benefit from cooking at home and hanging out in our jammies.  And this way we'll have leftoevers....yum!  IM says we all have to get dressed before lunch, but I'm thinking of testing that ultimatum.  The kids and I picked up about 5 movies at the library, so I figure between that and football...we're good.  Especially since we'll probably have to get dressed and leave the house at some point anyway.

Here's our tentative menu...some recipes included below:
Breakfast...hmm..I'm thinking something in the cinnamon roll family?

Turkey (family recipe--see below)
sweet potatoes
gravy
green beans
green bean cassarole
key lime pie (ok, fake key lime)
pumpkin cheesecake
smashed potatoes
rolls
cranberry sauce
stuffing
roasted vegetables

I'm sure I'm forgetting something important...but I think we'll be good!
Turkey--Mr IM's grandma's "famous" recipe:

Key Lime Pie ---My mom actually makes this with sugar free ingredients and makes a strawberry version as well--very tasty! (and easy)

6-8 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 1 package (3 ounces) lime gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) key lime pie yogurt
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine gelatin powder and yogurt. Fold in whipped
• topping. Spread into crust. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes
• before serving. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Pumpkin Cheesecake 

Cranberry Sauce

Time keeps on ticking...

Are you all singing the song now?

This is one of those days where I have a hard time being patient--the Monday before Thankgiving break.  It is one of the days when it is tempting to want time to fly by and get us to break sooner...but easy to forget to be in the moment.

When I was in college I attended a Bible Study where we talked about knowing that earth is not our home, but to also be in the moment while we are here.  A hard lesson to follow...

Say a prayer for me today, that I remember to be in the moment with my students and co-workers today and tomorrow--that I be who and what they need now, here, in this moment.

Santa Bread

It is a little early for Christmas stuff...but this is too cute (and I have a running joke about gnomes with a couple friends).  I came across this recipe last week and thought I'd try it....Here are my results:


 This is Santa before  he was baked and below is one after.  I made him as a gnome instead of Santa, because Santa would be seasonally inappropriate. This time I used the bread recipe included and followed all the directions--I'm not thrilled with how the egg brush turned out on his beard.  I think the next time I'll use my grandma's coffee cake recipe and maybe only the egg brush on the colored portions of his face..  I also made four smaller Santas from the recipe that says makes one large Santa --I think that they were a good size to share with a friend...I might make them slightly smaller and serve the mas a holiday breakfast.

Good-bye, Indy Dog

Indy Dog's health has deteriorated quickly in the past few months.  In addition to "all the usual" old dog problems (arthritis, some slight liver issues), she developed a tumor on her face.  The vet has been wonderful, working with us to decide what to do and which issues to treat and how to treat them.  She had a long and happy life--almost doubling her mother (Truffle Dog)'s lifespan of 8 years.  We consider ourselves blessed that we had such a great pet, a protector (at least against squirrels...and that one time when the motion sensor lights went on in the middle of the night), a playmate for the kids, and the softest fur ever.  She provided us with years of entertainment, romping through the woods, looking for bunnies, and Christmas trees. Indy was the receiver of The Girl's first sentence ("Not for you, Dog!") and we're pretty sure used to help Tigger get in the trash can.  And we know that she helped both kids learn to walk...and she never met a baby gate that could hold her (well, at least not until the last year).

Last night, when I arrived home at 10 pm after a very long (good, but long) day, I found Mr. IM almost in Indy's kennel with her--her tumor had burst or been torn and she had bled all over the house.  He had her cleaned up, and her and the kids calmed down, but it was clear that this is probably it.  She wasn't walking well and was obviously in pain so we made the difficult decision to have her put to sleep.

Indy, you were a great dog and will be missed.
March 7, 2000 - November 18, 2014

2000

2000, partners in crime

2002, "learning" to chase sticks with The Girl

2005

2010

Her favorite place to sleep until the last few months

September 2014, wearing her fashionable scarf

Other blogs about Indy...

August 2013 blog introduction

Indy's relationship with the others