Homework makes me happy!

So, I'm not a big fan of school projects that require a lot of parental help.  I'm not.  Call me a party pooper or a poor sport, but I did my share of homework and I don't want more!  That being said, I was happy to help my middle daughter, Ellea, with this project for a Native American dwelling.  We (I) did some online research and she decided to go with building an igloo (after I convinced her that yes, Eskimos are Native Americans, too).  We had fun building it together; she was very flexible and cooperative as we were building it.  As a child with a mind of her own, and a touch of perfectionism (I don't know where she gets these traits!), it was delightful to have the project work out so nicely.

 It was only a few weeks later that she announced that she was going to have to build a "Fort" as the next history project.  Another project?  Really?  Was this entirely necessary?  Okay......  We (I) went back online to look at ideas for forts.  This time, she had already decided precisely what she was going to build and wanted little to do with my online discoveries.  Thankfully, her dad stepped in to help her this time with the actual construction, but procrastination had taken place and it was all very last minute.  This time there were tears and frustration involved.  It got finished in time, but it wasn't particularily fun.  The Fort Poxleitner turned out just great and we all got through it.

And then came Project #3.  Really?  She's 10.  She's in the 4th grade.  Three models of historical objects over a period of about 3 or 4 months.  Will it ever end?  This project did go smoother than the fort did, but wasn't quite as delightful as the igloo.  Probably because the novelty had worn off long ago.  The assignment was a covered wagon.  With or without an animal to pull it.  Again, she had definite ideas about how she wanted to do it.  She wanted to make it all out of wood.  We argued that cardboard would be easier and thankfully she conceeded.  She did not want to place an animal in front of it, but agreed it looked so much more realistic that way.  We love that the cow looks like he's really into it.  What a team player.  He must not mind a little extra homework.

This little piggy went to market. . .

The girls picked out their 4-H pigs a couple weekends ago.  They are very cute and cuddly (can a pig be cuddly?) when they are just a couple of months old.  They quickly outgrow that stage.

It's a very long process, the picking out of the pig.  It amazes me how difficult it is for the girls to make the final decision.  It seems to me that it has little to do with the actual quality or build of the pig.  I'm not sure, but I think it's based on cuteness.  Or maybe the pig looks at them with a longing to leave with us.  I don't mind leaving the pig farm.  It's stinky.  You cannot imagine the level of stink at a pig farm until you've experienced it.  I'm sorry I cannot describe it for you, but it's probably for the best.

This little guy is the runt.  He was incredibly small compared to the others.  Of course, this is the one Nicole wanted most in all the world!  Sadly, it wasn't to be.  The pigs have to reach a certain weight by fairtime.  The pig she brought home was 52 pounds.  This one was probably 12 pounds.  She begged for us to consider bringing it home as a pet.  As I mentioned before, they get exponentially less cuddly as they grow.  I don't think she factored that into her reasoning.  She thought it'd be cute forever, I guess.

Let Me In ! ! !

Yes, this is a calf.  On our front steps.  She is hungry.  She is looking for Nicole.  Knock, knock.

And here is the proud mama and her baby girl!  She's about 6 weeks old now.  Her own mom didn't want her back after Glenn so rudely put her (the calf) in the basement to nurse it back to health.  She had been buried in the mud in cold weather and wasn't well.   After about 36 hours, her mom didn't recognize her as hers.  Crazy cow.  Thus was born Nicole's fourth 4-H project for this year.  (Yes, four projects and FOUR record books!  That's a post for another day!)

Easter 2011

Well, here we go, boys and girls.  I've been toying with the idea of "blogging" for awhile now, but didn't want to go there with my delightful dial-up connection, but I have caved.  We'll see how long it lasts and how many pictures get posted, but here's my first attempt. . . .  .

Easter at Glenn's sister Dori's house in Lewiston is always a delight.  More so this year becuase we actually saw a little sunshine and warmth.  I feel like I'm living in the artic this spring.  There is snow many mornings (like today, for example).  I am tired of snow.  I am not a big fan of snow.  It is fine in December, but come February, I'm so over snow.  That's not a great fit for the wilds we call Keuterville, Idaho.  My husband likes living here despite the snow.  I like my husband an awful lot, so I don't think I'll be moving.  Anyway, I digress.  I was talking about Easter. 

Yeah!!  I succeeded in uploading a photo! What a fine looking family.  Yes, Morgan has a mohawk.  Or, he did have a mohawk on that day.  It has now left the building.  These photos are not very high resolution due to the dial-up connection mentioned previously.  You understand.

Dori's son Jeff insisited on playing his guitar from atop this cute little motorcylce of his.  We got Dori to go for a "ride" for the picture.  My family always loves listening to the Kaufman's play.  I hope we can do it again before next Easter.  Please?

I had six photos picked out to post, but whimped out and went with these two.  You understand.