The Seven Cs of Michigan: library

Showing posts with label library. Show all posts

19 July 2023

Another Hodgepodge Post

Emily and Grace have been getting in some good outside time this summer. I liked the lighting in this shot that Emily took of Grace!

Emily picked out this sweater a few weeks ago at a yard sale. I would never ever ever have picked it out for her, but she really likes it (and the colors are pretty.) Well, fast forward to last week, I was putting something away in the big girls' closet, and the sweater was on Alice's rack!!! I thought maybe Emily had tried it on, and thought it was too large, so had given it to Alice. But no! It was Alice who liked the sweater so much she stole it from Emily! To me, this sweater looks sooooo old and dated and I wouldn't ever wear it, but both of my teens (well, teen & tween) love it. Who knew*?

William, Grace, and Juliet had swim camp last week! It was 5 hours a day, for 4 days (M-Th) for only $60!! They loved it, and came home so tired.

Monday, after drop off, I spent my 'childfree' time hanging out with Zoey's mom! We spent 3 hours chatting and digging through the bins at the 'cheap' Goodwill, then enjoyed some coffee, and even had time for a dollar tree run, before it was time to collect our dear ones!

On day 3, Grace passed the deep water test for the first time ever!!!!! She is excellent at setting goals and making it happen! = ) I was so proud.

I love filling the 'party tray' with fruits and veggies, for the kids to snack on throughout the day. It also looks really pretty. = )

We went to the library to redeem summer reading prizes, and since the 'meet up and eat up' was only an hour away, stayed on for lunch! A few days later, I got a call that Emily had won one of the grand prizes (a Target gift card!)

I wanted a basket for collecting veggies from the garden. At Goodwill I found this basket, with a collapsible handle, for $2.50. I agonized over it the duration of the trip, but ultimately decided to buy it. I've been loving it, and it does a fantastic job carrying all the produce inside from the garden. I love it so much, I tried to repurpose it and use it for shopping at the farmers market. Sadly, the bottom felt vulnerable with the purchase of potatoes and honey (and then a side trip to Carl's for coconut milk and vegetable stock.) = (

So, I went into the next few days in the market for a studier basket. I found a larger one, with reinforced sides and collapsible handles for $2!!!! Then, since Avia wasn't able to go with us in the morning, we went back for a second look in the afternoon, and I got another one (to help me carry all of my purchases) and then one more, because it was adorable, and only 50 cents and I'm on a kick.

Well, then I got home, and suddenly had 3 baskets without a home, and one that was slightly in the way. So, I brainstormed a home for my collection: the mudroom wall! Upon observation, I found that I would only have to make a single hole in the wall, since there were existing holes for the other three. = )

We had corndogs for dinner last night, and I thought everyone might like 'fancy' stadium containers. I think they did make them taste better! (Admittedly, I didn't have one, since I had just made a German Salad, and I'm the only one who eats on it.)

3 of my summer chores involved painting outside, so last night I pulled out all my supplies, and this morning (after a rocky start of driving the big girls to camp because their bus broke down.) Grace came out and helped me pain the shed ramp and step! Sadly, just those items took the rest of the paint. So, we needed to go to Menards and get another round, which of course meant loading up WGJ. To make it more exciting, I promised donuts, but then Grace reminded me that her ear was still hurting, and so I called the doctor and got her a late morning appointment. (Turns out she has swimmers' ear.)

But after the appointment we went to Menards, but by then the big girls were home, and my mom was over for birthday cake and presents!!! Once we celebrated Avia to the fullest, and she went on with her day, I went back out to finish the side porch and basement entrance. I kept running into branches between the two, and so broke out the branch cutters, and trimmed the offending bushes (which needed to be done, but felt like just one more delay.) As I was finishing up the brush work on the basement door, Emily and Grace came out wanting to help with the roller. They did a pretty good job, but got bored and came in before the job was finished. = /

I did finally get done, and cleaned up. Tomorrow (or soon) I hope to go seal, at the very least, the back porch. But I have sewing that needs tending, so we'll see. Sadly, this was the last week that I'll be getting up early to get the big girls ready for camp, and then having the rest of the morning to knock out a 'summer chore' since EGJ start at nature camp next week!

I mentioned celebrating Avia's birthday, and I took a picture too!

We got to celebrate with my mom this year, it's a toss-up where she'll be each summer, so we only get to celebrate with her sometimes. This year she got 5 cards from my crew and a shadow box for her grandfather's arrowhead collection from us as a group. Emily and Grace helped her put together the display, then EGJ helped her sort some coins. Emily also made her a German chocolate cake, but since AE had summer camp in the morning, we didn't get to have it for breakfast, as is tradition. I think she enjoyed her time here, hopefully she had a great day!

There's this meme floating around:

And I am feeling it! August is coming so, so fast! We have tons of fun things left to do this summer, but August is just so close! I'm not ready for summer to end!!!

later days

*So, I actually posted the picture on FB and asked for opinions and they were overwhelmingly positive toward this sweater, so I guess I'm the odd man out.

26 March 2023

Murdoch Mysteries

I'm of split mind whether to put this post at the beginning of this round, or at the end. Either way, I'm writing it first, because I don't want to forget about "that one time..."

To tell the story properly, I need to go all the way back to February. I try to take care to watch whatever is available on our streaming services (we have three: Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ (a gift from my sister)) but recently found out that with a library card I could watch a dozen or so movies or episodes a month with their service!

Their selection is small, but I was able to watch an Agatha Christy adaptation Marple. Once I watched all that they had to offer, I used the remainder of the month on a Ray Bradbury Mystery Theater. This was an interesting show, but with only a single season offered. So, the next month, I decided to watch a Canadian show called The Murdoch Mysteries. The library offered 13 or so seasons of it, so I figured I could watch my 12 episodes a month and have something to look forward to for the foreseeable future. This is where a problem occurred: I fell in love with the show.

So, once I finished my 12 episodes, I wanted more. We used Billy's Hulu gift card, that he got for Christmas, and set up, yet another, streaming service to our house. I was a happy camper, spending the bulk of my free time binging Murdoch. Then, another problem cropped up a month or so in: Hulu was doing away with The Murdoch Mysteries. = (

I was devastated, because there was no way I would finish all the episodes before they were due to remove it (after all, spring is a super busy time for our children!) So, once they finally took off Murdoch, we cancelled the subscription and picked up an Acorn subscription. I was still bingeing and spending most of my free time watching Murdoch, so of course things in real life cropped up reminding me of the show.

On the show, set in Toronto, Canada, they make fun of Americans, mostly, but also Winnipeg, which I find particularly funny, since my Canadaphile sister loves Winnipeg.

In later seasons, they enjoyed ending the seasons with cliffhangers, so I watched until the action had plateaued and my characters were in relative safety, and stopped watching until the new season comes out. This made for a happy break (knowing that I can pick it up at my leisure, instead of being 'helpless' until the next season comes out.) And, now I can spend my free time doing other things that I enjoy, like blogging! = )

So, that is why some of the next ~25 posts might seem a little scarce in detail, because some of these events were over two months ago (but I'll do my best!)

later days

PS. a bonus 'meme' an out of order elevator that reminded me of one of my other favorite shows: Dr Who, "The Eleventh Hour" Episode with Matt Smith as the doctor.

edit: written 6-15-23, but backdated for continuity.

15 August 2022

Cousin Summer

Since Coyt, the oldest, is looking at the end of his high school career in the next year, my mom wanted to do one last hurrah with the cousins getting to hang out en masse. So, she planned trips back and forth between Michigan and Texas (and Texas and Michigan) taking first those who didn't get to go a few summers ago.

William was the oldest of that group, so he got to go first.

As these things go, we did have to pack medication for his trip, but he did well keeping tabs on it.

We found that Lansing also has an airport viewing park, though not nearly as nice as Grand Rapids, it was pleasant enough for us to watch while we waited for William and Avia's plane to take off.

In his absence the house sure was quiet! We went to the library for a crafting day, and went swimming, which you can read about here and a second installment here.

When it was time to pick up Avia, William and Leon, everyone except for Alice and Daddy wanted to go!

We did not go to the pool while Leon was here, since we spent most of his time with us at Jellystone, but Emily walked down to the park with us so that we could snap a picture by the river.

When Leon was heading home, Grace was heading out. It was a 5am flight, which was a ridiculous wake up time, so Avia slept at our house for the night. Juliet wanted to spend as much time with Grace as possible, so she got up and came to the airport with us.

Juliet cries when it's just Avia leaving, so for it to be both Avia and Grace, she was a sad girl! We stopped to buy donuts on the way home (since not even Chick-fil-a was opened yet) which helped buoy her mood a little bit.

We did some parks and swimming while Grace was gone, you can check out some of our antics in this post.

When it was time for Grace to come home, Leah was starting out on her adventure, but I didn't get any airport picks during their late night pick up.

The twins spent the week vying for Leah's attention. At first Grace and Leah were spending the most time together, but as the week progressed, and Juliet's trip was nearing, they seemed to pair up more frequently.

We had to adjust our calendar for the week when the Endocrinologist's office called to let us know that their medication was not approved, and we needed new labs, x-rays and office notes before the end of the month. So, we packed our lunches the night before (and made up a crock pot meal for dinner upon our return.)

In Grand Rapids, Avia, Leah and Emily went adventuring, while the rest of us waited in waiting rooms or had bloodwork and x-rays done. The actual appointment was on time and fast, so we joined them to adventure around downtown too!

Avia treated us all to ice cream! Then we loaded back up in the car to find new adventures!

Just outside of town, we found a cookie vending machine! $3/each, but pretty tasty! We all shared one, because it was huge!

Our next stop was at a thrift shop to look for Emily shorts. We didn't find anything for her, but almost everyone else left with something (including a few items, (like a Texas Tech shirt!!) for Christin's baby girl.)

We found a beach/playground/dog/skate park down the road from the thrift store, and stopped in to play, but I was heading for a state park, so we didn't get too far into the water.

We finally made it to Ionia State Park Beach! Sadly, their shop is closed every Wednesday. = (

All 6 had a really great time playing in the water. Since Alice didn't change into her suit, and proceeded to get wet, we stayed until her dress was dry enough to not make a 'butt print' on the wooden bench seat.

Before meeting up with Abby's family at the pool one day, we tried to go to a Meet up and Eat up in Potterville. Sadly, the website lied, and we missed it, but a very helpful gentleman (coach? assistant principal?) called the food service department directly, and let me speak with the woman in charge. They were transitioning from serving a meal 2x each day, to a food distribution once a week. So, at 11:30, that Thursday, we drove back to Potterville and they loaded our car up with a week's worth of prepared groceries for 6 children for breakfast and dinner each day!!!!

We had so much milk, some of it had to be put in the basement fridge. This program is now my favorite. They provide a meal plan and re-heating instructions!!

After our failed attempt in Potterville, we went to the Middle School in Holt, where Alice would have been for the past two years, had Covid not happened, and they fed them there. Sadly, they weren't cooking many extras, so 4/6 ended up with cereal. Not that they minded one bit.

Leah's 'special' outing was to the Eaton County Fair. It was a nice way to spend 7 hours!

And on Friday, we met the bus in one of the church parking lots, where they got a meal each to go! It was a lucky day, since it was a 'lunchable' type kit, with a side of veggies and milk. = )

We went to the playground in Dimondale with their lunches, and everyone had a good time on the playground, except for Alice who went and holed herself up in the library on a computer.

There was a snake in the port-a-potty! [Emily] the snake was a baby Northern ribbon snake

After the playground, we headed to the library to join Alice. It was the final day of Shark Week. I was a tiny bit disappointed about the activity just being coloring sheets, but the little ones seemed content enough to color in the air conditioning.

Sometimes the twins and Leah would all play together nicely, but there was more and more fighting as the week progressed, mostly Juliet and Leah vs. Grace.

And the big kids had some library computer time.

When the little ones did get along, it was a wonderful time! During the twilight one night, the three of them spent hours outside coloring with chalk, playing on the swings, and catching lightning bugs.

But, with all the bickering, I must admit I was relived for Juliet and Leah to leave.

While Juliet was gone, Emily was at summer camp, and the rest of us picked up the next week of meals in Potterville, and started preparing for the Murder Mystery party next week.

I also made a Sam's run, because the swimsuit I ordered for Emily was a size too small. Luckily for me, the suits in store were half off, so I picked up two (since the twins will grow into them) and Emily was able to wear a clean one each day, without my having to run a small load of laundry every night.

On Friday, we made the trip out to Charlotte for the pool, again. This time we were joined by William's friend Jack and his family.

We waited impatiently Monday and Tuesday for the return of Juliet and arrival of Coyt, Cali and Elizabeth.

We bought so much food!!

We had to take the freezer food out of the boxes to make it fit, so I cut out the picture and instructions, taped them together, then put them all on a binder ring that we hung on the front of the fridge. It was a really good system, as they could see what we had without even opening the fridge, and the instructions were also easy to find! Too bad it looked awful...lol

They made it!! My mom had parked at the airport, and since Alice stayed home with Billy, we were all able to fit into my car.

Between all the freezer food, and then the Meet Up and Eat up pick up, I only made a sit down dinner once. They filled up the table, even without Billy and me!

One of the days at the hot food Meet Up and Eat Up, they had smiley face fries on the menu, so we called ahead to make sure they could accommodate our crowd. My mom had to follow in her car with a few children, since not all of us could fit in mine.

With full bellies, they were doing a conga line out to the car.

Cali, Emily and Grace were bosom buddies while Cali was here, and they made up several choreographed dances and routines. This one, set to one of the songs from Tangled, was my favorite.

The weekend of my murder mystery party, I was feeling very adventurous or insane, depending on how you want to look at it, and agreed to let Emily host her yard sale the morning after*. Since Cali was here, it wasn't the worst plan, and we were able to put out several months of get rid of pile from our house, Aunt Rocky's and all of the items that I had purchased specifically for the party, that we no longer need. = ) They, surprisingly, did not get much traffic, but combine with Grace's lemonade stand pulled in around $50. They did sell quite a bit, but my car was still full en route to the thrift store on Monday**.

They made another routine while waiting for the bats to come out.

It was such a fun time having the "big" cousins here, and Alice and Emily, well, at least Emily, were excited about their trip to Texas!

Their return trip was pretty smooth, until the final hour.

They were on the plan, when the left engine would not start. They tried several things, then had them disembark. They were passing out snacks (happy Alice) when the decision was made that they would postpone the flight until morning (sad Alice.) William, Grace, Juliet and I made a dry run to the airport before learning of the first delay. It was after midnight by the time this was decided and so we went back home. Thankfully my sister made the drive down to Detroit to retrieve them, because I was falling asleep in the chair waiting for them at 3am.

A little too exciting of an end to cousin summer, but I think all 10 of them had a wonderful time, and now that Avia has had a week to recover, I think that she had a good time too!

later days

----------

And, Pictures from my mom, on their way back into Texas after visiting my grandma in Oklahoma (Yes, she went 4 times, so that all of the great-grandkids could go.)

William