Biking

Sharee sent me this...

I really like it and tend to believe it. :)

Today was Mothers day and we make Swedish Pancakes with whipped cream and whatever berries we can find: blue, black, rasp, straw.  Today we had them all.  Here's our recipe:

it bowl: heavy whipping cream beat mercilessly until stiff

in a separate bowl:

6 eggs
5 cups whole mile
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp salt
melted almost a whole cube of butter (6 of 8)
beat the stuff until it is fairly smooth.

heat pan to 3 or 4 and don't let them burn.. should be about 1/4" thick.

1 lb bacon on broiler pan in oven at 350 for 30 minutes, then flip for 10 more

1 Gal orange juice (the good stuff)

don't forget the powdered sugar doughnuts and the reeses peanutbutter cup.

Finishing Up

We have all been working with the wood in the garage before it gets too hot.  The bookshelf is now finished.  We need another one:

The dark finish hides the imperfections quite well.  It is more of a show piece than a book shelf, so it will likely get reassigned  from books to other stuff.

The table and benches are finished and today for Mother's day we used the set for a meal for the first time.  We are pleased with how it turned out:

The leaves need one more coat of Tung oil and there is still a sitting room table and a clock to build.

Farmhouse Table with 2x10

Since being unemployed, selling nearly everything, living at Grandpa and Grandma's house in the basement with borrowed furniture and now living on our own for almost a year, we are in sad need of furniture.  We've been shopping and shopping.  First for a sofa.  I wanted to buy the one we sold... a solid La-Z-boy dual reclining burgandy leather sofa.  It was perfect.  It is gone, but the local place had one.  Nope.  We looked at the Pottery Barn store.  I had no idea you could spend that much on a Sofa.  After sitting on camp chairs for the last 8 months, we wanted something, but we didn't want it that bad.  Not that they were bad, don't get me wrong: the Pottery Barn stuff appeared to be very high quality  We settled on Ikea because we are furnishing an apartment and if/when we buy a house, if we made a more considerable investment, our tastes may change... so that is done.  Sitting on the cheap is complete.  It has been a month or so now and we have no complaints about them.

The next major furniture piece that we were interested in is a kitchen table.  Our plastic folding camp table with the free 5-guys burgers and fries chairs has some issues.  It doesn't handle heat well and the center of each section is sunken so that if you use the glass plates and aren't careful, they will slide to the middle.  It is only 30" wide and we struggle with 6 of us around it.  Here's a shot:

Now isn't that lovely?  In keeping with our financial constraints, we opted to not purchase the Amish dining furniture even though it is very well made.  The other reasonably priced items were poor quality with chipping veneer-covered particle board or they have too many deep cracks and crevices.  Have you ever tried to get spilled milk from between two boards on a table top that were purposely gapped so they might look worn or "distressed?"  Sharee found several styles she liked, but they were too wrecked (distressed) or not sturdy.  We have to keep reminding ourselves when we shop that we have a Lincoln at home who is nearly 4 and can really do some damage.  In the picture above you can see his office mat under his chair at the end of the table to help with spills.  So on to the point of this post: I started building Sharee a bookcase (shown below):

and it was progressing nicely, so she asked me to build a table combining her favorite elements of the tables we liked, but were too cheap or to disgusted to buy.  After mentioning this to a friend at church, he told me about a 2x10 table he saw online.  I checked them out.  They are called farmhouse tables and there are several different ways to make them.  One guy simply put legs on a top and then reinforced them with angular attachments.  One put instertable end caps on for extensions and one put a cross brace under the table.  All were informative, but the plans for the pocket jig from the end cap link was the most useful.  Two weeks ago on Saturday I bought the wood.  Last Saturday I cut the top and glued it:
 

Each evening this week I have been working on the frame:  A few cuts on each day.  Corner lag bolts and then side lags and then the angles.  Friday evening our babysitter was at a campout, so I assembled it:

 The red strap around the base is two ratcheting load straps end to end so the legs stay in place until the lag bolts were drilled and set.  I used my electric impact wrench to put in the lag bolts.  Very easy, but very loud.

 The rails for the sliding ends was taken from another blog.  Great idea!  Instead of using a chisel to clear them out though, I just hit them with a hammer.  Once they were out, I used the circular saw to clean it up and then my 1/3 width orbital sander fit right down in there to smooth it out nicely.

 2x4 slots for the sliding end.

I screwed the end slides together to make sure they were parallel and would slide freely when connected.  Added angled pieces (29.4 degrees from tan^-1 = height/length - good thing I still have the ol HP-48)

 Framework is complete and today I put it all together.

Cut the top to length.  the top sticks out 2" from the sides and the ends.  It was 78" before the ends were mounted.

Can you see how that top bowed?  If I do this again, I will clamp a 4x4 across the the top and bottom across the grain to keep the top flat.  The top was mounted with 1" countersunk lag bolts in the 2x4 framework from the under side up into the top.  The top was warped pretty badly most likely from the pocket joints on the bottom and the bending clamps used to hold it while the glue holding the top together dried.

 Cutting the end pieces and then mounting them on the 2x4 slides was very quick:

 The end piece is the same size as the table  pieces.  The leaves are from 2x12 cut down to 9" wide.  With two, there is too much sag in the top.  Below only one leaf is added to each end for a total length of 112 inches.  Without the leaves, the table is 7'10" long.  I was hoping for 130", but I believe if we cut down the leaves to 7" each, It will be acceptable at 122".  If not, it will be 120" or 118".  The 2x12 pieces were from a different store.  Since they are temporary, I like the mismatch color, but all might not like it.

The features Sharee wanted:
    angled supports to the legs
    "chunky" 2x4 top thickness and 4x4 legs
    exposed bolt heads
    distressed top
    smooth top / no individual slats to clean between
    2x4 cross braces between the legs
    An apron below the table top connecting all the legs
    3' extension leaves (18" on each end 7' to 10' - may end up being 7'10" - 10')

Sharee's

Likes:  its smooth top, its knotty top surface and all the dings and "character" marks

Dislikes: the discolored leaf boards, the sloping lags into the angled supports, the drooping leaf slides

Rob's

Likes:  nearly complete and still square (mostly), looks good
Dislikes: sagging leaf ends, how am I supposed to get this thing in a truck?  It weighs a ton and does not come apart.

Details:  I'll post the freecad drawing of the table if anyone wants it.  I didn't model the bolts or the slides, but the main frame and the top are in there and the lengths are correct.

The last year

2010 for our family I'd have to say was the year of experimentation:

Food. We tried vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nearly every kind of "healthy" food, grain, whatever. I must admit that most of it wasn't that bad, but I still felt hungry and let me tell you that the pounds just fall off.

School. The kids are homeschooled now and loving it. From trying the Thomas Jefferson education to regimented task lists and other approaches, Sharee has got the kids in a routine along with some local educational coops and they love it.

Biking. I tried endurance riding, racing, and grudge matching. I found that I prefer the endurance rides.

Pets. the three oldest are doing 4H. We have two rabbits and two guinea pigs now. They are for breeding for 4-H.

This year, the guinea pig got pregnant and just last night she had her babies. I've attached a pic of Carmel's three piglets. The rabbits got an opportunity to be rabbits and in a couple weeks, we expect baby bunnies. It has been like the Discovery Channel at our house. We all have eye witnessed conception and birth.

Friday we will get our new puppy and we are all excited about that. Lucy will join us from Italy and will

Speaking of new bike

I got a new bike in August, one of those mail-order jobbies. It has round wheels and rolls like any other bike I've seen. Lately I've noticed a lot of really nice bikes, but I agree with the statement along the lines that a more expensive bicycle will only be more expensive, it won't come with a better motor. The bike now has just under 250 miles on it. The rear tire had a problem, so I'm waiting for a warranty replacement to arrive. Last Saturday I rode my first century. It was a rush. It took me 8 hours to go 106 miles, which is a pretty lousy time, but a personal best for me and leaves plenty of room for improvement. I hope to get to 6 hours once I start hill climbing more.
Above is a picture that a friend took at about 40 or 50 miles.
The second picture is at about 75 miles on a hill. I was pretty tired at that point and really happy I bought the front sprocket set with three on it rather than two so I had super duper granny gear for climbing. At the end of the day I was spent, but not sore. The next day walking up stairs took a bit more effort, but I was actually suprised didn't have any real stiffness or aches other than my foot that goes numb when I excercise. I look forward to doing the next 100 mile ride.

Way cool bike

If you look over to the right there is a picture of a way cool bike. Some one was trying to win one and I went in and looked at it. You can buckle kids in the bucket on the back. WAY COOL!! So now I want one of these but they are way spendy, but they have a contest that ends tomorrow. So I thought hey do a few things tonight to enter and hope and pray that I win :)

Official Pic

The hospital photo folks never showed, so we dressed him up and took one anyway. A little red eye, but at least they were open.

Lincoln Albert

Fresh from l'hopital:

8# 15 oz. 21.75" 10:35AM

Baby Names

We have been discussing baby names. Abi has been set on the name Lincoln. I had a friend tell me that she lived near a town and they called it stinkin Lincoln. Abi heard me tell this story to someone else. Now when you ask her what she wants to name her baby brother she says Stinkin Lincoln. I don't know that we are headed in the right direction.

Kinky Hair

Little princess wanted her day in the sun. She is excited about her kinky hair, and knowing that she will have it when I take her braid out is the only way she will let me take it out. She is always very upset after bath when it has been washed out.

Toothless

She decided she didn't want her tooth in anymore, so came and asked Rob to pull it out. Two yanks later and she is toothless. She was so excited, and is hoping for $550 from the tooth fairy.

Free Budget software

Check out this link where you could be the lucky winner of budgeting software, even better than quicken. The ladies at fabulously fugal do a great job.

Usborne Books and More

I am so excited to tell everyone that Usborne books now has a new name with the same great product and more. They recently bought a small publishing company called Miller Kane. They are best known for a book called Everyone Poops. We used this book to potty train all of our kids. Anyways I have many of the books now and love them. They are such cute books and the kids love them too. So now not only can you purchase the wonderful Usborne books from me, you can also choose from over 100 more new titles. You can look on my website at www.readonemore.com. If you want to see all the new titles click on the new titles link. If you haven't heard of Usborne books they are the best educationally fun books around. One of the best things is that you can get them for free too. I became a consultant a year ago and have enjoyed sharing them with many families. I also earned a trip to Rome! If you would like to know more about these great books let me know.

I'm not having twins

I went to the doctor today. I was reassured that I am not having twins nor do I look like it. I am measuring normal, and I only gained 4 pounds. I also got to have my glucose test, what fun, and shot in the back side that I flinched so bad the nurse was worried about me. Oh well, the good news is I'm not huge!

Parker likes coupons now too.

So this morning the kids found the cereal in the pantry, and Parker asked if it was all for us. I said yes and he said wow we will have cereal for a long time. Then I told him I got 8 boxes for a dollar and he was amazed and had to tell Londyn that I got all that for a dollar because I had lots of coupons. Then I told him about the table being full last night and he was further amazed, especially because one of the items was Chex mix and I never buy that stuff. I didn't tell him about the 15 boxes of fruit snacks. Maybe he will start collecting coupons, or I can get him to cut them all out.

Coupons!!!!!

Well I have a bunch of friends that have been telling me about their coupon experiences. They told me about a great site that posts lots of good deals. So I looked through it this evening printed out my coupons, because I haven't had time to store any up yet, and went to the store. I was a little worried about everything working correctly so I decided to try 2 of my 5 transactions and if those worked I would get the rest. Well after those worked and I ran my groceries to the car I went back for more. It was great when I came home and carried a few bags in with me, then told Rob to help me with the rest. He was a bit surprised with everything I had. Then he asked me for the grand total. It was less than $20. Here is a picture of everything that I got. It was quite fun and I even ran into someone I knew that was also there with lots of coupons. Fun new hobby and I got lots for my food storage. Krazy coupon lady is having a give away for lots of coupons, I hope I win so that I can have my own coupon binder. Check it out.



I got 8 boxes of cereal, 15 boxes of fruit snacks/roll ups, 14 cans of soup, 10 cake mixes, 5 cookie mixes, 3 tubs of frosting, 4 bags of chex mix, 5 biscut tubes, and 4 pasta boxes.

COUPON GIVE AWAY FROM KRAZY COUPON LADY!
ONE WINNER will randomly be chosen to receive 3 weeks worth of newspaper coupons!!!!
January 25, February 1, and February 8FIVE SETS FROM EACH WEEK. This would be a perfect start for you coupon virgins, or great for adding to your supply if you are seasoned.Visit http://krazycouponlady.blogspot.com/ for contest rules.

Seriously!?!?!?!?

OK so I haven't posted in a while. But after tonight I thought I needed to share this with everyone. So we went to the temple tonight and I was waiting for Rob to go get the car. A lady who was leaving stopped and started talking to me. She said oh you don't look like you will be around for the temple to open. I didn't understand what she meant so I asked her. She replies well the temple opening is in two weeks, your due before then aren't you. I nicely told her no I still have 2 1/2 months to go. She then says oh well you must be having twins then. I said no I was not. She then goes on and says oh you sweet thing you must be feeling very pregnant right now. Then she leaves. Seriously!?! Am I really that huge? Like I can control how big I get. Why would someone go on talking after they have already insulted me? Some guy had almost the exact conversation with me when I was pregnant with Abi. Then another time at the temple while I was waiting to get dressed some lady came up to me and asked if I was 4 or 5 months along. I said no I wasn't pregnant. She says oh you must be postpartum then. I said year a year postpartum. What is it about me that says hey come tell me I look fat? I have decided I can no longer go out in public. And now I am going to go wallow in a carton of Rocky Road ice cream.

Sad Day

Last thursday was a sad day at our house for Parker and Londyn. I arrived home from work and Parker was tearfully telling the next-door-neighbors that he couldn't play with them because our rabbit Sparky had just died. He was bawling. I inquired as to why he was over at the neighbors and if there was something we could do to help Sparky. Was he really dead or just near death? Well, we went back to the cage and sure enough Sparky was gone... cold and stiff. Parker was distraught. Sharee and I had repeately warned Londyn and Parker to make sure he had enough to eat and drink, but I think Sparky starved to death. It was a sad thing.

Parker and Londyn wanted to bury him in the yard. Our yard is tiny and the only spot not covered by grass is the garden and we didn't think it would be good to rototill him up in the spring, so Sharee suggested Parker get a shoebox and prep a coffin for the little guy and have the garbage man take him and bury him in the dump. Parker proceeded to write a special note to the garbage man asking him to carry Sparky in the front so he wouldn't get squished in the back. His note said "Special Rabbit" please carry in the front of the truck. "Very Memorable." (keep in mind this is the poor animal the starved to death).
Well, the garbage man wouldn't take it because of the note. So it sat in the garage for a week and ended up going in the back of the truck anyay.

The sad thing was the poor rabbit died and the kids felt bad. You should have been here for it though.

Parker's car: The pinewood herbie:
4th place 2008 Pack 87.