Dear diary weeks 97 to 109 October 1st through December 31st
Kai Kya Min Jun and JiYeon are lost 42s Zack is celrocks Sam and Jake are Boris yeltstines.
October 1st dear diary we spent all day in town getting stuff for a special dinner to celebrate my grandma c turning 80. we also worked on picking the harvest which will take almost all week as we have lots to pick. Today we picked corn potatoes and beans before helping get everything into the barn. We also made plans for a chicken butchering this weekend each family will bring 10 chickens to be butchered. We also sent 3 beef cows and 3 pigs for butchering this morning they will be ready in a month. We spent tonight getting several jars of corn and beans canned and put potatoes in the cellar. I am signing off I am going to watch Olivia so her mom and dad can go out for a bit.
October 2nd dear diary we spent another full day picking veggies and getting things ready for winter we are now whats known as a self sustaining farm community. We grow are own veggies eat our own meats and milk cows and goats for our milk. Moms learning to make cheese and butter so that's fun. We made several quarts of both pickled and regular beets canned several pints of jam and dried apples pears and other fruits. We then sat down and had soup and home aid bread for dinner before getting back to work. Mom and I set up herbs and other things to dry over night while Ellen Elsie and the other girls strung peppers and onions to hang. When every one else was in bed mom Ellen and I canned carrots and made pickles and canned tomatoes. We still have several days work ahead of us so its fun but busy right no signing off need to shower and get ready for bed.
October 3rd dear diary we all got together to butcher chickens today its hard stinky work but will be worth it to have all the meat this winter. We started early this morning the dads and older boys killed the chickens then some moms quickly got them ready for the little kids to pluck. The older girls and the rest of the moms would then cut the chicken up and bag it then attach a label. We then made chick soup from some of the meat for supper and just relaxed as we were exhausted. I am signing off I can hardly keep my eyes open and need to be up early for more work tomorrow.
October 5th dear diary sorry I didn't write yesterday we were very busy with chores and canning on top of school work and regular house work. Mom Ellen and I canned several quarts of peaches made more jam and canned chicken for soups. The dads and boys went fishing and brought tons back so we cleaned canned froze and salted it. We had fish stew and cheddar drop biscuits for a late dinner. Today was spent on wedding prep we all had fittings then went through the guest list and other things as we leave tomorrow. And I will write the 31st as we will be incredibly busy.
October 31st dear diary we had so much fun at the ceremony and just enjoying Disney as a family the boys are just as big of fans as us girls. We then took a couple days to visit Patrick Joe and the kids. When we got home Clara and Emily shared a huge birthday party they are both getting to be beautiful smart young ladies at 9 and 10. we are all exhausted from our busy last few weeks so I am signing off till tomorrow.
November 3rd dear diary sorry I didn't write like I said I would I was at Susie's helping out while she was in the hospital due to her appendix going bad. I got back tonight and we worked on several quilts and other Christmas gifts for the sale at church. Tonight we attended Sam and Jake's wedding it was beautiful. They are going to be moving back to his home town after the new year. Well I am signing off for several days moms taking Elsie and I to Montana to help out some friends who's son was born 3 month early.
November 24th happy thanksgiving dear diary mom Elsie and I finally got home late the evening of the 22nd. We had fun helping our friends out and there 2 year old is adorable we also saw my friends from when I was little and did a few other things. We all ate a huge meal and as always ate way way way to much. We then went to the city for early bird shopping and a movie before coming home. Signing off till the 24th of December I am helping out some friends who's daughter was diagnosed with childhood cancer and they need people to take turns staying with her.
December 24th dear diary we spent today making goodies watching movies and driving to the mountains. We arrived late this afternoon and after dinner we opened secret Santa gifts I bought Elsie several cool kitchen items and some clothes she got Clara several dance costumes books and movies. Clara bought me several outfits and some quilt stuff Emily got Joey clothes a ride on tractor books and movies. He bought Jimmy several outfits the same tractor he got in red and movies. Jimmy bought Emily a bunch of riding clothes and other tools she needs for the barn. Rose and Violet bought each other clothes movies music books and a keyboard and guitar. Mom got grandma clothes books and knitting supplies she bought dad tools a suit and work clothes. Dad bought Daniel clothes tools and a really nice tool box Daniel got mom Ellen several clothes and a very nice sewing table he and dad made. She made mom a quilt and bought her several new dresses. We then relaxed till time to head to midnight mass and it was beautiful. Signing off its 2 in the morning and we are exhausted.
December 25th merry Christmas dear diary we had a nice day I received several clothes books and new nice church boots my big ticket item is several fancy sewing tools and a new sewing machine table. Elsie got clothes books movies and cooking things her big items are a new stand mixer food chopper and blender. Emily got lots of riding clothes and other horse items her big gifts are a custom saddle and bridle. Clara Rose and Violet all got clothes books movies and other things there big items are a new practice barre for Clara and new clarinets for the other 2. the 4 youngest all got clothes books toys and movies there big shared items are a swing set play structure and sand box for the yard. Our family gift this year is a 50 states trip in August we gave mom dad and grandma tickets to a show they want to see and Ellen and Daniel got a living room set. They gave us kids beanbags and a cool movie set up for the media room grandma made us all blankets and other items. We then had our friends Christmas feast and exchanged boyfriend girlfriend gifts which was fun before settling in to relax and watch movies. I will write the 31st we have friends coming to stay for the next few days so they can get new carpet.
December 31st dear diary we had a nice quiet day since were all getting over colds and sore ears. We watched lots of movies read new books did some crafts and took a long nap we also went and spent gift cards and grabbed the ocean shores crew from the airport while dropping Daniel and Ellen off. We had dinner at the Japanese place near the airport before heading home its 1 in the morning so I will tty next year diary.