Garden Update

I may be the only one that reads back through my old blog posts. And since I did that yesterday, I thought it about time for a little update.

First.  Compost.  Trial #2 was an error.  Too heavy to turn and the frame wasn't stable enough.  So Trial #3 began.  A fenced in area, to keep the dog out with a gate for easy turning.  Though I really don't turn it often, so we'll see if this pile of scraps turns into compost on it's own.

Next: we moved the garden to a sunnier location.  It's still a work in progress as we try to kill the grass and use the ground rather than raised beds.  But, as always, the most difficult part has been outsmarting the dog by engineering the proper fencing to keep him out.  You can see here the orange snow fence with added wood strips, tomato cages and finally our chairs.  Each item added as Camden somehow made it over the previous.

I'm so excited about the success of the spinach and lettuce this year.  Ready for the peppers and squash!  We keep improving the garden - little by little.

A Journal

I'm coming to realize through experience just how exhausting this "I have young kids" phase of life can be.  We get together with friends and I'm constantly correcting my two and a half year old's behaviors (pushing, hitting, throwing, not obeying).  Upon leaving I wonder, "Did I really have a meaningful conversation with those wonderful friends?"

Or I put two kids in bed for a nap, thinking they are quite tired after a late night and will probably sleep at least two hours.  Forty minutes later an eight month old wakes up, not to return to sleep.  And, yes, she is exhausted and doesn't want to be put down from my arms.  There goes a relaxing hour alone.

I watch closely the parents of teens, grown children and even ten year olds.  What freedom they have to:

• simply sit in a chair and read in the eveing
• host a brunch with lots of homemade goodies
• stay up late, go to bed early and otherwise sleep as needed
• enjoy road trips
• eat dinner while it's warm

Even as I sit and write, I get a beautiful, toothless smile from my sweet happy baby girl and remember (as I do daily) I want to enjoy ALL the moments and phases of life.  To not only wish for the freedom to read on my own, but to run and laugh when I hear "Mommy, et's wun."

To the friend who said "I remember leaving friend's house thinking "What did we just talk about?"  The Lord knew how I needed to hear that.  And her boy is six - only six.  This exhausting phase will, of course, not last forever.  So I will soak up the memories and all the sleep I can get.

Good night.

 

Right Now - Joy

Feeling: Peaceful, loving life, excited to visit some garage sales with my mom tomorrow.
On the to-do list: Keep up with daily bible study.
My guilty pleasure: Still very much the Dr Pepper.  That hasn't changed from a couple months ago.
Favorites: My hobbies.  Frugal cooking, sewing and reading.  I just love that I can find time to do them and play with kids.
Dreaming about: Girls weekend.  Literally, twice in the past week my dreams have been about Girls Weekend this year.
Thankful for: My little 8 month old (today).  Her smile and little tushy in the air when she sleeps. Haha.

 

I Love My Kids

Today's random thing: a mixed list of things that have to do with my kids these days.

• Caleb likes to read books about Elmer.  The other night he asked for "Elmer on the toots."  What?  We now know that 'stilts' sounds like 'toots' in Caleb-speak

• Jayna squeals with delight every time she sees the light fixture in our stairwell.  She's even started anticipating as I open the basement door.

• The other day, Caleb refused to use a paper napkin.  He wanted a napkin.  We use cloth napkins and they were all dirty.  He kept saying "No, dis not a nakin, it's a paper taowel.   I want a nakin!"

• Jayna sleeps on her tummy.  While squirming around getting comfortable, she can get up on all fours in a crawl position.  When playing with us, she rolls onto her tummy and immediately starts fussing with no attempt whatsoever at getting her knees under her.

• Caleb is quite the negotiator.  Yesterday at lunch:
  Ryan: Why don't you finish eating your oatmeal, then we can watch an episode of Curious George before your nap.
  Caleb: "How 'bout we watch Curious George, then play Legos... then eat oatmeal ... then take a nap."
  Ryan: "Are you finished eating your oatmeal?"
  Caleb: "How 'bout we watch Curious George, then finish oatmeal. Would that be fun?"

Right Now - I'm tired.

Feeling : Tired and excited for tomorrow morning.  Caleb is having a sleep over with Gramps & Gran.  Just me and J in the morning.
On the to-do list: Sleep, clean, water the garden.
My guilty pleasure: Hmm... I guess I'm more tired than I thought, nothing is coming to mind.
Favorites: This Bountiful Basket we received today.

Dreaming about:  Keeping chickens... fresh eggs. :)
Grateful for: God's plan.  Christ's life, death and life again!  Salvation.  Eternity!

 

Right Now ~ while it's snowing

Feeling: Happy & relaxed.  More snow on the way and a husband coming home tomorrow to enjoy it with.
On the To Do List: Shovel the drive, I guess.  Not much.
My Guilty Pleasure: Sitting here blogging while Curious George (TV) entertains my toddler.
Favorites: Snow, the new phrases that Caleb's says.  "Of course." "Let's cry about it." "Do you remember...?"
Dreaming About: Homeschooling my kids
Grateful For: The ability to put my current emotions and desires into perspective and enjoy today.  (i.e. all the emotions and selfish desires that come with raising young kids.)

Right Now

Surfing Pinterest and some blogs I discovered this fun website full of free printables. Which led to this blog post sharing an idea of a mini journal album.  I thought it would be fun to use the prompts and once per month post the answers on the blog.


Feeling: Tired at the moment, though I finally got a full night's sleep two nights ago.
On the To Do List: Finish sewing projects.
My Guilty Pleasure: Oh ... Dr Pepper.  How I still love to drink you but wish I didn't.
Favorites: Peanut, raisin and chocolate chip trail mix. ~ Reading ~ Pandora on the iPad
Dreaming About: The trips I'll take when kids are older
Grateful For: My husband and wonderful kids.  Not even cliche. I'm truly loving spending time with them these days.