Projects Galore!

Well, while my blog's been gathering dust the rest of my projects are well underway. Here's what we've been up to:

Stripping and sanding the finish off of a very old, beautiful roll top desk (I can't wait to have it usable!)

My mother and I planted around 200 annuals last weekend. They look great with the bulbs I put in the ground last fall. I especially love the pink, parrot tulips.

The chickens have a half-way painted chicken coop, and a temporary "yard". So far, so good. . .no-one's been eaten or has escaped. Oh, and we have a rooster. He said "hello" to me last Tuesday at 6am for the first time. His name is Chip.

The garden has been rotatilled, and needs one more go around. I am planning on planting tomatoes, corn, eggplant, herbs, zucchini, sunflowers, peppers, watermelon, cucumbers, broccoli and several types of basil!

My mom and I have been playing with the dehydrator and we've made a batch of dried apples, pears, cherrries and strawberries. The kids are loving them and we call them "Fruit Candy".

Homeschooling lessons - What we're learning about: Weather, the water cycle, rivers, France and England, we're reading A Bear Called Paddington.

Baseball, baseball, baseball. We had a weekend overlap with hockey and now we have 3-4 days of either baseball practice or games.

Setting up a shop on Etsy where my mother and I can sell her unique, handmade yoga bags, baby clothes and custom items.

Happy Easter!!

Today was my first visit to the Adoration Chapel at our newly remodeled church. We have just started the rigorous and glorious commitment of PERPETUAL adoration. Any time, day or night you can go sit and adore HIM. If you're looking for love, this is the place to go :)

Chickens

Well, we have 5 new pets. The kids and I went to pick up our baby chicks 3 weeks ago today. They are growing faster than I anticipated and Kevin's father is reverting an old rabbit hutch into a chicken coop. Soon we'll move the chickens outside into a "yard," they've been living in a cozy little spot in the garage.

Yesterday we took them outside one by one to acclimate them. We also try to hold and pet each of them daily in order to socialize them. Their personalities and temperments are emerging. I believe Golden, our Buff Orpington will be a broody hen. She's the boss, and she is the biggest. She chooses the highest roosting spot.

I'm having way more fun with this than I ever expected.

Where Have I Been?

I went through a period of Blog Fog! I had lots to share, but didn't get around to it. Turin finally lost his tooth. Hurray! Bremma started a dance class. Hockey season is over for a month or so, then Turin will do a Hockey Camp. Today we go pick up our chicks. We are on a slow slide to the country life. I can't wait to have fresh eggs this summer!

Turin's Two Loose Teeth

We're entering that next phase of childhood. . . Turin has two loose teeth, Ahhhh.

Only in Colorado

Monday it snowed, and so Monday afternoon I shoveled the snow off of our very long drive way (dear hubby wasn't going to be home until after dark). Yesterday was Friday and in the abundant sunshine I went out to pull weeds because the patch along the drive way had been annoying me for some time. Where else can you shovel snow on Monday, and be out pulling weeds on Friday?

Small Successes

My successes today:

I'm trying a new bread recipe: Seeded Whole Grain Boule; and dinner was a hit! Beef and Cabbage Stir-fry with Basmati Rice.

I cleaned the entire house after our school work was finished while the kids enjoyed the beautiful warm weather outside.

I sorted through the computers and cords, cords, cords and prepped them to sell on Craig's list.

Mug Shot

I purchased two new mugs on Tuesday because they were hilarious to me and thus irresistible. Not to mention that they are narrow, which fits my cabinet better. With a 50's style artistic rendition of a well-coiffed housewife (think June Cleaver) the one on the left says "Well! Butter my buns and call me a biscuit!" The mug on the right says, "Gardening, yoga, bubble baths, medication . . . and I still want to smack somebody."

So I'm daydreaming of having a cup of tea with you Jennifer.

Carolyn, I think this calls for a cup of coffee!

And to all of my mug buddies, there is nothing better than sharing time and a warm drink with you!!

Watch the Video Clip!! Need I Say More?

Danielle Bean

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A Visit to the Butterfly Pavilion

I don't know the name of this fella yet, but it is huge! It is about the size of my outspread hand.

This flower is a Red Powder Puff.

Callaindra haematocephala - Looks like something from Horton Hears a Who.

Here is Oma and the grandkids.

The photo to the right is of Lena, Me, and kiddos.

A Sewing We Will Go

My mom came to visit this week. We had such a nice time. Lots of opportunities to chat and to sew. She taught me how to read a pattern, cut it out and put it all together. Wednesday and Thursday we worked on an outfit for dear daughter. Too Cute!!

She is wearing the outfit in the photos of the Butterfly Pavilion :)

Thanks Mom! I miss you already!

Snowflake Souffle'

We came upon this cute little poem today, and as we awoke to a snowy-blowy, white wonderland - I thought it was appropriate.

Snowflake Souffle' by X.J. Kennedy

Snowflake souffle'

Snowflake souffle'

Makes a lip-smacking lunch

On an ice-cold day!

You take seven snowflakes,

You break seven eggs,

And you stir it seven times

With your two hind legs.

Bake it in an igloo,

Throw it on a plate,

And slice off a slice

With a rusty ice-skate.

Picture Thought :)

Just thought this was pretty.

It's Official

Well, Mr. Priola is now officially Honorable Representative Priola. We attended his Inauguration Ceremony yesterday, as did a lot of our family members and several volunteers that served on his campaign. The ceremony was interesting, we got to sit with Kevin at his desk where he will vote on the chamber floor. He will be in for quite a ride, as our state is facing many, many challenges!

Lunch followed at Randolph's where we celebrated all of our hardwork. After the event, Kevin went back to the Capitol and the kids and I spent some time at the Denver Public Library. We met up with my sister, who drove the children home. Kevin and I then attended the Colorado Restaurant Association event which was deliciously catered by many local restaurants.

Being so jazzed up about the day, and finding ourselves downtown without our children - we decided to see a movie. We went to see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It is a must-see. It was a poignant reflection on the matter of time, and how we choose to use it. It dealt with issues of mortality, growth and aging. The message I most walked away with was a reminder to be kind; to those who are old, and to those who are young, and to everyone in between. Our journey here is a true gift, as are those whom we share it with.

I'm feeling content in my journey - what I'm doing with my children, myself and my husband. I feel blessed to be here, now. I am grateful for my family, and my friends and for the unique and particular challenges that make up the fabric of my life.

Merry Christmas!

Sadness Peaking Through

I had dinner with some of my close friends on Monday night, and during our conversation I revealed to them how sad I have been about the baby that would have been born about now. I came upon something that astounded me with its poigniancy, and I felt such a kinship with this woman. Please read if you're interested in her perspective. It was very helpful for me. http://karenedmisten.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-broken-rosary.html

Christmas Pageant 2008

Today the kids participated in the 5th annual Christmas Pageant, put on by our homeschool group the St. John Bosco Cooperative for Homeschooled Children. They did a great job! It was precious to see them work so diligently to tell the story of the most precious baby ever born.

One of our Favorite Traditions

Life is so sweet.

Gma and her Grandkids