the best things in life are free

One of my most favorite things that has to do with gardening is giving the 'extras' away. Not only do I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I get to make other peoples day by dropping off tasty dirt flavored lettuce and sugar snap peas. Sharing is much more fun, plus last year we nearly drown in all those peas and leaving the left over seeds in the packet makes me feel sad for them. Today I worked on the front yard. Yes it WAS raining. *meh* Tomorrow is June. June is the end of spring. My prayers are going something like this lately. Dear Jesus thank you for all the rain. Its very green now..don't forget over watering kills. AMEN.

randomness

garden as of may 31st

Some things are growing well like the sugar snap peas and the spinach...other things are dying from lack of sunshine...as am I!!

For nearly 7 years a camera has sat in my closet abandoned for its lack of technology. In its day the cannon eos was amazing not to mention the telephoto lens. I just stooped using it because of the inconvenience of film. I considered putting it up on e-bay and seeing what the lenses would bring but just couldn't bear to let it go. Today Dad told me to check out a camera he was given. It happened to be a early generation cannon digital and just the right platform for the lenses! For once I held on to something that ended up being needed!  Amazing huh.

duckling no more

Wow, that duck can grow! The weird tuft of feathers on his head is because he is a peeking duck. (a very tasty Asian duck mmmm...) don't worry Fluffy and his love, Ginger, are safe from the chopping block. They are permanent fixtures in our ever growing menagerie.

mom steps out

Yesterday my three friends and I headed to P-town together and celebrated Rebecca's birthday girl style.  What exactly does that mean? Shopping for several hours without children, spouses or obligations.
  The first stop was Goodwill. Let me say its been eons since I have darkened the door of a Goodwill. Its not Greg's favorite place. I felt like such a country bumpkin...all those rows! When I was in high school my friends and I would go bargain hunting at thrift stores. Bragging rights and what not included. It was fun then, except for the fact my friends usually discovered the 'find' right next to me. *ugh* Its tons of work sorting through the isles, before to long I broke out into a sweat. "Wow, whats wrong with me? I don't even have any kids here to dive in between the clothes and scare the life from me" When I finally came across the other three they complained of the same thing. (oh good its not because I'm crazy! phew)
   We purchased our treasures and headed off to Tarjay for more sophisticated shopping. *Wink* Greg's clothes were looking more than shabby. Two pairs of jeans, four t-shirts  and one more store later we were close to done. Who is ever really done shopping? Okay so to me its relaxing. Dinner at Chipolte's and a movie. While at the theatre Em and I weighed ourselves on those scales that sit just outside of the bathroom. My weight...well I knew what I weighed, It was the advise that was more interesting. 'enjoy the time you have' Who knew we were using a doomsday weight machine. Perhaps some retired mob boss got a part time job typing in the fortunes. I'm glad for the fact I was taken from my niche to hang out with the girls.

exhaustion is.

This afternoon my girl and I visited the library. She is basically done with everything now, except for her hours of class time, hence the library. Daddy was off shift today and hung out with the boys while the two of us escaped to pick up books and read. The atmosphere was pleasant, warm and quiet. A bit TOO quiet. You see, I began to experience that lovely feeling one gets right before they hit the pillow. Your thinking, "mamagriffith, your safe! There are no pillows at the library." oh contraire! several loudly colored and comfortable cushion like pillows adorn the reading area in the children's section. My first mistake was leaning back on them. The second was taking only one child. Soothing whooshing noises came from the ventilation as I allowed myself to relax further. It was only when I caught my eyes doing the can can that I decided the public library (especially one as small as ours ) is NOT the place for a siesta. Thank you overactive imagination for saving me the disgrace of being wakened by the librarian.
 YAWN. oh my.

I would take pictures but....

So the garden is looking GREAT. Sure, sure the pepper plants resemble wilted lettuce and the bean sprouts are a little anemic, but oh the flowers are fantastic! Lets face the facts here people. While veggies are nice to eat, nothing compares to sitting in a garden that smells like heaven. Why did it take so long for me to discover horticulture happiness? Life, busyness, an unpleasant association. The last one you will have to use your vast imaginations on. Some things are better left unblogged. Oh, one more thing! I finally have lavender. My mother took pity on my inability to grow it from seeds and bought me a very healthy plant!

ps. I would take pictures but its STILL raining

those days..

lately...recently..hum. I'm going to be completely honest here, I am having trouble recalling when. Lets just say I have a problem that began 5 to 7 years ago. I can not remember things. Short term things. People ask/tell me information and I intend to keep it in the back of my mind but somewhere along the line the wires got crossed so when I hit the save button...it gets dumped. You want a scenario? okay here's a good one.
friend- hey can you get those tires to me?
me- oh yeah I meant to remember but I forgot
(hits save button on head) *PURGE*
AAAHHHH!! grumble grumble.
My husband picked up the slack for that one. *exhale*
At least I can still knit. (wipes hand across forehead) When you visit me in the care center make sure you bring brightly colored yarn. I wont remember who it came from but HEY, the colors might make me drool a little on my shirt!

knitting lace

First attempt at lace ever. Now that the baby bonnet is nearly finished I'm grateful that my aspirations for a wrap went unfulfilled. Lace+me=waaaayyyy too much trouble!

garden goodness

Today was our first harvest of spinach and Swiss char. To me home grown lettuce tastes a little like dirt. Mr. Steel did not notice the difference and chomped it right down for lunch. What funny kids I have. The only way you could get me near spinach when I was young...hmmm never mind. Not even ice cream for desert could convince me.

Garden/Ducks/Life

Starting my garden at the first sign of sunshine and spring wasn't a mistake after all. Several of the plants suffered an untimely death by frost and the beans look sun starved, but I don't care. Seeds are..What? 2 bucks a bag? So no loss. Flowers are more appealing to me than spinach and the allure of an English garden inspired me to expand the center section to include two trees and variety of flowers.
  The ducks are doing a great job keeping the slugs at bay and have grown on me. I like those little quackers with their funny squeaky noises. Now that their down is coming in they are more pleasant to hold.
  Our neighbour is looking at the possibility of moving the ditch that runs through the yard. The kids would miss it but having more space back here would give me the chance to make the yard 'fun' for the kids. Other than eating plants and playing in the sandbox, its not exactly a enjoyable place for the three.
  My girls curriculum is SO close to done! All we have left is a few lessons in history,phonics and art. The math we get to keep through the summer. (High five Kristen and the other homeschooling familys...we are nearly there!!) As soon as My girl is finished we will start to have more exciting school days. Beach trips, bike rides etc. We didn't get the chance to go to camp this month. *sad face* I miss seeing everyone and hanging out with grandma and grandpa. I even considered going by myself but Greg's car broke down and will  not be fixed for a few more weeks. The best we can do is meet at the zoo with cousins the start of June.
  Mr. steel is destined to learn how to ride his bike without the aid of training wheels. Milestones are a little more bittersweet with him. Its hard work not to hesitate at big life moments and say..."oh your not ready" just because I don't want him to grow up as fast. I have been fighting that feeling ever since he gave up his plug. *sniff*  He never sees it...these feelings are hidden on the inside lest I actually hold him back when he needs to move forward.

Ducks ahoy!

Don't be shocked, I have decided to keep the second duck. Please stop feigning surprise its not attractive. I did intend to leave myself open to giving the extra duck back. Considering the 'family farm' we have, I was not so sure about expanding to greater capacity. The clincher was this...Ducks EAT slugs. That's right folks EAT, yum yum gulp gag. It sure beats salting them or having the three kids pick them up only to have the slugs kept for observation purposes. *gaging face* So tiger/ginger gets to stay and eat all the slugs it wants.

Two new shrugs

The Dante girls summer sweaters are done. I finished Ivan's and its at the knit shop for a bit. Clayton's hasn't been started yet. Next week I will finish his and post some pictures of the two vests.

If only

My middle child is very bright. He remembers events as well as observes people and forms opinions about them. Last night I had  friend from church over for dinner. This is what he said.

Me- we are having such and such over tonight.
Thomas-oh I know her
Me-'thinking' sure sure you remember her
Thomas- she is always dressed nicely when I see her, I like her.
Me-'Thinking' now that I think of it...she is

No, I didn't ask him what he thinks of my clothing. I'm not prepared for the whole truth quite yet. It was just one of those conversations that surprised and humored me. I love my kids!

the old switcheroo

Last night was biggest looser night. Generally the kids are left to settle down by them selves and read books quietly till they fall asleep. Last  night after the kept wandering in to ask me questions I just told them to hop in my bed. When 10:00pm rolled around what did I find but Nancy exiled to the kids room...her bed too! and all three sleeping on my floor where the dog usually is. I couldn't help but snap a picture of them before re-arranging them to into a more comfortable place. Mr. Steel looked like he was going to be sucked under the bed. Cant have any of that. Its bad enough that occasionally they crawl under their own beds and freak me out when I go to check on them!

flash back

Do you ever notice how hard it is to be a parent compared to being a kid. Yeah, the bill paying part is terrible too but that's not what I am talking about.Here's the thing. My girl whom I love SOOO much gets made fun of by some girls in her peer group. I got made fun of too. Most of the time I would keep it bottled in and not tell my mom. My girl does the same. Back to the point, its way harder being the mom and not stepping in. You feel like taking charge and running in. Mom saves the day. No heart aches, tears, hurts or quiet moments crying in bed. Urgh. It stinks. If I step in she will never learn to stand on her own and not let what others think change who she is. Dubble URGH. Last year at VBS she stayed with me instead of facing the wrath of her peer group...after all Hannah her bestest wasn't in the class.. I knew she would come home sad and not want to go back again so she stayed in the younger group. This year she is going to give it a try. This mom stuff is hard to do especially when it comes to allowing them to grow up!

construction day

The neighbors are getting some work done on their yard...Mr. Steel was by far the most impressed. You can see it in his eyes.

VROOOMMMM BABY!

This is the go-cart Greg has been making for the kids. Eventually it will have an engine too...take that pow pow power wheels!

whoopsie mommy

Why Mr. Steel what happened to all your beautiful hair?

Gee I dont know,....mom was cutting and then said whoops...sooo

exhibit A...mom found guilty on all charges of ridding her little surfer dude of his bleach blond hair

*Sniff* Tear*

boquet of flowers

My brother got mom flowers for mothers day. Big Gerber daises among an assortment of other variety. Personally I have never been much of a cut flower person. Its disappointing when they wither and die. The kind you shove in the ground and appreciate for years...much better. My daughter is doing a speech assessment for school and so today we spend an hour going over her paper and practicing. Little kids voices are adorable. I remember the first time my dad recorded mine. Digital cameras make it more fun because she can watch the video and critique herself. Her teacher calls tomorrow to go over what my girl has for the rest of the school year (yeah almost summer...oh wait I have said that before) and then she will get the chance to present her 'how to make cookies' speech. ORVA has an omsi outing for the school on Wednesday. Considering its a chance to get in for free I'm going! They will have samples of the curriculum for the parents to browse through as well as hearing from the director about improvements for next year.
  In other news, my friend and I are helping out in VBS. Last year I tried to just drop off. Both my kids told me they did not have any fun and that they did not want to go. VBS has such good memories for me, I wanted my kids to feel the same so I went and helped. They reason they didn't want to stay was obvious! There were TONS of kids in the 4's and 5's group and very few leaders....*eyes big* Seriously, what else was I doing at home anyway? I stayed and helped for the rest of the week. This year I actually volunteered. No no I'm not patting myself on the back...rather, I'm owning up to the fact that instead of being drug to the line of fire I signed my name on the execution roster. (yes I am joking) Looks like we will have a crazy fun class full of great games and exciting puppet shows...also around 30 kids! I will be making backpacks out of the remaining fabric in my tub and working up a good script for the puppets. Fortunately I happen to have a lot of puppets. HEY! Stop looking at the screen that way, totally normal adults own puppets....well okay...if you want to take that sort of stance on it......the puppets belong to my KIDS...heh heh. What am I getting at??? nothing. Its just going to be one wild, crazy, fun, exhausting and busy week in the middle of the summer.
 One more thing before I go. My cowboy sam collection grew today. Cowboy Sam and the Indians arrived in the mail leaving only 5 left in the world that I do not currently own. This fetish is the closest I get to nostalgia and collecting. Cowboy Sam books were the first books I remember reading along with curious George so its a fun thing to collect..  The kids can read them and I don't have to feel like they are wasting space on the shelf.

this means something....this is important

here's a shout out to my brothers love of sci-fi movies...these are mashed potatoes if you were wondering

yad srehtom yppah

I'm thankful for such a great mom who has inspired set my goal high.

 She is loving and kind, but is like a headstrong horse...fun to be with!

 Thank you mom for all your heart, patience and fun.

Happy mothers day

as for the title, its happy mothers day backwards...just thought I would break up all the blog title monotony

good night

Lately we have been riding bikes in the evening. It has been helping to make bedtime more pleasant. Two years ago I bought a kiddy trailer for the bike thinking it might be useful sometimes. It seemed silly since all my kiddos are old enough to ride by them selves..sort of a reversion to baby gear? Anyhoo,...When I purchased it from the bike shop I asked the man how much weight it would hold. He smiled and said, "its only made to hold 50lbs but occasionally when my 9 and 11 year old are acting up I make them ride in it."  A suitable punishment if you ask me. But, back to the matter at hand. I did my own mental calculating and figured three would fit squish together nicely and bought it. Now in the evenings when we head out to ride I don't have to listen to the one tired child cry that its not fun. I simply let him take his plastic monsters in the trailer and listen to battle noises while the active two speed along. A worthy use of stimulus money. Last night we went for a quick ride around the block, came home to play a board game and Mr. steel was so tired he fell asleep on the couch. :) That makes for one HAPPY mama. Then the other two fell peacefully a slumber as the house was empty of everyone but me. Mom and Dad came home after their meetings to a quiet/clean/peaceful house. These type of days don't come often but when they do I exhale out all the troubles and breathe in the moment.

thinking

My posting has been here and there and everywhere lately....I have been thinking about using a format. My sister and several other bloggers use a subject per day IE- wordless Wednesday, writing Pilate's etc. Do you like the randomness or would it be nice to have some structure? let me know.

elena #4

elena #3

baby elena #2

baby elena picture #1

camera fun

dad got a new tri-pod yesterday..he is trying out the timer

Science and the great outdoors

We are nearly finished with our science for the school year and so I decided after learning about the ins and outs of digestion (yup I meant to pun) We headed outside for exploration purposes. How fortunate today had scatted sunshine! We found spindlings, ladybird beetles and several other bugs not worthy of pictures. Science this year has been most enjoyable. Its my best subject and I enjoy teaching it. Aren't the spiders so amazing? I use to like finding wolf spider lings when I was young. They attach themselves onto their mother....so if you flick her hundreds of little spiders are flung off.

Quaaack 2

Wow these ducks are growing like mad! Its no wounder that they reach maturity by 6 weeks. Mr. steel gets up every morning and holds his duck first thing. Yesterday I looked over to see it grooming his hair. Funny stuff.

big big house with lots and lots of room

Audio adrenalin sang a song years ago about God's house. Yes folks I know what records are too..hold your applause. The lyrics talked about how Gods house had lots of room and plenty of food and a big back yard and a huge table. Sounds nice right, may haps a little crazy and loud too? Defiantly loud. We live in a house that gets crazy and loud. We go through lots of food ('oh man' eye bulge) and the table is expandable. With all the chaos I forget how fast life is racing by and just shrug it off with very little thought. Night time brings out the contemplative side.(must be all that quiet ;) I see their sleeping bodies and think, " Man oh man! Precious time, time is precious!" How quick they race toward adulthood. Wasn't it last night I was thinking I had to make school decisions and voila she is nearly through 1st grade!? Its a long road ahead and yet simply a crazy moment in time when I look back. Hopefully I will be able to see me in the midst of everything having fun instead of fretting about it. I will adapt/change...yet a better word comes to mind. I will grow. Grow in grace.

click here

a few hours of peace

No I'm not talking about bed time. Since the world is starting to get light later and I have no black out blinds bedtime...well you know what i mean. Two of my friends and I have started taking two days a month off with the purpose of reading Gods word together. We eat, read, pray, and talk. Its been SO amazing. Defiantly needed. Jogging and Pilate's has taken most of the motivation from getting up early (5:00am) so getting bible time in on a daily basis isn't easy. You may be thinking excuses excuses...but really how easy is it to listen to Gods word when the kids are asking you ???non stop or your up so early that you find your coffee cup empty and cant remember if you drank it! Twice a week felt like a boost without having it be time consuming. James is a good growing book to read and although Max Lucado gets a little touchy feely for me the study on James is well written

I have also been thinking about Em, she has this devotional sent to her e-mail and ever since she praised it I have been mulling. Gods word is important. It keeps the facts strait...and as a mom I need all the help I can get.

zoo with friends

Last month I rode into the zoo with my friend April and her three kids. She drove her monster suburban and parked it like a pro in one of those teeny zoo parking places. I was surprised to find it so crowded but we all enjoyed the day out. Not to mention it counts as school. ;)