Chatter Boxes

There have been some changes happening around here.  As of this week, I'm home full-time with the boys.  I've left the world of hospital social work and have embarked on a much bigger challenge. 

It's day 4 and...well...it's been rough.  I'm not gonna lie.  Now, the boys and I have done some fun things but even with the fun, there are adjustments to be made and change doesn't always come easy.

The boys are testing their boundaries to see if the previous rules still apply (they do) and I'm reminding myself that this is normal with a change in routine and it won't last forever (at least to this degree).

We know that ultimately this is what is best for our kids and we'll power through these initial challenges.

For now though, let's just pretend that all is peachy and focus on the fun. 

Tuesday morning (bright and early in order to beat the crowd) the boys and I picked blueberries at a local u-pick place .  Since then we've made blueberry cobbler, blueberry muffins, and John made us blueberry waffles on Wednesday morning. 








I'm sure there will be many more fun-filled days ahead.  I'm sure there will be many more fun-filled days ahead.  I'm sure there will be many more fun-filled days ahead.  Yes...I know I said it three times.  It's a mantra of sorts. 

Send good thoughts our way.  And you KC moms...I'll take any tips on local free fun, learning, energy burning, etc. 

Our little family of four participated in a walk to benefit childhood cancer research a couple weeks ago.  We started the walk near the back of the pack and Seth couldn't figure out how in the world we were going to win if we didn't run                  (to him walk = race).  He and John picked up the pace (and took a major shortcut).  I however would like credit for walking the entire course while pushing a nearly - 40 pound child.



Easter Monkeys

The Loot (Alternate Title:  The Foot)



"Mommy!  I found one!  I can't reach it."

For those that like to compare, here's Easter 2010.

We've embarked upon Garden Season 2011.  We always start out very ambitious, dreaming of luscious rows of veggies.  Last year we pared down and only did a few basics.  Only the tomato and cucumber survived to give us a tiny little harvest.

We're getting bigger this year.  Or so we hope.

The plan:
Cherry Tomatoes - we have a fairly good track record with these.  Not many made it into the house last year because Colin would make a beeline for the ripe red ones and before I could get to him, into his mouth they would go.  He's promised to leave us some this year.
Cucumber - another winner.  We had fewer last year than the year before but we're good for at least a few (dozen). 
Lettuce - not a winner but we keep trying.  We can get it to grow but it always tastes bitter and we don't eat it. 
Spinach - a new entry this year.  I have no expectations so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't work.
Okra - another new try.  I hate it.  John likes it.
Summer Squash - I can't remember if we've tried this one before.  I think I would remember if we had been successful.  We discovered last summer that both the boys love squash (I hate it).
Green and Red Peppers - We had good success a couple years ago.  They never made it past the sprout stage last year.
Corn - I've given up on this one but John continues to try it year after year.  This year he's planted 3 or 4 varieties.

Seed starts in the kitchen window

Cucumber sprouts


So there you have it.  Depending on how well things go - I may become that crazy lady at church who brings sacks full of tomatoes and makes people take them home.

Chad and Katie watched the boys last weekend while we attended a wedding.  Katie brought her fancy camera and took pictures. 



Colin - Super Size






This picture perfectly captures Seth's personality

Thanks Chad and Katie for such a good time and for sharing your pictures.