iSaw the Signs

Outside my Window:  It's been quite sunny lately with spatterings of rain, temps have been in the 80s all week.

What's on my Mind: Oh so many things.  Spoke with a lunch lady from one of our schools and asked if they are allowed to even cook for the kids anymore?  Like if someone donated meat to them that was raised locally to use.  All the food in the schools is "government packaged" to meet all the required "standards" and is basically warmed up and put out.  Wow, how sad is that.

The lack of success in my veggie garden is annoying.  Things are growing nicely then a critter comes in and feasts!  My corn and zucchini still look untouched but the beans, spinach, and peas gots wiped out.  Used to have a kitchen garden up by the house, perhaps I need to work closer in again.

Finding ways to keep my boys on track when it comes to their schooling.  We had some dips in grades and I don't want that to become a habit.  I know they are capable of better and sliding will not go on for long.  There's a fine line between nagging and encouraging.

Thankful for:  Having the time to get things done in my gardens and around the property.  I have a row of beautiful perenniels that got overtaken by grass and trumpet vine that was finally conquered.  Ben and Ethan rescued an area of hollyhocks, helianthus, and rose of sharon and pruned two humungus spirea. Got a great deal on impatient flats and added some color to the shade and gramma garden.  It may seem like a small thing but gardening represents a type of progress to me at this stage in my life.

 

Creative Endeavors:  While Fox was up at grandpa's property helping with the cabin construction I took the opportunity to clear out his room and remodel.  We had changed out the windows a while back but they were never framed in, plus there was some drywall issues to deal with.  I had a great time transforming the room and finally getting it finished.  This room is on its third metamorphesis, it was Alex's bedroom at one point and then my office before it became Fox's lair.  Still working on some finishing touches but the result has received favorable compliments.

Latest Project:  Ethan and I built this cage frame from scraps of wood Rob brought home from the shop.  The rabbits are getting to the age the genders need to be separated.

My 3 Sons:  Fox worked all week and the younger two for a couple days helping grandpa build a cabin on his property.  I hope they were good workers.

My relentlessness on putting the video games away for periods of time has prompted the boys to find other interests one of which is Dungeons and Dragons.  I'm all for it, let the imaginations run wild! 

Ethan did not make the All-Star team but it's fine we're all ready for some down time to putz around at home.  Ben is starting to make sure he has everything in order for Space Camp and has been invited to be in the 4th of July Parade with the other crews.  He said he would do it.  Both of the boys have also helped with the 4H Feeds Families Committee by giving presentations at the Freemasons and Knights of Columbus meetings to raise funds to use at this year's Fair.  Fox is going to present to our orthodontist who like to support 4H each year as well.  We're still waiting to find out about some grant money.

The first Born:  ...just got a letter sent to the house from BK Main Office.  I let Ethan read it to her since we were driving....it was to announce she is getting a raise and to thank her for her hard work and loyalty.  Sweet! 

Employment News:  Summer vacation.  Working for free.  Workin' on me!

Hoping to Improve:  Still contemplating the "Garbage Project".  So many products, so many processes.  I admire Alex's vegan loyalty, it is not easy to change eating habits especially when you live with others beside yourself.

Food for Thought: "Why don't I do things I say I want to do?" The answer is in your subconscious beliefs. Learn how to detect these sabotaging beliefs and how you can change them.  ~Ten Habits of Natually Slim People

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iGot my Mojo Back

Outside my Window:  It is just about dusk after a very busy day working outside in the gardens.  Although it was sunny and clear until afternoon, the clouds are moving in just in time to hopefully give my new seeds a nice rain during the night.

What's on my Mind: End of the school year activities: Spring Sports Banquet, 6th Grade Graduation, Middle School Honors NIght, wondering if Ethan will make All-Stars, and booking a variety of appointments for all.

Thankful for:  A fun day at the Feast of Ste Clair with the boys and my good friend and avid history buff.  It was a beautiful day and we learned a lot as we made our way through the encampments and amid the traders.  Ethan tried weaving on a small loom.  I was impressed by the officer's quarters.  Ben blew some of his hard earned money on some homemake cream soda that was yummy.  I sprung for the refill so we could try the homemade rootbeer.  It was also scrumptious, we brought it home and made floats!  There was great music: drum and fife core, Native American, string ensembles, a men's acapella group, and more but the highlight of the day was the battle reenactment.  Very well done with the British, French and Colonists.  I took tons of photos but I'll only share a few here.

 

 

Creative Endeavors:  ???

Lastest Project:  Still working on gardens.  Fox helped today and we cleared out the Herb Garden, I severely divided back the Tarragon, rediscovered the Garlic Chives and plain Chives, planted French Thyme, and some Dill.  Putting a salsa bed in by the herbs, planted tomato plants and seeded in peppers that we propagated ourselves.  Alex stopped by with some girlfriends and they helped me get the Veggie Garden in: two rows of Davers Carrot, three rows of Blue Lake Bush Beans, a row of beets, a thick row of Swiss Chard, a row of Edamame, four rows of Super Sweet Corn, and five mounds of Tricolor Zucchini.  Need to find a place for some pie pumpkins and watermelons also.

My 3 Sons:  Fox got the results from his x-rays and there is no tearing on the tibia, fibia or anywhere at the knees.  Recommendation is better shoes and a script for Ibuprophen 600.  He is running very little right now, taking the meds, and icing his legs to recover before our school's Cross Country Camp.  He has different shoes and some really good insoles which have been helping.  Theory is that the problem stemmed from him trying out 0 lift shoes during his winter training....not a good thing for his pronating feet.  Hopefully he's on the mend and back on track.

Ben will be going on his class trip to Lansing this week.  I am not chaperoning this one but will be subbing that day.  Soccer is done and we're lightly discussing how we should proceed for next year but no decisions have been made yet. 

Ethan has a few more baseball games left and on Sunday we will be going to a Loon's game in Midland.  Grades are looking good, all As except for Math which is at a B but he's thinking with these last few grades he can make it an A.  He just learned how to do showmanship at rabbit club and is supposed to be working with his bunnies.  Bugsy is a real poser as you can see.

The first Born:  Alex has gone complete vegan and her boyfriend is now vegetarian.  It is extremely restrictive, I don't totally get it but wish her good luck.

Employment News:  I've been subbing a lot lately and have resigned myself to the idea that this is the best work situation for me right now.  It is nice to be able to bring the boys up to school or home after with me and also to stay in the loop with what's going on in their schools and classes.  The only bummer is no pay in the summer but I can always supplement with things as I've always done.  Still open to a new situation should it present itself.

Hoping to Improve:  Not being so crazy throughout the summer, having just the right amount of down time and busyness.

Food for Thought:  When nutritious food feels satisfying and exercise feels like play, there will be no soldiers left in the battle of the bulge.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

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