tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62930215858205846682012-02-08T22:21:57.241-06:00An online journal inspired by the antics of our four children and a passion for my zone 6 Kansas garden. This blog is a lot like a box of chocolates. . .You never know what you're gonna get (modified from Forrest Gump)Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.comBlogger3411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-84470625527646920562012-02-06T13:59:00.002-06:002012-02-06T13:59:58.386-06:00

6 more weeks of winter. . I'm thinking. . 6 more weeks of THIS winter, such as it has been. . won't be that bad!! Here's a little gardening post to get us all excited about spring! My little cherry tomatos made it!! I picked 2 yesterday (you can see several ripening behind the red one). I ate the first one. .and it took all the power I had in me to share the second little morsel with the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-80765506568661803572012-02-02T20:35:00.000-06:002012-02-02T20:35:08.145-06:00

In a Pants Down World. .catchy title. . Yes?? That's where we hung out with 24 junior and high school kids Friday through Saturday.  We had a TERRIFIC time!! 2 years ago. .that same title being advertised on the radio station got my attention as I drove to the health department in Oklahoma.  I heard it several times before I actually checked it out. I found out that it was a Christian based 

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-12662729293038973142012-01-30T21:13:00.000-06:002012-01-30T21:13:26.596-06:00

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, foodies like me start thinking about what kind of fun food we're going to prepare. While on my way to Boston last spring for a conference, I leafed through a taste of home magazine given to my by a friend. Because it was spring, there were several recipes using asparagus. I am not typically a lover of asparagus. .but I am finding ways of fixing it

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-38452734124779041002012-01-23T13:38:00.000-06:002012-01-23T13:38:12.222-06:00

This winter has been amazingly mild! And I'm not complaining after the biting cold from last winter. It makes me hopeful that our summer will not turn out to be so hot!! I have found several gardening projects to keep me out of trouble, and my gardening passion fueled through the dormant months. I have repotted many houseplants, tried some winter sowing projects, and tended to my beloved

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-2466377115284628932012-01-17T13:07:00.001-06:002012-01-17T13:09:24.647-06:00

. .that nearly wasn't!! This golden eagle is missing her right wing secondary to an accident earlier in her life. This necessitates that she be in captivity for the rest of her life. I can happily say that I can check Eagle watching off of my bucket list!!Last weekend, Devin, Cami, and I headed to mom and dad's. The plan was for them to play with the cousins. .and Mom and I would go to Milford

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-73997265445801446882012-01-11T06:07:00.001-06:002012-01-11T06:07:00.515-06:00

After doing some research lately on winter sowing, a gardening technique I have heard multiple gardeners discuss. .I decided that it sounded intriguing enough to try out.  While my big boys were helping our friend Lane with the destruction and re-struction of a house. .and Miss Thing was asleep. .This nine year old needed something to do. .so we went to the greenhouse to get creative. Winter

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-82710998444889452112012-01-09T11:19:00.000-06:002012-01-09T11:19:29.495-06:00

. .when the crazy and insane madness comes to end at this house in a few more years?? We had a pretty low key weekend. .not a lot of pre-planned activities. .but in retrospect. .a world with four kids is just CRAZY!! There is noise and commotion and movement everywhere you turn!! Maybe that's why I like my blogging so much. .it's just me. .and it's quiet. .and I can reflect a little. .and put

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-79623891927995979952012-01-04T05:59:00.002-06:002012-01-04T06:57:53.277-06:00

With the close of the holiday season and all it brings. .coupled with the REALLY nice weather we are enjoying here in southwest Kansas. .I have gotten a bit of spring fever!! I've enjoyed going through the seemingly endless pile of catalogs to decide which new variety or plant I N-E-E-D to try this year. And have also been able to enjoy some nice outside time as well!! Let it be said. .that

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-5058162982855078992012-01-02T21:32:00.000-06:002012-01-02T21:32:48.135-06:00

The kids made it back to school today! I had a lot of days off over their Christmas break, which isn't always the norm. We enjoyed our time. .but as usual. .the time wears out its welcome. .and routine was a positive thing today! As I worked on my menu project this morning, I thought it might be kind of a fun thing to share.Our bank offers these weekly calenders for free. I discovered a few years

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-85510724317452352212011-12-30T22:08:00.000-06:002011-12-30T22:08:15.837-06:00

As I sit in my bed,  a little under the weather. .I find it REALLY hard to believe that another whole year has passed. .in the blink of an eye really! The Bible tells us that our lives are "but a vapor (James 4:14). . "consumed in smoke" (Psalm 102:3). ."a mere breath" (Job 7:7). A mere breath is not very long. .so I'm not even sure how one would measure how long a year is in accordance. .but it

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-85352892145893906982011-12-27T22:13:00.000-06:002011-12-27T22:13:08.863-06:00

We had a GREAT Christmas!! I have lots of photos (really??) to share. .but I just HAD to post this tonight, in the event that I can entice anyone to try this recipe out. Grandma brought this spinach salad starring pomegranate seeds for Christmas dinner. .and it was insanely divine!!Now, I have to say that I have enjoyed pomegranate in alcoholic beverages. .and add the juice to my jalapeno jelly.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-88892864943057722212011-12-24T22:17:00.000-06:002011-12-24T22:17:36.954-06:00

The Lord is Come!!God's house was full tonight. Many people and families were present to wish Jesus a happy birthday. The children wore us down, and gleefully opened a present when we got home this evening. The kids and I drove 50mph all the way to town, singing Christmas carols at the top of our lungs, (that was the deal. .sing the carols. .and sing them loudly. .or I would drive slower,

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-25358889665664250382011-12-20T21:32:00.000-06:002011-12-20T21:32:13.863-06:00

A 100% chance of snow.That's what we had!! We were expecting a total accumulation of 4-8 inches.It rained all day Monday. .We had 1.30 inches of much needed moisture!!The temperatures dropped. .as expected, and I dumped my rain gauge!!It continued to drizzle all evening.The wind blew. .also as expected, wreaking havoc with my decor.We were anticipating blizzard-like conditions. . They even called

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-67082086206785484562011-12-19T14:06:00.000-06:002011-12-19T14:06:57.134-06:00

Well, this past weekend we officially started our Christmas get togethers. .with my family. We had a very short visit on Thanksgiving. .so we were excited to have a longer weekend to hang out. We always have a good time!This was the cutest photo of the weekend. .Grant and my sister. And the first photo was our annual attempt to get 13 kids to look and smile at the same time. .you can see we

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-84360883288577029092011-12-12T15:26:00.000-06:002011-12-12T15:26:57.641-06:00

I think that I have established the fact that I love Christmas. It's my "all-out" holiday. I love to decorate. .I love to make goodies. .I love the music and stories. .and I love all the many activities associated with it!The decorating usually takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. .just because I like to enjoy the festive colors as long as possible. It seems like every year things get

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-26346443063472982242011-12-08T22:54:00.000-06:002011-12-08T22:54:58.981-06:00

I love Christmas. .and everything about it. .the lights and glitter. .the cheer. .the warm fuzzy feelings. .the meaning of the season. .and the FOOD!! I always love the day when I get to flip to the back of my beloved family cookbook and map a plan. This year, my "plan" includes 8 different kinds of candy (with 6 of those under our belts as of this evening), 7 different cookie/bar recipes. .and 9

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-33052920247473528862011-12-06T15:56:00.002-06:002011-12-06T16:01:18.245-06:00

We celebrated our last birthday of the year at our house!! Miss Camille got to open most of her presents early this year. .which was good with her! And by the time her day finally rolled around. .it was pretty quiet! Her mom had to be gone for a short training. .it was a school day. .so everyone was gone for the day too. Her dad helped her make cupcakes to take to daycare. I was advised that she

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-16285867480615656112011-12-04T22:10:00.001-06:002011-12-04T22:11:32.811-06:00

So, I have found 2 fun new places in the wonderful world of internet this past weekend. I have introduced myself to Pandora (free) internet radio. .and have been bouncing around for 3 days now, high on MercyMe holiday radio!! What a great concept!! I know, all of you probably already know all about it and now understand what a techno-geek I REALLY am!! Our desktop sits at our desk in nearly the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-48072677760516034392011-11-29T12:00:00.000-06:002011-11-29T12:00:02.489-06:00

In addition to celebrating a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family from far away. .we celebrated another little "something special" that happens around this time every year too!! This guy got to turn NINE! Which, last I checked. .is only one year from being a whole decade. .and that TOTALLY doesn't seem right to me!! We got to anticipate an induction with him (since we lived an hour away from any

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-7855955732590237342011-11-24T00:12:00.001-06:002011-11-24T00:12:00.704-06:00

Psalm 100:4Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. I've been thinking for the last few days about what I am REALLY thankful for. Of course, there are the obvious things. .my faith, my family, our friends, a warm home, my work. .and a multitude of God's provisions for me. I wanted to go beyond the obvious, and reflect on something

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-64848414611396889952011-11-21T13:57:00.000-06:002011-11-21T13:57:38.205-06:00

I'll have to admit, that by Sunday, we were getting tired! And we would have never survived another full day in the city by Monday!! But we RAN full speed ahead on Sunday. .and still got to see lots of cool things! Are you ready for the final tour?First stop was the Intrepid museum.  It was an old aircraft carrier turned museum. At 912 feet long and 192 feet wide on the flight deck. .it was the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-27346213745793779222011-11-19T22:32:00.000-06:002011-11-19T22:32:34.042-06:00

. .and everything in between!! That's what we did on Saturday.  We started with the Empire State Building.We rode the New York City Skyride on the 2nd floor first. I generally don't get motion sick. .but after several alcoholic beverages the day before and less than my normal quota of water. .it wasn't a good experience for me. I happened to be sitting in the middle on the bench of about 6 people

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-34361855502138759772011-11-17T22:31:00.000-06:002011-11-17T22:31:09.144-06:00

So. .I may have mentioned earlier that my friend and coworker, Cindy and I have been tossing around the idea of "kidnapping" our totally country bumpkin (in the best sense of the phrase) hubbies for about 6 years now. I decided after I went to New York City about that long ago with another coworker. .that everyone should go see it at least once.  We have talked about it several times a year ever

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-68767905318045056822011-11-11T06:46:00.002-06:002011-11-11T06:46:00.625-06:00

Give me your tired, your poorYour huddled masses yearning to breathe freeThe wretched refuse of your teeming shoreSend these the homeless tempest-tost to meI lift my lamp beside the golden door!So, with lots of merciful blessings. .and some plain 'ole good luck. .If you are reading this. .means that we successfully boarded the plane bound for New York City Thursday morning. .before the crack of

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-16069285211630795282011-11-09T05:28:00.002-06:002011-11-09T05:28:00.046-06:00

I am not a fan of facebook. I rarely get on. .and if I do. .I might run down the first page of posts to find a newsworthy item or two. A few weeks ago, I found myself scrolling down the page when I saw a post to a friend of ours from church about family photos. The girl inquiring wasn't able to make it to the sitting. .and since I had mentioned having Deb take our photos this summer. .I decided

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-19702109661627253692011-11-07T11:59:00.001-06:002011-11-07T13:04:29.235-06:00

We enjoyed a super three day weekend full of little things. .with a couple of projects thrown in! I was so pleased to be able to get to some things that have needed done for quite a while. .like going through some clothes, cleaning up a closet space or two, and a little reorganization project in the kitchen.  I don't know if any of you make lists or not. .but I started one Friday of the things

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-29274181674004637822011-11-03T06:10:00.001-05:002011-11-03T06:10:00.796-05:00

We have really been enjoying the mild weather this fall. Some years we miss fall altogether as we go directly from hot to cold! This year after the blazing hot summer, we have really savored each beautifully temperate day! The flowers really started blooming, which was a site for sore eyes! We had a lovely afternoon last Thursday and I grabbed my camera to see what was going on. .this week is

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-43101990741498053902011-11-01T16:42:00.000-05:002011-11-01T16:42:06.267-05:00

I'm not sure why Halloween is such an intriguing and enticing holiday for me. .but I just ADORE it!!No matter that it is the only day of the YEAR where it is completely acceptable and expected that even adults eat candy AS their evening meal. .Or whether it is the excitement of dressing up and being anyone in the world other than yourself for a few hours. .Or maybe it is the first morning-after

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-83148636934949845682011-10-30T22:00:00.000-05:002011-10-30T22:00:49.318-05:00

Tristan. .crazy 15 year old! This is hands down. .one of the craziest weeks we have had around here in a LOOOOONG time!!I have endured. .a family photo shoot, the annual meeting of the extension board I volunteer on, the death of Jeremy's grandpa, school conferences for 3 children in 2 different schools. .  Devin decorated this black widow "pumpkin" for the decorating contest at school. He got

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-14865521215845342412011-10-25T13:42:00.001-05:002011-10-25T14:46:18.965-05:00

It was that time again. .Salsa time!!Lisa came out Saturday for our annual salsa-makin' marathon! Of course this year we didn't have ANY frozen tomatos from our gardens. So, she bought 3 cases of salsa-cut tomatos.  It just works so much faster. .and you'd never know the difference!It takes a lot of jars!! We send 'em through the dishwasher first so they are good and clean. I filled my dishwasher

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-15141167626958693222011-10-22T22:12:00.000-05:002011-10-22T22:12:19.328-05:00

We've been enjoying some crisp fall days here! The expected low Wednesday night was 27. So I picked a huge bouquet of the cosmos to grace my bathroom. I have to admit that it is my first vaseful in the bathroom since May!! How disappointing. .I like to have fresh flowers from the yard in the bathroom throughout the summer. .but the gardens were not very productive. .and my motivation was less

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-36650247248247337742011-10-17T14:21:00.001-05:002011-10-17T14:39:59.412-05:00

The dragsta! Everywhere he goes, people LOVE this truck!! Since we enjoyed that 1 1/2 inches of rain 2 weekends ago, you may recall that it also cancelled Jeremy's weekend at the races with his motorhead buddies. October is the last month of racing until March, and he likes to go as often as he can that last month. So, when he started whining about missing the race and considered going to the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-61313707227953768522011-10-14T06:23:00.001-05:002011-10-14T06:23:00.366-05:00

Fall is one of my favorite times for baking! My kitchen has been buzzing with activity. .mainly with trying out new recipes ideas that are starting to stack up.  This recipe though, was put in our family cookbook by my sister. We were hungry for chocolate dessert the other day, so Cami and I whipped some up.She insisted on helping. .so I put her to work crushing oreos with her fist. .(yes. .there

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-33049319261995281202011-10-12T05:27:00.001-05:002011-10-12T05:27:00.756-05:00

Saturday will go down in my memory as one of our best family days EVER. .courtesy of being on hold to argue about a 6 cent bill. You see, I never open my internet/cell phone bill in a timely manner. .because it gets auto-debited from my bank. However, for the 4th month in a row. .I was sent a second bill from a $2 amount (that had been paid) that resulted after we switched our accounts around in

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-15461818691841723012011-10-10T15:16:00.000-05:002011-10-10T15:16:41.136-05:00

October 10, 2011I do, hereby, proclaim this day. .the summer of 2011 to be the WORST gardening season of my career. But alas. .my reward for persistence and stupidity. .The FIRST tomato of the season!! Mater Sandwich has finally provided a fruit for our labor!! With a few more on the vines that may or may not ripen in time for eating. If they do not ripen before frost. .they will be eaten fried.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-39141852790803362832011-10-04T11:59:00.000-05:002011-10-04T11:59:15.597-05:00

So, last week I finally broke down and purchased a dry erase white board to hang on the side of my fridge, that everyone can see when they come in the door. It seems that we are going in so many directions now, that I needed it to keep MY sanity! This weekend was no different!!! Everyone went in different directions. .and it was sure fun to hear stories and check out cameras Sunday night!! All

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-18107286791546459482011-09-29T15:10:00.000-05:002011-09-29T15:10:33.118-05:00

It's so hard to believe that the summer has come and gone. We are enjoying cooler temperatures. .and though my gardening time is now severely restricted. .I do manage to find a few moments here and there to enjoy it!We have had so much fun watching the dragon flies and butterflies this summer. .I never imagined that there were so many different kinds of dragonflies. .I have been taking their

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-14115724005573418372011-09-26T22:01:00.000-05:002011-09-26T22:01:28.045-05:00

This past weekend found us running like chickens. .from CT scan of Tristan's foot, to homecoming parade, to homecoming game, to my hometown parade, to family dinner, to my TWENTY year class reunion and back again. WOW!  First of all, I must say it seems surreal that these people. .the only ones I knew for the first 18 years of my life. .have been distant for over 20 years now!! We graduated with

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-46763809964766791972011-09-24T05:47:00.001-05:002011-09-24T05:47:00.725-05:00

So here is my last new recipe to share. .a few months ago I found a recipe for oatmeal using steel cut oats. It had golden raisins and dried cranberries in it, topped with brown sugar and broiled. We like oatmeal, so I looked for the steel cut variety. .with no luck. Several weeks ago I spotted some by accident and picked them up, hoping that I could remember what the recipe was and that I could

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-28359039815458187662011-09-22T11:06:00.000-05:002011-09-22T11:06:13.124-05:00

We attend a small community church out in the country. A few years ago, a few motivated parents started a junior high youth group to accommodate the aging population of our kids. This is our 3rd year now, and it just gets to be more fun every year.  Now, I'll bet you wouldn't have expected to see this photo in a church related post. .but it's just one example of the things that small town-folk do

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-55669849421035880892011-09-21T06:01:00.001-05:002011-09-21T06:01:00.795-05:00

So far, not much rain has panned out of the damp, cool weather. But it has gotten me motivated to get the greenhouse in order, and to get some cool weather cooking going!! We are all enjoying the fall decorations around the house too.  Last Thursday, was the perfect day to make a pot of chili and these hearty muffins. Good thing too. .as we sat in the stands at Grant's football game that night 

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-24492830017346992802011-09-19T10:39:00.000-05:002011-09-19T10:39:40.135-05:00

Upon wakening Saturday morning. .I found it gloriously cool and foggy. .promising chances of rain. .a quiet day. .and the motivation to do some indoor activities. .like BAKING!Our primary plans for Saturday included going to my sister-in-laws for supper to celebrate my neices 10th birthday. Homemade bread seemed like the thing for me to contribute to her brisket meal.  This was the second time I

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-13578033411504620562011-09-15T14:29:00.000-05:002011-09-15T14:29:36.716-05:00

. .If only in our dreams!I have heard about craftin' parties and have seen lots of cool articles about hostessing one. .but I have never been to one. .until now!!Our friend Pat that works at our local clinic is a master crafter.And somehow, the girls at work decided that we were going to get together to make Christmas trees out of wool. So we did!! And what a fun time we had.This little guy was

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-56222533120196441642011-09-12T12:00:00.001-05:002011-09-12T12:54:43.506-05:00

. .but just barely!! We've been pretty crazy here, and for the first time in my ENTIRE 38 years. .I wonder if I might completely lose my mind before it is over. I did think this morning in the shower that we are very lucky. .we only have to do this super crazy stuff for one year. .then both older boys will be in high school, on the same schedule. .and Devin will still have 3 years before hitting

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-6914568976005110572011-09-06T10:26:00.000-05:002011-09-06T10:26:09.651-05:00

Hope you all had a great, long Labor Day weekend. .filled with lots of food and fun!! We had a great weekend for sure. .pretty laid back, but with lots of activity too. This was one of my favorite weekend activities!!A friend commented to me over the weekend that "when you guys come up with a project. .you are quick!" I had to laugh out loud. .because by now. .I know just what two type A

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-70284662174679099882011-08-30T13:10:00.000-05:002011-08-30T13:10:56.942-05:00

This summer has been hot. .one of the hottest on record. .Wait. .have I said that before??I have re-evaluated my gardening tactics, and come up with a plan B.It is ALWAYS hot here in southcentral Kansas. .always!! This year it is hottER, but not a new concept. Things take a lot of water around this place. .more than I can deliver, even with drip irrigation.I have been trying to plant more natives

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-1560811730404895932011-08-25T16:27:00.001-05:002011-08-25T17:17:00.090-05:00

I've mentioned before that I am not much of a reader anymore. Mostly, because if I get started on a good book, I easily can't put it down and end up neglecting things I should be doing, or staying up WAY too late to read "just a little bit more!" I have been convicted over the last couple years that I need to spend more time learning about the God I serve, and becoming more familiar with

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-60536446920365815162011-08-23T11:21:00.000-05:002011-08-23T11:21:56.653-05:00

Only one more week of August to go. .I don't ever remember being so eager for fall to arrive. This month has certainly been cooler than the previous two, but this week temps are expected to be well over 100 degrees again. We are only a couple days from breaking some heat records (like the most days over 100 in a million years. .maybe not a million. .it just feels that way! I actually think the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-28742675328891995542011-08-20T23:40:00.000-05:002011-08-20T23:40:44.865-05:00

We enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL day here in southern Kansas!! The best day climate-wise in months! It was overcast from the time we got up, till very near sunset. The temperature never got above about 85 degrees or so. It sprinkled a bit. .but perfect weather for being outdoors! Jeremy and Devin went to the drag races last night, which left the rest of here to our own devices! And this afternoon we

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-23546812420454795202011-08-17T13:14:00.000-05:002011-08-17T13:14:59.688-05:00

Well, it's crazy to think that the kids have survived two days of school already! But they have! A little sadness to find I only had 2 kids available to take the annual "back to school" photo! They were all ready to go. Dev has been asking for weeks when it would start. Funny thing. .I found that shirt he's wearing all cleaned and folded up with our camping towels in the big tub last week. I set

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-22180861067142515742011-08-15T14:39:00.000-05:002011-08-15T14:39:10.241-05:00

This past weekend happened to be our annual Lake Canton camping trip with our good friends Lane and Cindy and their youngest Harli. And in more than 15 years of camping all weekend in a tent, we've never had to weather a big storm. . .until this weekend. As luck would have it, I let Dev and Tristan bring a friend for the weekend. (Grant and Harli are the same age, so it worked out great.) So not

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-27622345172673527652011-08-11T13:27:00.001-05:002011-08-11T13:27:00.981-05:00

Last night we were able to sleep with the windows open for the first time in months. .a nice reminder that maybe the cooler fall weather will be here before long. I woke up at 3:52 a.m. to the the sound of a gentle rain hitting the tin roof. As I praised God in my sleepy wakefulness, the rain got harder and harder. No wind. .just glorious heavy rain. 20 minutes went by, then 40 then an hour.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-35249867586461910712011-08-09T14:39:00.000-05:002011-08-09T14:39:22.624-05:00

Can't believe it has been August for a few weeks already! It is finally cooling down here to the 90's, a big improvement. .I assure you! We have had another good rain, and a few evenings with cooler temps and sprinkles. .with some showers in the forecast for the next two evenings(by that I mean more than a 20% chance). Thought I would take a minute to pen an update on my gardens.I find that right

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-34375099932568932422011-08-06T23:05:00.000-05:002011-08-06T23:05:14.188-05:00

Well, it's hard to believe that we have been home a week now. .our vacation already seems like it was an eternity ago!! But, as not to leave you all hangin, I will enlighten you on our last two days of the trip!Friday found us back in Grove in the morning. I told Jeremy that I had wanted to go back and browse through a few of the cool looking little shops that were there. .and also wanted to go

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-35034091916105811252011-08-03T06:04:00.008-05:002011-08-03T06:04:01.536-05:00

So, Wednesday morning we decided to take a tour of the Pensacola Dam on Grand Lake. The mile long dam was built between 1938 and 1940, during WW1. It was the first hydroelectric dam (generates electricity) built in Oklahoma. .and it provides electricity to 24 counties.It has 51 archways and is absolutely beautiful!! At this point in the tour, the guide gave each of the kids a small rock and let

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-58033143629148920152011-08-02T11:56:00.002-05:002011-08-06T23:42:00.288-05:00

Yesterday it was 110 (at 4:00 when I left the clinic). I ordered some agave from my favorite High Country Gardens. .for those that don't know. .they are succulents that LOOOOOVE heat (which we have plenty of, even in a normal year.) I will replace the dead spruce tree you got to witness last week, and put a few of them around in the same area. When I saw this email last night from my dear Uncle

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-30362713934513269402011-08-01T16:09:00.000-05:002011-08-01T16:09:23.415-05:00

This was the first time EVER that I have been on vacation for an entire week. I thought we would be bored at some point. .and was pleasantly surprised to find that we were not, at any time, without something to do. The first morning we took our boat and our map of Grand Lake and navigated our way around the lake. It took around an hour to get to the dam from where we were. We ran into this swan

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-81867071444907227952011-07-30T21:16:00.000-05:002011-07-30T21:16:35.914-05:00

 We've just spent the week here. . .. . .in a cabin on Grand Lake in northeast Oklahoma.We had a safe trip and fun experiences.We stayed busy. .Played hard. .Might have eaten a little too much. .And enjoyed life. . .Every bit of it!! But one things remains true. . .THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!Will be back soon with some of the gory details and best shots from the week!

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-18075997269004857952011-07-26T06:54:00.001-05:002011-07-26T06:54:00.253-05:00

Or maybe it should read "The struggles of a plant's life". .or maybe "The life of a struggling plant". .or what about. ."The plants of a struggling life"Or maybe I'll just get on with my story?So, I had uploaded these photos to post on the other day before we were delighted with the surprise rain showers. Compared to photos from last year. .there is really not much AT ALL going on in the gardens

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-30915881056977183542011-07-23T19:25:00.000-05:002011-07-23T19:25:22.151-05:00

This morning at 9:30 it was 103. I don't even know why I looked, but I did. I rolled my eyes and muttered something under my breath and went outside to move the water hoses around. The high for today was to be 106. .with a 20% chance of rain tonight. We have had a lot of "20% chances" of rain over the last 2 months. .I think to keep people hopeful for the moisture. At our place, we've had not

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-9754275726648966752011-07-18T14:53:00.000-05:002011-07-18T14:53:19.471-05:00

Today feels like the first day of summer vacation. We have survived ball games through the month of June and the county fair that has taken the priority through the month of July. It is fun to watch the kids get excited about their interests and get involved in them, even developing new interests along the way. They were really blessed with great ratings, good advice, and positive feedback this

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-37419993785114075382011-07-15T22:42:00.000-05:002011-07-15T22:42:49.610-05:00

First of all. .the kids had a GREAT week at the fair!! I have some photos and lots of results. .but those will wait for another day. .cause I wanted to share these photos (and it'll be a quicker post for me!)In among the fair activities this week, Tristan celebrated his 15th birthday. He and his dad have been planning for weeks to take the day off today and hang out at the lake with his buddies.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-68792884671639004702011-07-12T12:49:00.000-05:002011-07-12T12:49:37.694-05:00

I don't recall as to whether I have mentioned how hot it has been here?? I think that we are way past 20 days already this summer that have been over 100 degrees. .and many of those days WAAAY over 100. .like over 105. .and several over 110!! Saturday I enjoyed an auction in town until mid afternoon. .and since it was quite hot outside. .I was quite content to sit inside for a while to cool off.

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-18092673073468869022011-07-09T17:20:00.000-05:002011-07-09T17:20:32.950-05:00

So, I've been whining. .A LOT!! Despite the high temperatures and no rain. .I have a lot to be thankful for. .and some lovely things to look at. .even if I have to wander all over the yard to find them! I haven't lost a lot of plants. .and there are even some that seem to be growing rather than just staying alive. I started these coneflowers last winter in the greenhouse, so they are in their

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-75016010617085787792011-07-07T06:02:00.001-05:002011-07-07T06:02:00.903-05:00

The summer just seems to be flying by! Last week was a monumental week here. .we played our last baseball game (taking 3rd place in our league!!). .the kids attended the last summer camp (Tristan and Grant had church camp in Oklahoma all week. .and Devin went to a local football camp). .we wrapped up MOST of our 4-H projects for the county fair that starts next week. .AND we took our first field

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-38426665289311146762011-07-05T13:12:00.000-05:002011-07-05T13:12:53.210-05:00

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays! I love the patriotism, the celebrations of freedom, the fellowship with friends and family. .but I especially enjoy the aerial fire displays!! This year was a little different, in light of the severe drought around our part of the country. The fireworks were banned in our community. .and in many surrounding communities. .big and small. So what else do you

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-65415387623235295052011-06-28T15:00:00.000-05:002011-06-28T15:00:24.601-05:00

We are generally not spontaneous people. I am a planner. .and often like to start planning weeks or months in advance. It's just my personality! But this weekend was different. Secondary to my foul mood due to multiple things, including the aforementioned drought in the previous post, the never-ending home and garden chores, a week-long broken dishwasher saga. .I just felt like I HAD to get out

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-57479054569157372712011-06-27T00:14:00.000-05:002011-06-27T00:14:05.861-05:00

So, for those of you that aren't from around these parts. .we are in a VERY serious drought in southwest Kansas.  And, nearly worse than not having any moisture, is the fact that the temperatures have been in the triple digits ALMOST every day this month. .and a few in May. Today was 114 degrees. .with a drying, parching wind.  Much, MUCH hotter than normal!! Generally, at this time of the season

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-34755465102353022432011-06-22T06:12:00.001-05:002011-06-22T06:12:00.583-05:00

I am so glad to finally be able to write this post!! The bathroom project has taken much longer to finish than I expected. .but it is really finished. .and I can't even begin to voice my excitement! After I finally got rested up from rock hunting, camp nursing, work duties, ball games, 4-H service work, worship music practice, beet harvest and subsequent beet pickling at midnight. .I was FINALLY

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-86048614088277663942011-06-20T11:43:00.000-05:002011-06-20T11:43:49.762-05:00

I am so glad to be finished with my marathon week of being gone to many different places with lots of different beds. I put nearly 1200 miles on vehicles throughout the last week. .and probably a few extra wrinkles on my face! As I reported last week, I helped transport 32 campers to our 4-H camp, and I stayed there as well to work as the camp nurse. I continued to be amused at the activity and

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-80257222657164687542011-06-13T22:36:00.000-05:002011-06-13T22:36:59.807-05:00

Well, it was that time of the year again. .the annual geology trip!This year just my friend Taffi and I went. .hauling 7 kids. .some that were ours, and some that were not. Grant stayed behind and drove the combine for his papa to help finish off harvest. Cami stayed home simply because I can't deal with her on this trip by myself with all the other things that I need to do. That left Tristan and

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-75052531138286039202011-06-09T23:17:00.000-05:002011-06-09T23:17:19.725-05:00

I've been pretty excited about all of the new possibilities for plant and animal life that the new pond has brought. This week has moved that excitement to a sense of success and amazement!As I moved the water lily to a little deeper water earlier this week, I noticed a big, fat bud creeping toward the surface. Tuesday morning, the bud had made it out of the water and I snapped a picture before

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-43446346599342205182011-06-06T14:17:00.003-05:002011-06-06T18:08:36.477-05:00

I am finally resigned to the fact that when raising four children. . .there will no longer be a "slower" time than right now. Seems as if the last few years I find myself saying "oh, we'll wait till _____ when things slow down a little bit" Fill in the blank with summer, winter, next week or whatever. We had a great weekend. .with everyone running. .sometimes in the same direction and sometimes

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-87995510359749462372011-06-04T07:02:00.002-05:002011-06-04T08:37:42.516-05:00

I read blogs from many places around the US and one from Canada. The sentiments seem to be the same everywhere. .the weather this year has been WEIRD! Around here, we have sure been lacking in rainfall. Over the last week or so, we have managed to score several small rains, 1/2 inch or less, but with the incessant wind and blistering heat (upper 90's) the soil is still parched. The pastures

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-44792652731552670922011-06-03T10:36:00.000-05:002011-06-03T10:36:23.076-05:00

. . .you MIGHT just be a hopeless grouch!For those of you that read this blog regularly. .you'll recall that by having 3 boys first, this "raising estrogen" experience is a WHOLE different ball game.  This morning was just another example. This one is ALL about pink. .and nail polish. .and LIPSTICK!Since the bathroom remodel has been in progress, I have hauled my make up back and forth from

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-40557823514029528842011-05-31T14:43:00.000-05:002011-05-31T14:43:12.817-05:00

Hoping everyone had a great Memorial weekend! The kids and I made a road trip to check on my mom's progress Sat/Sun.  She has been graduated to a four-legged cane for about a week now. .and is getting around much better than when I left her a few weeks ago.  We had a very nice weekend. My sister and her kids were there too. We all did some gardening (while mom supervised). She had a lot of small

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-82243397824054283442011-05-27T22:53:00.000-05:002011-05-27T22:53:26.463-05:00

This kid. .. .has been waiting for baseball season to start since last September.  It was his turn. Both the older boys got to play when they were younger. .as time went along. .we found ourselves at 4 games a week, in addition to practices. .mixing busy job schedules and babies into that set up. .and we were WORN out!!  The boys resigned from baseball and returned to our old skiing habits and

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-61622619006562616172011-05-25T06:26:00.002-05:002011-05-25T06:26:00.356-05:00

Has anyone else noticed a "make-over" theme to my blog lately?? Seems like we "make-over" a lot of stuff around these here parts!! BEFORE CHRISTMAS (yikes) my father in law thought I had LOST my mind as he watched me in action at the auction of the estate of a couple of my dearest recently deceased patients. I had been looking for some old metal chairs to use in my yard.  As I looked around

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-44236427431373255332011-05-23T15:44:00.000-05:002011-05-23T15:44:45.418-05:00

This weekend was just what we needed!!! A little more of a relaxed pace. .a time to finish up some drug-out projects. .and a time to just hang out!! Things are beginning to look and feel more like summer.  I got the chance each day to do a little resting on the decks and enjoyed some bird watching too!  We saw lots of interesting ones around. .and the binoculars were kept on the front table all

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-67981051623653010462011-05-20T21:49:00.000-05:002011-05-20T21:49:40.290-05:00

We FINALLY got the funnel planters done that we started in March!!I may have mentioned that we found some super cool old funnels at the flea market on the way home from my folks a couple months back. I was wanting to replicate some funnel planters that I had seen in a garden magazine.  First we took a couple old funnels.  Any size will do, but I chose the largest ones I could find. .because I

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-48751141277932559422011-05-18T21:21:00.000-05:002011-05-18T21:21:00.184-05:00

As one would expect for this time of the year. .Lots of things are going on in the yard too! The spring flowers are still showing off. .and the summer flowers are getting flower buds in preparation of their own displays. The grass is green. .and is starting to fill in the bare spots. .but there are plenty of green weeds doing their part of coloring the landscape too! As in many other parts of our

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-68623535615893497672011-05-16T22:13:00.000-05:002011-05-16T22:13:21.519-05:00

So I have certainly spent a lot of time lately wondering how my kids have grown so fast!! I've been excited, unnerved, sad, proud, and triumphant. .depending on which day it was.  This week, I have finally decided to be ready for this new adventure in our lives!! I hope someone has missed my ramblings over the last couple weeks. .it has just been THAT crazy here!! First things first. .my mom is

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-12887088981377083262011-05-05T22:26:00.001-05:002011-05-05T22:31:48.320-05:00

Track is finished. .Check!Seems like this time of year is when we start checking things off of our proverbial list.  That started this week! School physicals, track meets, youth group, spring music programs. .those are some of the things being checked off.  The boys have had a good year in track.  They enjoy the competition. .and social aspects of the sport.  Tonight was the last meet of the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-64704892320235533352011-05-03T21:08:00.000-05:002011-05-03T21:08:00.259-05:00

In contrast to the mess INSIDE the house. .the mess OUTSIDE the house has been nice to look at. Among the many weeds and undesirable things starting to flourish, are plenty of flourishing things that I incorporated into the landscape!Finally, good luck with a clematis.  I picked this one up at Walmart 3-4 years ago. .and it has verged on death since then. .you know. .won't live. .won't die?? It's

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-11931210120899038962011-05-02T09:57:00.000-05:002011-05-02T09:57:20.527-05:00

. . .and why I need anxiety medicine! It's been 2 days.  My house is a mess. .We have 6 people in a 4 X 4 ft bathroom. .I can't find ANYTHING. .The only toilet we have left has suddenly developed an incessant drip. .And my 9 month old dishwasher has gone on strike. .As of TODAY!!The saga of the shower began when we couldn't find a decent two piece shower (2 piece so that we could get it into the

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-74366302406131956032011-04-30T21:59:00.000-05:002011-04-30T21:59:57.265-05:00

My friend Becky mentioned several months ago that we should enjoy another plant shopping trip to Wichita this spring.  Several weeks ago, we decided on today. .April 30.  Even though we drew the short straw and got to take Camille with us. .we had a GREAT day!! We did a lot of shopping!! And both found some new plants for our water features.  I also found out this week that our carpenter would be

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-48369872487846024642011-04-25T22:16:00.000-05:002011-04-25T22:16:41.239-05:00

  We had a superb Easter weekend.  Wonderful weather. .lots of activities. .great food. .family fun. .and joyous church services!! The kids are getting too fast for me to get pictures at the egg hunt!! Cami (who doesn't have a shy bone in her body) decided that she was too shy to hunt eggs Saturday.  She finally got going and I got a picture or two before she was done. .and by then. .Devin had

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-44318871819839173332011-04-24T06:21:00.000-05:002011-04-24T06:21:42.822-05:00

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed to His Father. ."Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours, be done Luke 22:41. He was asking God, His Father to spare his life, praying so earnestly that his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. I can hardly even imagine that, can you??Today, I'm thankful for Jesus' great

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-31673597525073541552011-04-19T22:33:00.000-05:002011-04-19T22:33:50.062-05:00

. .Where, instead of "parking the car". .they pawk the caw!!What a GREAT place!! There wasn't a great opportunity for me to take pictures. .we were in class early and not out much.  The trolley photos were taken through the old dingy plastic sheeting (since it was SO cold out, they left them down).  Mostly, I will ramble a little about the trip between the photos. .so enjoy the pictures. .and

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-18265907061955586022011-04-17T22:18:00.000-05:002011-04-17T22:18:53.518-05:00

So, I made it home last night LATE!! Apparently, I missed a LOT of wind. .and I was glad.  I have some photos of the city to show you all later this week.  But this post was going to be quicker to wrap up.  I mentioned last week that we had made very little progress on the few projects that we were working on last Sunday.  One of which was a trellis for these two red honeysuckle vines.  This is

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-88070748049369545482011-04-14T14:38:00.000-05:002011-04-14T14:38:34.824-05:00

Just making a quick check in.  Thanks to everyone for their prayers for safety! I made it to Boston Tuesday after very uneventful flights.  I learned how to bravely navigate a Taxi service, survived a very lonely first day/night.  I have an endearing story about my 8 year old and his wish and PRAYER for his mom to find a friend!! I will totally share it with you when I get home.  I met a great

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-40015451435459505202011-04-10T21:39:00.001-05:002011-04-10T21:57:32.299-05:00

My favorite part of spring is the daily changes. .evidenced in the vegetation. .the animal population. .and even in the humans!! We've had a great weekend of work and discoveries! Jeremy, Grant, and Devin took the new dragsta to the race track Friday night and Saturday. .they had a great time. .and the rest of us did too! Tristan enjoyed hanging out with a buddy and Cami and I did lots of

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-71131838906102048162011-04-08T22:02:00.001-05:002011-04-08T22:30:48.553-05:00

 I love birding!! And when I am big enough to retire. .I guarantee that the habitat here will attract them from far and wide, and you will find me in a hammock with my binocs stuck to my eyes!! But, to tide me over until then. .the last two beautiful days have given me some satisfying bird views!! And just like the blog titles suggest. .these beauties were here yesterday and gone today!! As Cam

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-63771600145209324462011-04-06T06:12:00.001-05:002011-04-06T06:12:00.183-05:00

Last Friday, I took the kids to the local nursing home to help the residents make Easter decorations.  They were so cute, I couldn't help but share the pictures.  They started with small clay flower pots that someone had painted white.  Using small sponge sticks of varied sizes, the kids dipped them in different colors of paint and sponged designs onto the pots.Even Cami enjoyed helping. .and her

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-30647872583635808802011-04-04T13:16:00.001-05:002011-04-04T13:17:34.271-05:00

We are back to the usual grind this week after a very enjoyable. .and overdue visit with my family.  We hadn't been back home since Christmas. .so it was nice to be there.  Of course. .the weather was perfect for gardening Friday. .and not even too bad Saturday.  Grant and I planted our beets, carrots, onions, Swiss chard, and some cilantro before we left on Friday afternoon.  The winds have been

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-71506351051771336652011-04-01T06:22:00.002-05:002011-04-01T08:10:26.522-05:00

Those junior cookers were at it again this week.  I like to think of that experience as a great lesson in patience!! We had 8 chefs Monday night. .and since March was National Peanut Month. .we started by making peanut butter popcorn. .which was a hit among the children! Our next recipe came out of this book. .and if you don't have it and love cookies. .it's an excellent choice.  I bought it

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-63447737255254196942011-03-30T06:08:00.002-05:002011-03-30T07:55:57.995-05:00

Though the weather has been as chilly as it looks in the above picture. .there are plenty of things around my yard that say spring is here!!Hyacinths are pretty much my spring time favorite!! The smell is delicious!! Sometime or other I have planted these babies in places I don't even remember planting!! There is a clump about 15 feet from my back door that just entices me to deep breathe every

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-23753123946493212822011-03-28T14:22:00.001-05:002011-03-28T14:37:48.985-05:00

Because I could hardly believe my eyes yesterday!!Do you see it??  Look to the left of the new bluebird homestead. . Un-stinking-believable!! An Eastern Bluebird!!That's what I said yesterday as I dropped my fork and ran for my camera!! The little doll was drinking at the side of my pond. And was scared off by a car coming up the drive.  I never sited it again by the pond. .but we watched it dive

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-60139343351907306102011-03-26T06:01:00.000-05:002011-03-26T08:31:47.560-05:00

Devin and I have been working on making our own bluebird trail.  We had a few pair of bluebirds a few winters ago. .but haven't seen them regularly since.  Lately, I have had my inner conscience nagging me to put up a trail.  So that is what we are doing!! It's so easy because it takes one 5 foot length of a 1X6 board. Pine. .Cedar. .redwood. .Your choice!We chose pine to start with because we

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6293021585820584668.post-23192006523376232722011-03-24T06:12:00.000-05:002011-03-24T06:12:00.409-05:00

Last fall when we put in the pond. .we decided to take out the existing sidewalk.  YEARS ago, we took out the very old, very narrow, very straight sidewalk and put down native limestone (well, native to my mom and dad's place).  I loved it, and it was very functional.  Since we added the sidewalks to the east side of the  house, I have been longing for a wider, windier path to the front. And

Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10476707833109337386noreply@blogger.com7