the brew*crew adventure

The peonies I'd transplanted to our front flower beds a few years ago are blooming gloriously and bountifully this month, after not doing much the last couple of Springs. I guess it just took them a couple of years to get re-established. I've been cutting lots of flowers and bringing them inside, only to find them replaced with new blooms the next day. I love how they make our whole house smell like roses... peonies are definitely a favorite of mine.

Spring is absolutely beautiful here in Tennessee. Our rhododendron bush just finished her spectacular show, as did our lilac bush, red buds and azaleas. We're looking forward to lots of apples this summer, after viewing our apple tree covered in blooms, which will be greatly appreciated after last year's late frost took most of our apple blooms and therefore our apple harvest was sparse. We may even have some cherries as the cherry sapling we planted a couple of Springs ago has gron cosiderably and flowered very nicely this year.

I'm still trying to decide where to plant the blue French mophead hydrangea plant that Chris bought me for Mother's day (another favorite! ). Hmmmm... maybe in the back of the new perennial herb/cottage garden I'm fashioning in the front of our house.

So, what are your favorite blooms (if anyone still happens by this lately dormant blog of mine)?

Thursday Challenge: for fun & learning

"PINK" (Dresses, Makeup, Flowers, Toys, Candy, Grapefruit, Cars,...)

Next Week: COMMON (Everyday Things, Food, Clothing, Things for Learning, Work, Play,...)

I knew that we wouldn't be able to eat all these jalapenoes...

And so, I started googling how to pickle them, and read quite a few different recipes and methods, finally coming up with my own conglomeration of ingredients that sounded good. I made them the other day, and am hoping that they turn out tasty (waiting a few weeks before trying them, to let the flavors blend really well).

Here's what I did:

I sliced up all those japs you see there, and put them into 6 pint-sized jars, added about 5 organic baby carrots on top (decided to go with these instead of slicing the big ones you see peeled there), then a handful of fresh cilantro and a peeled clove of garlic to each jar.

Then I measured out and poured 3 cups of White Wine Vinegar and 4-5 cups (can't remember now?) of organic, raw apple-cider vinegar into my big stainless steel pot, and turned it on medium heat to start it simmering.

Next T added the following to the simmering vinegar:

• 4 bay leaves
• 2 T. peppercorns
• 2 T. cumin seeds
• 2 T. mustard seeds
• 2 T. coriander seeds
• 2 T. sugar
• 2 T. kosher salt

Then we let that simmer until we couldn't stand the stench of the vinegar rapidly filling the house any longer (about 15 mins.). Next I poured the mixture over the veggies in the jar, through a fine strainer, so as to catch all the spices. I removed and trashed the bay leaves, but distributed the rest of the spices evenly among the six jars. I think they turned out really pretty, very colorful.

Then I put the sterilized lids tightly on the jars and put them into a pot of water to simmer/seal for 15 minutes.

Hope I did it right, guess we'll see soon enough!

Banana pudding is one of Chris's most favoritest desserts, and I'm thinking that it will hit the spot later this evening, being cold and refreshing. He's out there working on caulking all the cracks on the exterior of the house before he paints it... in 90 degree weather, today, again, on the wknd., his "day off".

I am just so amazed at how hard he works. Every day these past couple of weeks has been SO HOT here in NE TN, and how my heart and prayers have just gone out to him over and over as I think of him out there trudging through the mountains of Scott Co., VA, climbing those cable poles, in the hot sun ALL day long (and he's been working over-time), to provide for me, our kids, our home! What a blessing he is, and how I do pray that the Lord will soon provide him with an easier job, something not so hard on his body, with more security (stability, benefits, workman's comp. would be nice)... How his heart has been heavy with the cares of this world lately, and the stresses of applying for other work. But how the Lord is blessing him for his faithfulness as well. He just received another raise from his boss this week, who is no doubt impressed with his tough, committed work ethic.

I am so blessed to have such a devoted, hard working and wonderfully loving man. And so anyways... I've just made him some banana pudding (trying this new recipe found below), a small gesture I know (but hey, I'm about to have another one of his babies, that's huge, right? Heh!), but it's something, and it will be good (I hope)... especially with the cream cheese in the mix. And I just pray that the Lord will help me to be the wife and friend he needs for today, and tomorrow, as we travel through these valleys and years together... I am thankful for the many blessings our Lord is bestowing upon us, even in the midst of trials. I can see how the Lord is strengthening Chris's inward man daily through all of these things, and for that I am thankful.

May we ever praise Adonai, as we trust in His plan for us, even when we're not sure of the road ahead. I am so thankful for my soul-mate, my closest companion on this journey, my man... And because I added "ode to my man" to the original "banana pudding" title of this post (which has taken on a life of its own), I 'spose I ought to take a moment here to write a true "Ode", right? Heh! Okay then, here we go...

 

Spontaneous Ode to Chris

...just because...

I love being your wife.

Even in the midst of strife

We've built a solid, happy life.

You've become my very soul

And as the years do roll

by one by one~

I've discovered myself within you,

And in knowing our children.

Our love

Teaches me to live,

How to give.

Thank you for your faithfulness,

Your honesty and patience.

And as I mix together

this bit of indulgence...

I thank our Lord for you~

Your laughing eyes,

Deep thoughts, concerns,

Passionate ways,

All the memorable days,

The joys and triumphs,

The arguments and sorrows

Have all led to stronger tomorrows.

Your commitment

to us, your family,

Means the world to me.

Funny, I did not mean for this to be a post about Chris, etc. I had originally intended to merely share this great recipe I just whipped up and put in the fridge to chill and try out... but, here I've ended up going on and on about how thankful I am for my Chris. Guess it needed to be said... he's been on my heart alot lately I suppose.

Banana Pudding IV

found @ Allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (I used a little less, about 3/4 of the can, so it wouldn't be too sweet.)
• 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (I used a little more, two pkges. of 3.5 oz.)
• 3 cups cold milk (added a bit extra, since I had a bit more pudding mix, and less of the cond. milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (I used real whipped cream, of course!)
• 4 bananas, sliced (I used 5 large bananas)
• 1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers (I used more than half the bag, made sure there weren't any holes, yum!)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.
2. Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill.
3. My note: After pouring the pudding mixture over the layers of wafers and bananas, the 9x13 pan was totally full, so we're just adding a dallop of whipped cream on top of each serving.

I sure haven't blogged in awhile, have I? We're doing well over here. I've been either really busy, or tired or just plain lazy. It's hard for me to sit here at the 'puter chair for long now, since I get a kink in my back and all stiff if I'm in any position for too long now. So, I've not been on the MAC much at all in the last few weeks, which has been nice. I'm just so thankful that I haven't had any pains like this until here recently! Can you believe that we only have ONE week to go now, until that magic date anyways (DD is 8/21), for what it's worth. heh! (Oh, please don't wait any longer than that Savannah dear...) Yeah, I've found myself talking to her a lot lately, we all are.

And so, I've been doing my best to keep the house clean, laundry done, etc. just in case our little one decides to come a little early (it's still possible!)... I've been having LOTS of Braxton Hicks contractions, some fairly strong, but nothing really exciting yet. At my dr.'s appointment last week, I was still just a mere 1cm dilated, no effacement! But, that's more than I ever was before show-time with my first two anyways, so can't complain I guess. Night before last though, I did have some real (though small) contractions all night, the ones that feel like serious period cramps, and I've continued to have them on and off all day yesterday and today... so, anytime!

What has been exciting is that my friend Susie just delivered her little bundle of sweetness two weeks ago now, on July 30th! They named her Lilia Marie, and are calling her Lily, a name which I just adore. Lilian is actually one of the names that we considered for awhile too... Congratulations Susie and Lee on your 5th wonderful blessing from heaven!! She is beautiful, looks just like her Mama.

I went through a bit of a slump recently, just tired and didn't feel like doing much of anything, especially anything that involves getting out in this hot-muggy weather we've been having here, with temps. in the 90's! Uggh... and so, going outside to tend our garden has been absolutely out of the question! I WAS keeping up with the garden, like a few weeks ago! LOL With its being so hot here lately and after a few weeks of rain every other day and the resulting MUDDINESS in the garden, the weeds have now completely taken over, and the chickens are now eating more tomatoes than we are (they keep getting to them first!), and other birds are eating the higher ones! ARRRGH! Therefore, the garden is more of a frustration (one more thing to DO, that's NOT getting done, oh well...) right now, than anything, if I think about it too long that is- which I'm not. Fortunately we didn't spend much on it at all this year, mostly used supplies and seeds we had on hand already. On the upside though, we have been enjoying our cucumber and pepper harvest, along with a few giant yellow summer squashes, zuchinnnis and green beans, and we're getting a few tomatoes (enough to make a few batches of salsa, and keep us supplied for sandwiches anyways), and okra will be ready soon too, along with some acorn squash! So, it's not all bad! But I don't even want to go out there and see it- or feel the heat, so I haven't. I've just been sending my slaves the kids out to do all the harvesting.

In the last few days I've gotten my energies back though. I have been spending quite a bit of time slowly working on some last minute organizing of closets and books, our curriculum/lesson plans for next year, and playing board games with N and T, or just relaxing and reading. I've also been doing alot of cooking (though that's not gonna be happening alot in the next week or so until she's born due to ensuing backaches if I'm on my feet too long now), cleaning and baking together with the kids, drawing together (got Tab a wonderful new drawing book that we're working through together) and last week we enjoyed oodling over the kids' new books that arrived in "packages!!", the kids busily pouring through and arranging them and trying out their new "school supplies" that we bought at walmart, as well as some more "art supplies" from Hobby Lobby.

Chris and I have been mainly just trying to spend extra quality time with them these last few days we have of "just us". It's been nice. And it will be so different to have a little baby here... we're all so very excited (and a bit nervous) about the new dynamic our little family is about to take on. I'm sure that it will take me, well... all of us for that matter, awhile to adjust to our new normal! LOL

I'm thankful that it's worked out that I'll have plenty of help around here during the first couple weeks of Savannah's arrival. Chris's Mom is planning to get here the 25th, and will be here for a week long visit, and then the next Saturday, when she leaves, my Mom will be arriving, and then staying for a week. I think it will be a big help to have them here, and of course it will also be so nice just to visit too, after not seeing either of them in about a year now. Yeah, I'm getting really excited now, and we're about as ready now as we're gonna be... I'm just not really looking forward to that whole labor part, other than its being over, ya know? *weak smiles*

Today I slept in, made some chicken salad, and also finally got around to pickling our jalapeno harvest. The house now wreaks with the smell of simmering apple cider vinegar and spices, but I'm thinking that it will be well worth it when we taste them in a few weeks. This was my first time pickling japs., but I've always loved them, so I hope they turn out! I made six pints, and will post pics along with my recipe asap. So, between that and my thoughts on our educational plans for next year, I do have a couple posts that I'd like to get up before baby comes and I quite possibly disappear from the blogosphere for awhile, again... Meanwhile, here's a picture of Chris and I that my friend, Barbara, who was visiting from FL, took of us last week. Yep, the baby belly is pretty BIG, feeling a bit heavy now!

Click here to see more pregnancy photos. 

Food is growing... rain is falling... weeds are thriving, but we're actually keeping up with them this year. So far, we've harvested some radishes (which the kids actually pulled up prematurely, thinking they were weeds), tomatoes and jalapenoes. Our three rows of carrots never did come up though?, even after we re-planted them! So, I'm going to plant some more squash there, since only about half of our squash plants germinated.

The heirloom okra is now coming up though, after over three weeks! And since it took so long to germinate, we thought that the seeds must have been too old; therefore, the kids had already re-seeded the entire row with green bean bushes. So now we have okra growing right alongside green beans. And I'm wondering, amateur gardener that I am, will these grow together alright, since the bean bushes are short and the okra will grow tall? Or, should I pull the bean plants (which we have another row of anyways, though a couple weeks more mature)? Answers anyone?

Thursday Photo Challenge: for fun & learning

"GARDEN" (Vegetables, Herbs, Flowers, Wheelbarrow, Hoe, Seeds,...)

Next Week: BEAUTIFUL (Sky, Water, Landscape, Skyline, Animals, People, Things,...)

...of all the things that I/we want to get accomplished before baby Savannah arrives on the scene. Yes, I've plenty of stuff to keep me busy until she's here. No time for pining away here... nope. (only 7 6* 5 4!!! more weeks!!! until she's due, but maybe she'll be a few days early, maybe not?) Chris (the listmaker) had already started his list, and one for me- per my request, on paper, but I thought it would be good to type it out anyways, so I'd have it on hand in readable form *heh!*, so I'm posting it too.

No, we're not stressing over this stuff, but we sure are putting forth our best efforts to accomplish it! If you don't hear so much from me for awhile, you'll know why... I'm working on getting this nest in order!

*Updated 7/10, 7/18, 7/22.

My List:

• Paint and touch up all interior trim, breezeway windows frames, chair-railing, living room french doors, and all other 16 doors in the house (all semi-gloss white). Have been working on this one, slow going it seems.
• Put up decorative border beneath chair-railing.
• Hang some more pictures once painting is done.
• Photograph and post some items to ebay for Chris.
• Try my hand at some new freshly milled whole grain wheat bread recipes from my new BreadBeckers cookbook:
  • cinnamon rolls (Chris's fave so far...okay, okay, everybody's favorite!!)
  • challah bread (very similar to recipe I was using before, only slightly better I think)
    
  • Ezekiel bread (my fave so far, well, besides the cinn. rolls-I added organic raisins)
    
  • Orange Cranberry Bread (T's fave so far, well, besides the cinn. rolls)
  • Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies (these are really good, kid approved, even Chris loved 'em, said they're the perfect amount of sweetness... healthy-that's what I tell myself, whole-grain, honey-sweetened brownies, gotta love it! I use all-natural pb too.)
  • Garlic Herb & EVO yeast rolls
  • Onion Herb French bread loaves (N's fave, well, besides the cinn. rolls-goes great with lasagna)
  • Whole Wheat Pancakes (with a handful each of barley, millet, and rye milled in as well) - Tried a few variations; buttermilk, sweet milk, blackberries and raspberries. We all agreed that we like this recipe better than the one I've been using for years, the pancakes are lighter, even with the wheat flour.
• Possibly bake some extra loaves and freeze for after S is born.
• Make and freeze some extra meals: lasagna, chicken noodle soup.
• Make a giant batch of granola, enough to last us a few weeks.
• Make blackberry cobblers and a few quarts of blackberry freezer jam from berries that Chris and the kids picked. Made 12 more pints of blackberry jam, and froze 2 gallon bags of whole, washed blackberries.
• Put out misc. clutter pile fires in dining room and living room.
• Empty out and deep clean refrigerator, pulling out shelves and drawers to wash.
• Deep clean (mainly dusting) and organize my bedroom.
• Go through and re-organize the messy bottom of my closet, which is mostly shoes. Get rid of some.
• Miscellaneous deep cleaning and organizing continued, as inspiration strikes. (cleaned out and re-organized bathroom linen closet) (clean the inside of microwave)(clean top of fridge and pantry)
• Take boxes of misc. stuff to Salvation Army. Another box three five boxes! are already full, with more to come from kids' rooms/taken to SA.
• Freecycle old king mattress, and other misc. household items I don't need.
• Take Samson to vet for yearly vaxes.
• Wash dining room window's curtains.
• Daily guitar practice with N, 20 mins. each.
• Dust book shelves in living room, lamps, media and tv cupboard (T windexed the glass panes and french doors), pictures, shelves in dining room, and the china, books and trinkets thereon.
• Clean out underneath the sink, kitchen junk drawer and lazy susan, and re-organize them.
• Set out mouse traps in kitchen drawers. So far we've gotten two, but there's more, because I'm finding droppings and chewed up stuff, after having emptied out and re-cleaned everything in drawers. SO, set out more traps, after emptying and cleaning everything in drawers again. Arrrrgh, these mice are frustrating, but better than dealing with the roaches in FL and MS, I guess.
• SCRUB the tile floors. Happens every few months, literal scrubbing with a scrub-brush and bleach water, much more intensive than the light bit of maintenance mopping necessary to keep my forgiving/dark and textured tiles looking presentable.
• Maybe shampoo carpets? maybe... ummm... nope, NOT gonna happen!
• Clean the oven.
• Wipe down all kitchen cabinets and appliances.
• Re-organize tupperware/containers cabinet. Clean out and re-organize pots and pans cupboard.
• Finish reorganization and cleaning of walk-in hallway closet (lots of storage and games, etc. in there). I've half-way finished that, it's actually a closet within the huge walk-in closet area. Finished the walk-in closet area, just need to tackle the smaller closet that houses board games, blankets, gift-wrapping supplies, misc. picture frames, etc.
• Definitely MUST get into my other walk-in "books/school supplies closet" and re-organize, go through and sort stacks of papers, supplies and misc. junk and file or throw stuff away.
• Get notebooks in order for our studies next year (which includes getting my head straight as to what exactly we'd like to accomplish this next year).
• Sort through misc. unused/unwanted curriculum/ books and post on paperback swap, or for sale on local homeschool list.
• Set up a semi-permanent place to work on N and T's baby album/scrapbooks (maybe then I'll actually work on getting them done!).
• Go through and re-organize all my scrapbooking and craft supplies.
• Then, I can start working on something similar to this journaling idea. I've wanted to keep a sketchbook journal for a long time, but haven't since college.
• T says that she wants her room to "be only horse stuff". So, get rid of T's unused toys, declutter, store faves for baby S (like Polly Pockets and nicest dolls), creating more space on T's shelves for her Breyer horse collection. Re-organize her toy shelf and book shelves. Clear out and rearrange her room, to make room for crib.
• Hang curtain rods and curtains in my bedroom and in T's bedroom.
• Buy more reg. sz. plastic hangers for N to hang his clothes on, since his shirts and jackets are too big for the little hangers now. Have N transfer all his clothing to new hangers.
• N needs to deep clean (de-clutter and get rid of unused toys again) his bedroom, with me helping to re-organize his shelves. He actually did a great job of this on his own.
• Set up baby S's changing table in my room, with her little onesies, diapers and sleepers organized and accessible in baskets and drawers nearby.
• Set up mini-diaper-changing station (all necessities in a cute basket) for living room.
• Hang baby S's sz. 0-6 mo. nicer outfits in wardrobe in my room, and her sz.9-12 mo. outfits in closet in T's room.
• Go through boxes of clothing that's been given to me for baby S, and group by sizes, label and put up 18 mo.-3T in storage.
• Go through N and T's clothes, get rid of/freecycle stuff they've outgrown.
• Keep vegetable garden weeded, with kids' help. 7/22 update: Umm... it's very overgrown with weeds now, as of this last week of rain, and my being busy with other stuff while the kids have been at horse camp... *ahem* We'll have to work on that this week.
• Go shopping for nursing bras, nursing pj's, and other last minute baby needs (plan to do while kids are at their summer horse camp, 3rd wk. of July). We're all ready!!
• Decide upon and order baby sling/carrier. We ordered a Maya wrap, in color 37. Chris liked this style best (simple), and liked that it is adjustable so that he can wear our baby as well. It's already arrived and we love it!
• Assemble and set up co-sleeper beside my bed.
• Pack hospital bags for baby and I.
• Practice relaxation, stretching and breathing exercises. Relax... and trust.
• Drink lots of raspberry leaf tea daily.
• Design and set up a My-Space account and site for my Mom.
• Keep working on N and T's math skills (Singapore lessons and QMM drill work), some writing work, Bible and history reads throughout the summer (we've been pretty consistent in doing this, besides weeks of summer camps).
• Make and print out a simple checklist for N and T each just to help keep them on track and remove the "I forgot" excuse, to help them be fairly independent in those first few weeks after baby S arrives, when I'll be sleeping lots during the days. This way, they'll know what's expected of them each day, I probably should do this asap, and let them get used to the idea, see how it works. Do a Daily and Weekly Chores list (a.m. and p.m. chores are listed out, it's working great) and a separate lesson checklists for the week type list.
• Transplant spider plant to bigger pot.
• Plant some more cilantro and squash.
• Supervise kids' cleaning out, vaccuuming, Armor-alling, and washing Suburban, including windexing inside of windows.
• Do the same for the Camry.
• Buy, write and send thank you cards.
• Buy my Boppy.
• Order books and buy misc. supplies for kids' co-op classes next year, and what we still need for our own studies at home.

Chris & I Together List:

• Measure for and hang trim/crown-moulding in bedrooms, vestibule and hallway (Which completes the house, finished this last wknd.!).
• Weed front flower beds and cut back front hedge bushes.
• Take some good pregnancy photos, like we did with N and T.
• Clean out and organize Utility room, G-1 (what we call garage 1-there's G2 as well, which is Chris's workshop) and pantry room (lots of shelves with who knows what crammed in them and forgotten for the past few years). *7/14 update; all DONE! Whew, this was a huge job, took us all day, but we got rid of SO much junk, and have lots more shelf room now, and it's all neat and orderly. Whhoooo-hooo!
• Take down the kids' computer from in the living room, and move T's cockatiel out of her bedroom into the living room (too much bird dander for baby).
• Set up the kids' computer in N's room, with a new computer desk for him.
• Clean out breezeway and move ferrets's cage out of living room into there.
• Pick out and purchase baby stroller.
• Clean and reorganize our bedroom, moving furniture to best accomodate co-sleeper and changing table.
  
• Decide upon and order baby car seat. It's already arrived, very nice!
  

Chris's List:

• Measure for, cut and put in dining room and living room baseboards.
• Pressure wash house exterior 2x, in prep. for paint.
• Cut chair-rail in hallway.
• Finish cutting and installing trim around doors inside house.
• Dig holes for fence posts in backyard.
• Scrape old paint off exterior trim of house.
• Caulk exterior of house (working on this).
• Caulk roof.
• Caulk interior of house.
• Paint exterior of the house.
• Outside trim and shutters.
• Install new thermal pane windows.
• Finish installing wall of bathroom (one wall can't be finished until the new window is in).
• Cut, stain and install transition pieces (strips of oak) between carpeted and tiled floors.
• Create and install door casing and trim for breezeway. (He's done with one door, one to go... more for me to paint, yay.)
• Build baby shelf (per my request, for her stuff, to go above the crib in T and baby's room).
• Clean and re-organize desk.
• Go through clothes and clean out closet. Get rid of stuff that doesn't fit or don't wear.
• Pick lots of fresh blackberries with the kids' help.
• Take his wife on lots of dates, while he can still have her alone! 7-5 update: We had a date last night, kids slept over at friends! 7-20, another date!

N and T's List:

• Keep their chores done, rooms clean, and help when and where needed.

Actually, I will post their lists when I've completed them. I've been getting a kick out of seeing T following in her father's footsteps. She always makes herself a list (her idea) when I tell her to clean her room. It's too cute really. We're working on an overhaul of her room right now, and I ought to take a pic of and post her two lists she made for herself.

Here T was holding N's nose for him, per his request, as he hauled a particularly stinky load of trash down to the side of the road (dead groundhog in there - I ran over him the other day, he was on the edge of our driveway as I pulled up. The kids weren't with me, it all happened so fast, instincts kicked in, and next thing I knew...*Oops!* *CLUNK* heh!)... Yeah, back to the sweet picture here, it was taken yesterday even. Now is that sibling love in action, or what?! Pure sweetness! I'm so glad that I caught the moment (of the kids here, not the groundhog in his vulnerability!)! LOL

A bit ironic that my "sweet" post here would involve the brutal carnage of war... no?

Saturday Photo Hunt 64: Sweet

This week, the kids have been spending their days at a "Creative Arts" day-camp hosted by a local church, and they're certainly loving every minute of it. They've been busy with dance (ballet, tap, hip hop), tumbling, music, drama, and aerobics ("with kickboxing moves", much to N's delight)! I'd planned to get a whole lot of painting done each day, while they were away, but have fallen a bit short of my goal... it always seems to take so much longer than I'd anticipated.

Today I'm finishing up some window and door/trim painting out in the breezeway, and it does looks so much better... but golly, it's hot out there! So far, each morning I've had to be somewhere, and then with having to pick the kids up from their camp at 2:30 each afternoon, it seems that I've not had big enough chunks of time left in-between appointments to get as much done as I'd have liked... so it's looking like I'll be working on this project next week as well (and the next?). It's a bit awkward too, with all of the standing and reaching involved, so I'm getting tired easily.

So now, I'd best quit procrastinating, sitting here wasting my morning away (didn't have to be anywhere this morning), surfing on my MAC and making excuses, huh? I'm off to go a-painting now! Chris and I have made a deal, that when I've finished, I have his blessings to splurge a bit on matting and framing a couple of nice, signed prints that I've had here for years, waiting to hang. Chris and I would like to have all this painting DONE by the time Savannah (and lots of company from out of town, staggered over a month's time) arrives. I'm responsible for finishing the interior painting, and Chris has the really fun job of painting the exterior.

Here he was last weekend, pressure-washing the house, prepping it for sealing and then paint.

It will be such a relief when this job is done, he's not looking forward to it AT ALL. It will involve lots of wrestling with shrubbery (including some poison oak he's already managed to get in- oops, he's hating that!) surrounding the house, re-positioning and reaching from a very high ladder, alternating between using his paint-sprayer alone, or with an attachable roller and cutting-in by hand... all in the midst of blazing hot heat, and hoping that it doesn't rain on him. We picked out a nice yellow for the base color, and white for trim. The shutters and door will be either blue or a crimson color... we have yet to decide on that. I'll post updates and pics as we go, of course... hopefully it will rain this evening (the garden needs it!), but not Friday and into the weekend, so the trim (which he's doing first, and then cutting in the house color) will be dry enough to paint! Otherwise, he'll have to wait another week to get started...

And, meanwhile last weekend, like every other day the last couple of weeks, I kept finding all sorts of other things to do, besides paint! Like sorting through the many boxes of cute baby clothes, books and misc. other items that have been arriving in our mail, daily, from Mom and friends (thank you!), or reading to the kids, or trying out new recipes for dinner (lasagna has now become a family fave - and my recipe is SO easy- will post soon!),

or freshly milled whole grain bread recipes,

or weeding the garden, and taking pictures of the garden,

and of the kids having a blast zooming around in the freshly cut fields (out beyond the one in the pic, which has a path mowed through it which you can't see) on their go-kart. They're thrilled that now, after many practice runs with Dad, they can finally drive it by themselves. You should hear the squeals of delight!

Aaaaah, but it's all good! Right? The painting will happen... there's a time to paint, and a time to procrastinate.

I don't have much time here, since I'm on my way outside to hang aluminum pie pans from strings around my garden, and stake my tomatoe plants, as well as spray them with soapy water, all before the kids get home this afternoon... However, I just wanted to first take the time to vent record the latest in my little garden/critter journal here.

Why the pie plates you ask? Well, just today, as I shared my gardening woes with a friend, he recommended that I hang these, told me that theoretically they should help to keep away the blasted GROUNDHOGS that have been ransacking my rows (progressively worse and worse each evening) ever since I planted them! He then shared some of his own war stories with me.

Yeah, those varmints are literally going in and clawing away the dirt from around the plants (and totally displacing all the seeds in the seeded rows and mounds too). It's just so aggravating!!! Last year they ate all of my sunflowers before a single one could even actually flower, and overnight they ate up more of our pole beans than we ever even got a chance to harvest too, daily! I know that our dog took out a couple of the little deceptively cute looking buggers last year (good boy Samson!), but obviously there's more around here...

And then, there's the flea beetles that are already trying to devour my eggplants before they've even barely gotten started! So, I'm also going to try spraying them with dish-soap water, along with the tomatoe plants (saw quite a few aphids already, to be expected though), see if that helps. Apparently the DE is not doing the job amply enough for these particular pests (which the marigolds would surly have helped with, had the groundhog not dug up and scattered every bit of marigold seeds I've planted thusfar!).

And another disappointment, which I too shall overcome with a bit of extra work, is that alot of the older (a few years) heirloom seeds that I've planted haven't yet germinated (which I'd half expected, but had to try, just in case they were still good)... so, now it's time to re-plant my rows of carrots, lettuce, some more zuchinni, and yellow squash, as well as replace the yet nonexistent okra. *sighs* So, though this is a bit of a setback, making my garden a bit late (and twice planted), at least I'm enjoying it once I get out there. I suppose I'll do the re-planting tomorrow, since once I get home from grocery-shopping, the kids will be here, and then Chris as well shortly thereafter, and dinner will need to be served before we take the kids to VBS (which they look forward to every year and are enjoying immensely ).

I started out very determined this year to make this little garden work better than in years prior (like keep it weeded, outwit the groundhogs, etc.). That's why I did a smaller garden, one that I figure I can maintain well. I am going to keep up with the setbacks, solve the problems, and I sure am hoping that the pie pans work with all their scary noise and reflected light. Organic gardening can be quite challenging, how I'd love to spray the heck out of all those bugs right about now with a load of chemicals! But then, all the good insects would die too, and we'd have poisons on our food, no thanks. It really does feel like my own little private war against the bugs, groundhogs and weeds is beginning to be waged again though, right back where it left off last summer... only I'm feeling a bit more determined to win this year. And that's a good thing. We shall see, I'll keep you posted... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

On a good note though, it did finally rain last night, and the night before, a very needed good ground-soaking rain for the plants that are trying to grow out there.

Also, another one of our hens (the last Rhode Island Red-besides our chicks, which are fine) went missing a few days ago. She just didn't return to the house at dusk like they normally do after free-ranging over the property for the day... something must have gotten her too, just like that. And then this morning, another one of the Buff Orpingtons are missing?! And N was sure to close up the door on the house last night, but since it was after we'd returned from VBS, it was late, dark in there and he was tired and apparently did not check to make sure that she was in there with the the other remaining two.

This morning I went and looked out there in the hen house, and sure enough, there's some sort of skat/pooh on the floor, and it's not chicken pooh! So, I'm surmising that the culprit must have been their house again, before it was even 9:00 pm, and snatched her without leaving even a trace, besides its pooh, which N didn't notice when closing up their house last night. Oh, it's so frustrating too, when Chris just built this bigger house for them, and now we're down to the six chicks we bought (which are coming up nicely, but I'm now a bit paranoid about letting them free-range around here with predators on the prowl!) and only TWO, of our previous NINE, full-grown, quantity egg producing hens left! Argggh, arrrrrgh, and grrrr... And all the feed stores are of course plum out of pullets (chicks) for the season.

I'm sure enjoying all the wildflowers blooming in the fields around our house though.

Well, I spent Wednesday and Thursday of week before last finally getting our summer garden in, and I'm just now getting around to writing about it. We'd started a few weeks earlier, laying down composted horse manure and sawdust from a friend's farm, which Chris tilled into the soil a second time. Then the kids and I got out there and removed all the weeds, root clumps and rocks we could find. Finally, I planted our eight tomatoe plants that we'd picked up at a local Spring Garden festival, and a few eggplants I'd bought as well. Then I started making rows and the kids went behind me planting seeds for the rest of the veggies we'll be growing this summer.

So far, I think that we're off to a good start. I spent most of Saturday this last weekend hoeing around the perimeter, making sure all the weeds were out completely, and planting marigold seeds here and there between plants and at the ends of rows. I also planted some basil and dill between the tomatoe plants. I just love gardening, it's so therapeutic to me, and I took alot of breaks to sit in the shade with Samson and the kids, who were busily playing on their tire swings nearby when not helping me or Dad (who was working on a new lean-to/shelter for his tools and trailer nearby). It was a relaxing day.

As you can see in this picture below, Chris put up a make-shift, but totally functional, little fence around the veggie garden, to keep the chickens and our dog, Samson, out. He used materials that he already had laying around here, and I think that it turned out perfectly, with no money spent, can't beat that! The garden is 10x40'. I opted for planting a smaller garden this year than we have the past few years, and we didn't plant our corn patch either, which we'll miss later, I'm sure. But being in my third trimester now, I wanted to make sure that I only planted as much as I could maintain (with the kids' help of course) and will actually keep up with, knowing that once he tills the ground for me, and puts up a fence, Chris prefers to be hands-off when it comes to the garden. He's got plenty of other projects of his own going already. So... here's to keeping up with it myself.

T has especially enjoyed helping me to tend the garden each day, watering the rows and sprinkling the eggplants with diatomaceous earth (a naturally organic bug repellent). She also likes watering all the flowers we've planted up around the house, and herbs she's planted and tending. I'm so thankful that we have a place where we can enjoy gardening together, and have a few critters.

Okay, so here's the list of what we've planted this year. I only bought a few plants (the tomatoes, eggplants and bell peppers you can see in the right row-in above pic, as well as two jalapenoe plants that are in pots on our front porch), and I mostly used seeds that I already had leftover from previous years (hoping that they all germinate!). Overall, we probably only spent around $20 on our garden this year (including some flower, bush bean and herb seeds).

Our 2007 Summer Garden:

• First, when you walk in the gate on the left, you'll come to two mounds of Spanish Cucumbers, big enough for four plants each (we noticed this evening that they're coming up already). This year we're going to try and train our cuke vines to climb up the little arched lattice you see there just beyond the gate, which is also supported by tobacco stakes.
• Then immediately beyond that are two mounds planted with Organic Early Yellow Summer Crookneck Squash (we love to grill our squash and eggplants with EVOO, garlic, sea salt and pepper, mmmm...).
• Next are three rows of three varieties of Carrots: Chantenay, Danvers #126 and Nantes Coreless.
• Then are my three little rows of various Lettuces; Arugula, Tango, Royal Oak Leaf, Red Salad Bowl, Black-Seeded Simpson, Grand Rapids TBR and Red Sails along with two rows of Red Russian Kale (heirloom seeds).
• Just beyond these greens are two mounds of Organic Black Beauty Zucchini Squash.
• And then a row of Organic Cherry Belle Radishes.
• Next over is a long row of mostly Organic Clemson Spineless #80 Okra, and also some Detroit Dark Red Beets.
• The next over long row from that one is entirely Giant Stringless Garden Bush Beans (they're already sprouting).
• And the final long row, to the far right there is our Tomatoes; two Caspian Pink plants, two Mountain Pride plants, two Beef Steak plants, and two Early Girl plants. As I mentioned above, we planted basil, dill and cilantro between the tomatoes. Also, N planted some Tiny Tim Cherry Tomatoes in two big pot planters on our back porch.
• Then we have one Fajita Green Bell Pepper plant and one Sweet Yellow Bell Pepper plant.
• And finally, I planted four Black Beauty Eggplants too. I hope that they fare better than my eggplants did last year. They're already looking a bit puny.
• T's planning to plant some Watermelons in a little raised bed/box I made last year, which sets right beside the garden, just outside the fence.
• T's already planted some herbs in various planters around the house here, which she's volunteered responsibility for: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley, Watercress, Lavender, Garlic Chives, and Lemon Balm.
• We've also started a couple different types of Sunflowers we planted in pots; Lemon Queens and Mammoths, which we'll be transplanting somewhere soon (hoping the rabbits don't eat them up entirely as they did last year)!

I'm looking forward to harvesting all of this fresh, organic (and cheap) produce soon!! And the great exercise and sunshine I'm getting in the process is an added bonus! I'm so glad that I went ahead and planted a garden this summer. I almost didn't, being so pregnant, and being a little concerned for my lower back, which went out on me completely last year as I put our garden in (some of you may remember). That was no fun! I'm so happy and thankful to be able to say that, though I've had a few sore, stiff mornings, my back has fared wonderfully, no freezing up or shooting pains. I'm certain that this is a resulting culmination of prayer, faithfully doing my back stretches and exercises, along with being very mindful of how I'm moving, bending (more like squatting with my legs, not bending at my back so much) and exerting my energies.

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. ~Hanna Rion

I wanted to let you all know that the Homeschool eStore's free product of the week is absolutely wonderful, especially if you're planning to do any gardening with your kids this year. If you go sign up on their site, you can download a set of over 50 Gardening Notebook pages by Amanda Bennett, which I just downloaded (in pdf) and looked at. They're gorgeous! The pages (some lined, some not) are adorned with beautiful graphics, appropriate for any Spring and Summer journal pages really, whether you're gardening or not.

If you're not familiar with Homeschool eStore, all you have to do is sign up to be a member, and then each week you'll get an email to notify you of what the downloadable freebie of that week is. Then you just have to sign in each time, download that week's freebie (or any other items you may decide to buy), print or save for later and voila! Over this last year, I've gotten quite a collection of thematic, beautiful, free notebook/journaling pages.

Also, you may have noticed that I just recently changed my template, hope you like it, and that it's readable for all my visitors. Please let me know if you have any problems with it.

yellow okra flower, originally uploaded by Brew*Crew.

I found some okra blooms in my garden today.

In this broad earth of ours,
Amid the measureless grossness and the slag,
Enclosed and safe within its central heart,
Nestles the seed of perfection.

~ Song of the Universal, Walt Whitman

Click here to visit my flickr site, where I've just uploaded more delicious *yellows* ...

like this lily that bloomed a few days ago ~

See this week's crayon color, laser lemon, here.

Visit A Year of Color to see others' photos.