What happened to your glasses?

I slammed them in the door.



Really?

(Sidenote: these are the NEW glasses which are no longer under warranty--they will only replace them once)

How's your week going?

Days seem to go by so fast. There is never enough time to get it all done it seems. There is a lot coming up this month and next. A lot to get done before we leave for summer vacation. We bought our tickets to Norway...so we are officially going. Hester was worried that we'd back out because of the erupting volcanoes in Iceland. (We bought travel insurance instead). We are all very excited for our visit. Before then though, we have Hazel's preschool graduation, Isaac's field day, actually finish school, have four birthdays (betsy, hazel, toby and isaac), mother's day, father's day, and memorial day. Mom and Axel are coming to visit. Lots of doctor's and dentist's appointments in far away cities, campouts, temple trips, and package mailing. Not to mention all the normal stuff. But it's all good. It will all be worth the effort...at least that's what I keep telling myself.

How does your garden grow?

Our garden is growing nicely this spring. A bunch of things came up from last year.
The carrots kind of over-wintered. I planted them last September. But the heat wasn't too great for growing and then the cold kind of stopped them for a while too. But we've gotten a bunch of great carrots this spring, and TONS of cilantro.

The lettuce and spinach look like they will survive the bunny attacks. The peppers self-seeded from last year. I'm not sure yet about the zucchini and squash...another couple weeks and they'll probably be going strong.
The tomatoes have fruit on them, the herbs are looking fabulous. Hazel's strawberries are ripening. We just have to beat the birds to eating them. Hopefully we'll get to enjoy all the fruits of our labors before we leave for summer vacation. Otherwise, the neighbors will be getting the benefit of our garden. Still, it is really fun to see the garden grow.

Sea World

During spring break we took the kids to Sea World in San Antonio. It was fun.

I took Hazel to see the dolphins and aquariums while Nate took the big kids on all the roller coasters.

We met up to ride the only coaster Hazel was tall enough for (don't remember it's name) and we all got splashed.

We saw shamu and the sea lion show.

Aspen and Isaac opted to sit in the splash zone.

The shamu show just isn't quite the same since the trainers can't swim with the whales anymore.

But the sea lion show was funny.

Hazel was tired after a full day and fell asleep.

We didn't get to do everything. And since we got fun passes, I think we'll be going back for some more.

Coming out of hibernation

I think that I tend to not do much during the winter. Just read, watch TV, sleep, and hide out. I feel like I've been hibernating for the past 6 months. And lately, with the spring, I've been slowly waking up. Spring in Texas is beautiful. And I've found myself getting back into "GO" mode.

I made strawberry and strawberry-blackberry jam the other day. I froze a bunch of berries too. Nate got a new blender and we've been making all kinds of treats: sorbet, ice cream, smoothies.I even did a bunch of cooking ahead stuff: a week's worth of breakfast tacos, the meat prep for 5 or 6 meals that I put in the freezer. I actually made dinner too. That in itself is momentous. We've been eating a lot of quesadillas and waffles instead.

I got my garden put in and fixed up the flower pots and flower beds.

I even cleaned my oven (a first since we moved in a long time ago).

I created a new chore program for the kids. And it seems to be working okay. They do their chores to earn "mom bucks" and "daddy dollars" which they can spend for privileges and fun stuff. Everyone now does their own laundry, and helps cook dinner in addition to regular household and outdoor chores.

(Click on the pic to see Nate as Conan the Barbarian)

The oldest two have adopted it the best. Isaac hasn't quite caught the vision. He wants the privileges, but doesn't want to do the chores he's been assigned. I hope it's just the age. Otherwise, I may pull out all my hair in frustration because of his "explanations" and "discussions" about why he shouldn't have to do this or that. Some days he gets everything done quickly and early, some days not. I guess that's normal. But, still, frustrating. I want him to be able to enjoy the rewards instead of missing out.

Up for this week:

1. catch up on the ironing
2. clean the refrigerator and microwave
3. clean out the pantry
4. plant some daylillies
5. edit a bunch a pictures I took for friends last month (sorry it's taking me so long)
6. work on my independent study class
7. correct Toby's homework and make sure he's completed 2 courses (2 left to finish by the end of May-I think we're going to make it!)
   
8. work on some relief society stuff
9. clean the garage
10. go camping with Isaac and Hazel (with the cub scouts)
11. get names lined up to take to the temple this weekend and for next month
12. clean up my sewing room
13. run
14. bike
15. take family pictures for a friend

A Weekend Away

Nate decided to take us to Seattle last weekend. Just the two of us! We called in some favors, and begged a couple more, and farmed the kids out to their friend's houses for the weekend so we could enjoy some time alone. We had a great time. We walked around Pike's Place Market, had breakfast in Post Alley, got lost on the waterfront (we walked the wrong direction for a mile and then had to walk back for lunch), we went to the movies, enjoyed very fresh seafood, and visited Pete, Amy, and Clara. She is super adorable, by the way. It was a quick weekend, but we are back feeling ready to tackle the last month of school and all it's inherent chaos.

Thanks to all our friends for taking care of our children.