choosing cheerful :-)

Today is a great day! It started with a lovely shower (to wake me up since last night was late.) My shampoo promised that I will have 2X the shine in my hair and my conditioner will make my hair smooth and sleek. My bodywash assured me of silky skin, and my smooth blast deoderant will keep me smelling good all day; with products like this, how could I go wrong?

The euphoria ended as I left the bathroom to wade through my laundry room. My new laundry schedule isn't quite off the ground - and neither is my laundry. :-( But on the bright side, there's so much room for improvement!

oops - I wrote this 2 1/2 months ago and never finished...

So to follow up these thoughts, I'm still learning to choose to be pleasant, the laundry is less of a mess than before (but still never done,) and I hate the 2x shine shampoo because my hair looks greasy (now I'm trying Dove for real beauty ;-)

back to organizing

Second day on the schedule. :-) We did great until this afternoon. After 2 pm, we got a little distracted with running to Costco for a few groceries and then painting our paper mache creation. I also spent some time moving the paper monster from my room into the schoolroom. (When I moved my desk some time ago, I emptied it's entire contents into the corner of my room - bad idea - the seemingly innocent contents have been multiplying quietly and this insidious paper monster is threatening to devour my domain!)

My new plan is to declutter the schoolroom a little every day, while living in the beautifully uncluttered rest of my house. At least my room is a restful place again. :-)

In an attempt to gain inspiration, I remembered a book I started before I got sick this summer. I'm not sure what the title was, but it was something about 40 days to perfect organization. If only I could find it...

time and treats

Today is the first day on our schedule which I finally created last week. So far, so good. I even planned computer time for me! So here I am. :-)

My daughters have cameras now, so I actually have pictures!! Here the kids are enjoying Saudi Arabian coffee with Rakan. His family sent the gorgeous coffee pot and small cups you see in the picture as well as all the supplies to make coffee. The beans are light colored, and they add saffron and cardamom to the coffee as well. Delicious!

Rakan treated us to Saudi food twice. The rice is beautiful and flavorful - there are raisins and cloves in it, and some spices to add flavor and color, making a rainbow of light orange, pink and white - add a little of the fiery hot sauce and wow!! We also had several lamb, chicken and vegetable dishes.

The pastries you see (for dessert) are SO tasty! It's a very flaky crust with pistachios and honey (I think!)

long time no post

wow, it's been way too long...

It was an interesting summer to be sure. Having little or no energy was a new and often frustrating experience, but I'm encouraged greatly as I am gradually getting better! :-)

We've been incredibly blessed by our wonderful exchange students who have enriched our lives immensely. Our family is enjoying learning about other cultures while sharing our traditions and Canadian ways with students from around the world.

This summer has been rich in relationship building, reading and relaxing. I'm thankful for an unforgettable summer, and look forward to continuing to find balance in my activities.

School is in full swing, and I'm sitting at the computer presently avoiding the task of list making. A few of my children have requested a list of their daily activities so they can have the joy of checking it off. So I will endeavor to provide this for them. I suppose it will also make my life easier since I won't be interrupted with the sing-song refrain "Mu-uuuuuum," every few minutes. (perhaps I'm overly optimistic ;-)

Sadly, my friend Julia (lucky me - also my sister-in-law) has moved away, so we will miss their family - especially Katy will miss her cousin!

Thank you Bre for telling me how important it is to write here and stay in touch - I'll try to be more faithful!

calaway excitement

Calaway Park... a day of dizzying daring for some... and lazy meandering for others (well, for me anyway.)

We had a perfect day at Calaway Park. We left early, fortified with a hearty breakfast of pancakes, arriving just after the park opened at 10am. With our half price coupon, the entrance fee was only $103 for all 8 of us, including all rides and shows (making this dutch mom very happy.)

We immediately separated into small groups - speedy, dizzy, and very slow - going our various ways and staying in touch with radios.

The very slow group had a great time watching the little ones on their rides and taking photos (my brother Dave brought his camera and took some amazing shots :-) After a while, Katy was bored, so Mom, Julia and I watched the camera and little kids, and Dave took her and Amaris on several exciting rides (they are actually tall enough for some fairly terrifying ones!)

We were thrilled to connect with the Neumann family and had a picnic lunch midday together, then spread out across the park again so everyone could enjoy it at their own pace.

It was definitely a highlight of our vacation!

discoveries in Canmore

Unfortunately the pool here at the chalets is out of service for a few days, so we've had to venture further to satisfy our recreational requirements... so here are a few of the things we've discovered...

The Canmore recreation center has a wonderful pool with a large hot tub and many floaty things to entertain children for hours. They even have a foam canoe which fits 3 kids momentarily until Daddy or a sibling flips it over! ;-)
A delightful lady having a garage sale blessed us by generously giving us whatever we chose from her treasure trove. Limiting the children to one item each was difficult for them, but critical to our ability to travel home in one vehicle.
The Lost Sock laundromat has a lot of single socks pinned to the bulletin board. Despite the obvious risk, we went there anyway because it's air-conditioned.
Instead of paying $3 each for a small cone at the cute yellow schoolbus ice cream shop, we checked out Safeway and found strawberry cheesecake/wildberry frozen yogurt cones on sale $1.25 each. Delicious!!
The Nordic Center in Canmore has beautiful trails (we saw but did not hike since I'm not allowed to exercise.)
The jewelry shop on Main Street is run by a cute old couple and they only charge $8 to replace a watch battery.
The candy store has some dropjes, but not as good a selection as the Banff candy store. Good thing we'll be back in Banff in a few days!

relaxing in the rockies

Happily enjoying the view from the deck. :-)

Our chalet has a jacuzzi tub -
perfect for swimsuits and bubble bath!!

God's creation is SO incredible! Robyn & I were just enjoying the contrast and equal beauty of a tiny barn swallow swooping and swerving on the backdrop of a massive, majestic mountain. The detail of the daisy, echinacea, and other wildflowers dotting the greenery on the meadow. Wow! "How Great Thou Art" takes on such powerful meaning when sung in the Rockies!


Our vacation goal is simple: relax. :-) So far, so good!

many words, no picture

Not sure why, but I seem to be having technical difficulties getting pictures from my camera to the computer. :-(

I have lovely pictures of our day at the Legislature grounds on Wednesday. The weather was perfect, lots of sun, a slight breeze. The children splashed in the pools, enjoying time with friends. I sat in the shade, keeping an eye on them and handing out food and water every time they came near. We had a wonderful day! (with no sunburns :-)

Stephen is turning out to be a rather fearless kid. Yesterday I was told he was punching a boy at the park. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the boy was being mean and teasing Stephen and... was at least twice Stephen's age! I managed not to smile as I explained to Stephen that hitting is not the answer, and gave him other options for bullying situations. (But I was slightly proud of my little "David" facing "Goliath".)

Gradually I am feeling better. I still need a lot of rest, but I am greatly encouraged by this trend towards health. I am so thankful for the many prayers and encouragement from friends and family. I know that God is healing me and teaching me. I am learning to enjoy life in the slow lane. I am also learning to be a "Mary" not a "Martha", and God loves me for who I am and not what I do... powerful lessons which bring much peace!

Today I am finally up to sorting kid's clothes. It's +30 so I think it's time for summer wear! This isn't my favorite job, but I know I'll be glad it's done when I pack for holidays. :-)

heat and a holter monitor

One of the tests the cardiologist wanted was for me to wear a holter monitor for 24 hours. The clinic called and informed me that I could wear it today since there was a cancellation.

What is a holter monitor? Well... it's basically a 24 hour ECG. I have to keep a log of my activities and they can compare my heartbeats to my activities. The nurse adhered 7 sticky things to my chest and sides (not anywhere considered private - this is a family blog :-), and in an effort to ensure they won't fall off, she first cleaned me thoroughly with alcohol swabs, then scratched me with something like sandpaper, then put 2" square sticky things in various places. I am glad to be going to sleep soon since they are making me very itchy. Tomorrow morning they come off! The monitor will be returned to the clinic and hopefully they can tell a little more of what is going on with my heart. :-)

Of course, I did have to wear this on the hottest day of the year (+33) with a button up shirt to conceal the wires and such. No doubt I will remember this day fondly come January! ;-)

Canada Day

Canada Day picnic at Government House Park We are sitting in our favorite climbing tree.

what's new?

Not much is new, but I am feeling gradually better, and thankful for that.

I've learned a couple of things lately...

- always check to see if there is anything resting on your car before you drive away and hear a tremendous crashing while turning the corner as your husbands 5 million piece socket set scatters across the alley. This is a scary and frustrating experience... I now look carefully at the car before getting in and driving.

- Facebook is very addictive, and is a wonderfully easy way to stay in touch with family and friends, and renew friendships from years ago. :-) http://www.facebook.com/

life meanders along

Kids are still kids and life is still normal, even at a slower speed. Yesterday I puttered around the house and rested when I felt tired. Everything was going well and I had high hopes of the house getting cleaner as the day progressed. Unfortunately, I may have been the only one who felt this way.

Three cute, unnamed members of my family decided that it would be fun to play indoor baseball... in the bedroom. As you can well imagine, this did not increase the cleanliness of the room. In fact, the mess sharply escalated when my adorable 4 yr old boy (with a healthy swing) hit the light fixture full force, raining glass shards onto the garden of clothing and toys below. Altogether it took a while to clean up, but the room is looking much better!

Thundershowers struck later on with torrents of rain, overwhelming our eavestroughs and creating a small flood in the basement. Thankfully, I'd rested and was ready to tackle the mess. Towels soaked it up, and went in the washer and dryer.

More thundershowers and a slightly smaller flood last night around 8, and I was very grateful to have dry towels from the afternoon to deal with it.

At the end of the day, not too much accomplished, but I'm learning on a whole new level that the success of a day (life) isn't only measured by how much gets done.

The verses from Philippians 4 that I've been pondering and allowing to permeate are worth repeating...
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

ps. my responses to the aforementioned events were actually pretty good (by the grace of God!)

good news :-)

It's been over a week of really resting, my heart hasn't gone back to normal and I'm more easily tired than ever. So yesterday Peter took me to the hospital, where we had an excellent evaluation from the doctor there. He said I am in almost perfect health. The only problem is that my heart is beating irregularily. This is not a life threatening condition, and I will not further damage my heart by doing my usual activities. What a relief!

That being said, he told me that the problem with this condition is the loss of quality of life as I am more easily tired and won't be able to do all the things I might like to do. (My mom pointed out that I could see this as an increase in quality of life where I stop and smell the roses ;-)
I have a prescription for medicine to make my heart beat in a regular rhythm, but it's a beta-blocker (has all sorts of nasty side effects) so I'd really rather not do that.

I'm going to try to stick this out for the next 9 days till my cardiologist appointment, doing what I can, and resting when I'm tired. Hopefully the cardiologist will have another option for me or even better, I pray that God will just reboot my heart in the next week and I'll be fine for life!

60 to 0 in about 2 seconds

As my life was humming along merrily, I was thrown a curve ball last week.

I'd been feeling the pounding of my heart in my chest and throat occasionally, but these sensations came and went, so I continued on, enjoying my wonderful busy life. Then Thursday I noticed that the pounding wouldn't stop, so I went to see my doctor. He told me that my heart is beating very fast and banned me from caffeine and exercise. I'd already stopped caffeine a few days earlier, since I thought it might be a problem, but now I had to stop all exercise. This is a drastic change - I was used to jogging about an hour a day in addition to my regular activities.

I also went for blood tests and an ECG. The results came back on Tuesday and I am perfectly healthy, except something's up with my heart. So I'll be going to a cardiologist in 2 weeks.

In the meantime, I am resting on the couch... all day. I have found that if I am calm and relaxed, I feel vastly better. Any exertion produces concerning symptoms, so I am very motivated to be still.

This week has certainly brought a change of pace. I have experienced a full range of emotions, and keep coming back to Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

So I'm resting, reading and reflecting. I'm enjoying many snuggles and quiet talks with my kids, and my wonderful children are rising to the challenge of doing tasks cheerfully and thoroughly. I'm incredibly proud of them!

sunny saturday

Today I wore my taxi driver hat, driving kids here and there. I had visions of painting our new schoolroom in between trips around the city, but that didn't materialize. Peter & I spontaneously went cruising in the 'vette during the only time when I could have painted. Cruising was definitely more fun! :-) (point of clarification... we were running errands, but anywhere you go in the corvette with the t-tops down on a 30 degree sunny day feels like cruising!) All in all, a great day!

cute as can be

Such a cute kid! Opa took this photo.

baby robin

Yesterday we noticed the baby birds are SO big they don't fit in the nest well anymore, so I quickly borrowed my dad's camera (better than ours) and took some pictures last night.

It was evening, about 9pm, the sun low in the sky, mosquitoes in full force. We set up the stepladder near the tree, and I climbed up to the top to take the shot. I should mention here that I don't much care for ladders as I believe them to be a somewhat precarious way to suspend yourself in the air with great risk for falling and breaking bones. As I was perched atop this unsteady ladder with a very expensive camera in my hands, the mosquitoes zeroed in on the target - me! Every move I made to swat them away resulted in swaying the ladder and my fear of falling was outdone by my fear of dropping Dad's camera, so I allowed the bloodthirsty hordes to have their way with me. A small price to pay for a picture of our beautiful baby birds! :-)

organizing in the fast lane

Day 3 of the organizing magic is to create motivation [- or panic?] It's called "Party your way to order and beauty" and the idea is that I need a goal, so I should throw a party (or at least have someone over for a coffee & muffin.)

I think my life is already a party, and my motivation level is very high, so I read Day 4 which encouraged me to examine the things in my home that make me annoyed. Once the pain points are identified, I can take steps to change them. So I was annoyed with the mountain of laundry that stood in between me and the well-dressed person I'd like to be. I immediately started a massive attack on the mountain, employing 2 washers, 2 dryers and the laundry line as my perfect weapons.

With annoyance well in hand, I decided to go ahead with Day 5 "Learn the Secrets." It was very inspirational to read about "saving steps" and "Do it Now," but our favorite part (I read this part to the kids) was the concept of "ooze." The idea is that things like to ooze out from where they belong and into the open where they compromise the peace of our homes. My boys, in particular, latched onto this delightful description and proceeded to point out ooze here and there (I suspect it's just because they enjoy saying the word ooze, but that's fine, as long as they're noticing and tidying!)

"Do it Now" is a powerful tool, and I am amazed at how much was accomplished today. In the midst of the cleaning/laundry tasks, I managed to fill 6 bags for donation and put them in the back of the van. Then later in the afternoon, while Robyn started dinner, I ran out with Russell and we dropped off the donation bags, his paperwork at TWOS, the overdue library book (I'd been meaning to get around to that,) and our old rocker at our neighbors. (she is thrilled :-)

I'm rather exhausted, but well-dressed and happy to be able to fall into my freshly made bed.

baby birds

This was the view a few days ago. (I can't take a picture myself because my camera can't zoom enough.)

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/washtenaw_audubon/bird1_010.jpg/view.html

The baby birds are even bigger now. They should be leaving the nest this weekend if our calculations are correct.

on organizing

I've been trying to get organized for about 13 years - seems to me that Robyn was a baby when I began this journey - and now the end is in sight! I found a book on my Mom's shelf called Organizing Magic, 40 days to a well-ordered home and life. http://messies.com/products/books/organizing_magic_40_days_to_a_wellordered_home_and_life_1/
Where was this book 13 years ago? Instead of 13 years of painfully slow progress, I could have spent a mere 40 days! All these years I could have been living the dream!!

No matter, the past is the past, but the future is bright indeed. Only 38 days, and I will finally have the well-ordered home and life I've been striving for! I'm committed to faithfully follow the plan in this book and I'll post the progress. Today I did day 1 and 2 which included a vision statement for what I'd like our home to be, and a list of things to stop, start or continue doing.

Here's the abbreviated version:

Home
Happy place to be;
Open to welcome those whom God brings our way to share His love;
Model Christ-like behavior to family and friends;
Excellence in all our activities.

Stop: leaving papers in random piles, leaving laundry in piles
Start: Monday laundry and Tuesday filing
Continue: clean counters every evening, delicious meals

haiku for spring

flowers and children
blossoming in the garden,
celebrating spring!

budding gardeners

The gregarious gardeners!

They spent hours on Monday cleaning out the weed filled flowerbed. It was delightful to hear them singing while working and doing such a thorough job! So we decided that they would have jurisdiction over this flowerbed for the summer. Yesterday they chose the flowers (I may have gone slightly overboard - they have 108 plants!)

Today they are planting - yes, they are wearing toques and winter jackets! Brrr...

Our baby robins have hatched! It's the most delightful thing to watch their little heads with beaks wide open eagerly receiving food from their mom. What a treat to witness this close up!

fear of filing?

I wonder if there is a long scientific name for the fear of filing. I was trying to think of good things about filing, and all I could come up with is...

1. when you're finished, papers should be easier to find.
2. a day of filing makes a day with the flu look attractive.

Today I am going to plug away at this torturous chore, 15 minutes at a time.

I think the reason I dislike this job so much is that it requires about 60 decisions per minute, some with long reaching consequences (oops, I threw the paycheque in the trash - don't ask) and I prefer to only make decisions that are reversible. :-)

about the theft deterrent

I told Peter that I blogged about our Tempo's new theft deterrent system, and he pointed out that the word "Tempo" is a theft deterrent. So I guess it's not such an advantage after all.

tempo theft deterrent

Our tempo has been developing some quirks. She's old and tired, but I love her. This week she developed a new theft deterrent - which I suppose is good since her door locks are not functioning.

She doesn't always like to start with simply the key in the ignition. So, if at 5:15am you're out enjoying the brisk morning air and can't get her to start, you first have to lift the hood and adjust some cables with a wrench. If that doesn't work, you could ask an early morning gentleman walking his dog to give you a hand, and when he applies muscle power, then she'll start. Then, at 6:15am if she won't start again, pretend you're a strong man and haul on the cables, and she starts... no problem. I'm quite sure she's safe from theft now. ;-)

what good can the flu do?

top ten:

10. I feel SO thankful for running water!
9. everyone appreciates how great they feel when they're not sick.
8. all doorknobs & light switches are disinfected.
7. all bedding has been washed.
6. walls have been washed.
5. floors have been washed.
4. children have been washed.
3. the medicine cupboard is restocked.
2. I've been in prayer all day... and all night. ;-)
1. lots of snuggle on the couch time with my littlest ones!

the flu flew through...

I hope we're through with this flu.

Last Tuesday, we decided to go to the park to play for an hour or so. We hadn't been there long when Tara threw up on the slide and sand (no previous indication of sickness.) So we went home and she slept the rest of the day and night and was fine after that. I thought nothing of it - perhaps something she ate.

Then Russell was sick on Thursday, no puking, just stomach-ache and headache and slept lots. Again, I thought nothing of this - perhaps tired.

On Sunday, Stephen threw up on the dinner table, then slept all night and was fine yesterday. Also thought nothing of it - prior to the incident, he'd eaten candy and drank a cream soda, so I thought that upset his tummy. (so cute, after he was done, he said, "Mommy, you were right, I shouldn't have eaten so much candy!)

Last night, Robyn threw up on Oma's carpet, then several more times in a bucket at home through the night. She's had a sleepy, sickly day today. In my sleepy fog, cleaning up in the night, I noticed the pattern (maybe we are actually dealing with a flu bug here) and proceeded to disinfect all light switches and doorhandles.

Most awful, last night Katy puked all over her bed, bedding, stuffed animals, pillows, and sister! Poor Tara had to have a shower at 11pm while I stripped the beds and hand washed the stuffed toys and calmed Katy. They both found other places to sleep, but Katy was up nearly every hour throwing up. Today she is wiped right out.

Greg seems to have the same thing as Russell. He is pale, achey, and tired, but not actually throwing up. We've rescheduled the PAT's for him because he is in no shape to write them today.

I am trying to get lots of rest and drink LOTS of water and hopefully stay healthy - I have a lot of laundry to do!!

Peter was telling me about the effect your environment has on you, so I decided to improve my surroundings by cutting tulips from our flowerbed and putting them in a vase on the kitchen table. It is amazing how that small detail is making me very happy today! :-)

what a week-end!

Today I can finally breathe again! The week-end was a wonderful whirlwind! Friday, I painted the ceiling at Jacquie's house, then quickly changed at home and went out for supper with Peter at the restaurant where Miguel works - delicious dinner!! I dropped Peter off at home and picked up Robyn to go to a math workshop, then left a few minutes early to meet our late evening company (the young ones who can stay up all night,) got to bed at 1ish, then up at 6, delivered papers, home to get Robyn, back to the math workshop all day, then run home to drop her off and pick up Peter to go to the "Amazing Race" at our church, run/drive all over Edmonton like crazy people (we had a blast!) and then home again to find all the kids still awake and hungry, so fed them and tucked them in, fell into bed at 11:30, up at 6 to do papers, home and asleep at 8 am, at 8:30 my precious family brought breakfast in bed, with coffee :-) and at 10 we went to church where I taught 19 grade 2s in Sunday school, then off to my brother's for lunch to celebrate Mother's Day! Later that afternoon, we went home and I slept for 2 hours. It took a while to wake up, so supper was very late. Just as we were finishing supper, Stephen said, "Mommy, my throat hurts," and proceeded to throw up on the table, so he had a bath, I did some laundry, disinfected the kitchen, and tucked him in bed. We visited briefly with our lovely visitors from the neighborhood, then I put the rest of the kids to bed and went to bed myself - Peter was tinkering with his '78 vette (his 2nd mid-life crisis - his first was the '73 camaro - he figures if he starts early, he can have many ;-) At 12:30am, Peter woke me up... sooo happy! After much fiddling, he got the car to start! And it runs well! It was great to share that exciting moment with him!

Today has been a rather low-energy day, and remembering the week-end, I think I know why!

hearty hamburgers...

Such a sweetie - she made our hamburgers - every one shaped in a heart! I think we'll keep her. :-)

Last night Peter & I went out for Korean food with Alice. It was so delicious! There were sprouts and kim chi as side dishes. Peter had (Dolsot Bibim bap) which was meat, vegetables, egg and rice in a hot stone bowl. The chapche (spelling?) I had was so good! If we ever have the chance to visit Korea, we will enjoy the food!

Tonight I'm making pizza - a family favorite - but just for variety, one of the pizzas will be vegetarian with basil pesto sauce and peppers (from my new cookbook.) The others are meat, cheese and hawaiian of course.

The kids are really motoring on their schoolwork these days. The end is in sight! We are really looking forward to a relaxing summer, especially after last years reno summer. :-)

happy procrastination

Today my precious Tara brought me a dandelion! I wore it behind my ear till it wilted. Such a cheery yellow flower. Feels like summer. :-)

I'm actually blogging because I'm procrastinating on the filing that I have to do. My filing system is abstract-random, and currently consists of many boxes of varying sizes and shapes containing papers ranging from very important (I know our mortgage renewal info is in there somewhere) to things we can live without (last year's flyers.) Maybe posting this true confession will motivate me to greatness (or at least guilt me into making some progress on this sadly neglected task of mine.)

sunny sunday

What a gorgeous day! I think the nice weather put ants in the pants of almost all 9 boys in my grade 2 Sunday school class! They were very restless today - good thing I've taught most of them for 4 years and love them dearly.

We spontaneously dropped in on Peter's folks for the afternoon (his Dad's birthday :-) and spent a lovely afternoon visiting outside on the patio. Katy collected ladybugs. She didn't even ask to bring them home... whew. (There were at least a dozen!)

Afterwards, Peter & I cooked dinner together. What a meal! Chicken wrapped asparagus with Greek salad and fresh whole wheat rolls on the side - YUM! Thank you to Julia for The Dinner Fix cookbook (http://www.cookingfortherushed.com/) for my birthday... we are enjoying the meals immensely! I felt so gourmet serving this beautiful and delicious meal! (The kids weren't fond of the salad, but I loved it!!)

Our current dinner entertainment is a robin's nest in the tree just outside the dining room window. We watched her build her nest and now we watch her sit on it, leaving occasionally to get food. We are really looking forward to the baby birds!

wet, worms and wonderful

It has rained all day. Schoolwork by the fireside was a perfect solution for this dreary morning. Then this afternoon 4 of the kids were at the Nature Centre for a pond study field trip. The word drenched comes to mind. I'm glad I didn't bother to style my hair this morning - and I only walked them to and from the parking lot. Greg's shoes may take days to dry.

Yesterday Katy adopted a pet worm and made it a home in a baby food jar. Today, after much active playing with Donald the worm, she suddenly has 2! (the new one is Julia) Soon they will have to be released into the flowerbed, or we may be having a funeral.

Robyn is finished her schoolwork for the year! She celebrated by rearranging her room and cleaning it for summer. What a wonderful girl!

this is such fun!

I am excited to easily be able to stay in touch with family and friends.