Blogging Blunder

Oops! I somehow made a blunder and thought my last post was my 100th post, but in all reality it was my 96th post. I had written a few posts in advance because I wrote a lot in one day, so I spaced them out over each of the following days so no one would get sick of reading my blog. I thought the computer blogging program only counted the published posts, but it counted all of my scheduled posts, too. So in order to fix that, I went back and wrote some of the blogs that I had wanted to write, but never had time to sit down and do it. So if you notice all the new postings from me that are really old, that is why. If you are interested, here are the links: Zoo Outings, Music Makers, Andrew's Birthday, and The Lion King. If you decide to make a comment on them, I will add your name to the drawing again for each one. How's that for drumming up comments!

My Latest Hobby

My latest hobby is to make "Book Bling". I thought the name was original, but as I've searched the internet I find that is quite common. I first bought a few of these book marks from an embroidery store as gifts, but then I thought I'd like to make them myself. When I bought them, they were called "Book Thongs", but Paul thought it sounded gross, so I changed it to my not so original "Book Bling." These little book marks are fun to make and I enjoy the creative outlet. They make a fun gift to give because they are personal and who doesn't love a good book? So when you get one of these for your birthday, you might not be surprised (since you've seen them here), but I bet you will like it!
AND, since I just realized that this is my 100th post, you can make a comment about something you have learned about me that you didn't know before, and you will be entered in a drawing to win one. I will even make it in a color that you like, if you care about that. Since I wrote my first blog entry last June, I'll give everyone till June 1st to comment and then I will draw the winner.

Teacher Appreciation

For teacher appreciation week, we made a fun door sign for Lily's teacher because we like her so much. I think it turned out pretty nice. Her teacher likes rock music, so we tried to incorporate that. We also gave her a cute Eric Carle book called "Pancakes, Pancakes" that her teacher said they can use next year in year in their class to teach the kids how to mix and make pancakes for science. We didn't forget Siena's teachers. We made food for their luncheon. We also gave them all some "book bling" as an end of the school year gift.

We are very grateful for the hard work teachers put into their jobs and for all they teach our kids. It's too bad they aren't paid better. When you think about the effect they have on children and the future of our world, they have one of the most important jobs that exist. We should hold them to the highest of standards and pay them for it

What a great Dad

In April and May our ward had a daddy/daughter camp out and a father/son camp out. Paul was a good sport and went on both. He and Siena had fun, but were only gone about 17 hours. They said the food was great, but after a night without much sleep they weren't up for hiking.

Spencer was so sad when he couldn't go with Siena and Paul, but when he found out that he would be going on one a few weeks later, he couldn't stop talking about it. They were up North in the trees for their camp out so the trip there was long, but it was worth it because they, too, had a great time. It was a couple of weeks ago, but Spencer talks about it a lot still. How they roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, slept in a tent, and played with friends. The fire was the main attraction for the boys. Is that any surprise?

My Abundant Garden

Our garden has definitely impressed me with it's abundance for such a small area. The best producer has been the Swiss Chard. The mint has gone crazy, but I don't know what to do with it, so it's underutilized. The tomatoes are growing well, but are still very green. I haven't pulled up a carrot or onion, but their tops look great. Our summer squash is growing well, but is covering up the pole beans, so they aren't growing as well as they could have. Our lettuce is producing quite nicely. I'm always so happy when I need something for dinner and I don't have to run out to the grocery store at the last minute. I can just walk out the back door and pick some of our own fresh food. I love it when we sit down to dinner and eat something from our garden. It gives me a great since of pride and self-sufficiency.

Zoo Outings

We went to the zoo a lot this spring because the weather was great and our membership was about to expire. I won't be buying a new one because the prices are now ridiculously exorbitant. However, we did have fun while it lasted. In two week's time Spencer and I went together, then we went with Lily's class, then we went with our friends, the Burtons. We wanted to get the most of it while it lasted.

Spencer thought the Waterbucks looked like himself, Siena, and Lily. He thought the monkeys looked like me and Paul. He had a lesson on evolution while visiting the tamarin, and a reproductive biology lesson while visiting the tortoises. He didn't realize what they were doing, but he had a fun time imitating their movements and sounds for about the next week. It was hilarious. He spent a long time feeding the black swans, the turacos, and the giraffes. Lily loved the aquarium.

A Special Day for Special Kids

Each spring "Raising Special Kids" puts on a celebration at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for special kids and their families. It is one of the highlights of my year. It is a fun event for the whole family and it is free! It is a huge event that takes tons of work and I am so appreciative to everyone that puts it together and volunteers that work to make it such a success every year. We always start out with a ride on the train and then the carousel. Afterward, we go over to the carnival games and free food. This year they had hotdogs, chips, drinks, Uncrustables (which Lily really liked), frappucinos, Blue Bell ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy. Luckily, this was before my diet! They also had pony rides, petting zoos, blow up slides, crafts and face painting. It always lands within a week or two of Lily's birthday, so it is the funnest family party each year!