More Ick

Pip is throwing up.  Eli is throwing up.  I get to experience the joy of a head cold while cleaning vomit.  Lucky me!  She fell asleep briefly (when Eli was using the bucket) on her little princess sofa, but woke up for more sick.  At least my poor Pip is sleeping again now.  Hopefully this time will get her past the vomit...

Her first brief respite between retches.

Ick, Ick, Ick!

We solved the mystery!  Harvey and the kids found this lovely insect crawling in our grass.

It is a giant water bug, also known as "toe-biter."  We're scientists in this house...can't just get rid of an icky bug until we know what is!  FYI: this picture is pretty close to life-size.

Guess What I Did!

Domestic productivity was the goal of the day and I think I was pretty darn successful.  I hung two loads of laundry on the clothesline to dry on this beautiful, blue sky, slightly breezy day.  I also sewed on the sewing machine! two dresses for my girls for Easter.  Mom, you'd be so proud.  I even ironed constantly to make sure I had lines to follow for my stitches.  Someone with more skill would have done better, but considering I haven't sewn since I was a kid myself, I think I did a fantastic job AND now my girls have matching dresses.  Yay, me!

Kid Pictures

Auntie Meta was so nice to take pictures of the kids while we were in Oregon.  The pictures can been seen at Catchfly Photography.  Meta does such a neat job with the pictures.  Especially since Hazel was a stinker.  It was surprising she got as many as she did with a seemingly happy Pip.

Fuchsia Saturday!

After such a busy, long day yesterday, I was surprised to wake so early.  Then I remembered: Fuchsia Saturday.  Oh, the excitement, the joyous anticipation of choosing the fuchsia starts, waiting in seemingly endless lines to purchase, only to wait in another line to have all my starts planted in that touted Black Gold potting soil... So much later than when I started out, we were back home putting pots where they go, planting the garden and planting the remaining pots.  Hans partitioned the garden so each child has their own space.

I loved being outside with everyone planting the pots and the garden.  The kids worked hard on their plots, with Hazel's, "I want spinach!" or "I want carrots!" simply because she heard someone mention planting the seeds elsewhere.  I'm curious to see how their gardens grow.  Hazel was an excellent planter.

Zoo Day!

Pip was so excited to go to the zoo.  It really was the first time she could really experience the zoo.  She kept pouring over the map, constantly needing us to prod her along.  Eli was also very much interesting in the map.  I think the boy needs some orienteering time with his father.

Pip's commentary on the animals was entertaining.  She decided she "no like those spiders or snakes or owls."  It's funny how opinionated she is.  She didn't want to see those "flamangos," but was fine when we were there.  Just a funny girl.  She tired out after a few hours and limited her communication to grunting, whining, and telling me she only wants to go to the car, not see any animals.  Little pill.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

Back from Oregon and planning our day at the zoo.  The kids are excited.  I'm more excited now that I'm finally feeling caught up on the mess the husband ignored in my absence.  He didn't eat the leftovers meant for his dinners, he bought coffee at 7-Eleven instead of making it at home...  BUT the lawn is beautifully mowed in diagonal strips.  I love getting to revel in the simple joys.

The Saddest Thing I Ever Did See

Was a woodpecker pecking on a plastic tree...

and Eli's "plant log" that I found in his school folder this afternoon.

Plant Log
(page 1) This is what I observed about the seed I am going to plant: It is big, pountey and blak.  It is biger than all of them.
(page 2) On 3-14-11 I planted a flower seed.  This is what I did and what I used: I did fil it up whith soil.  I usde a cup.  I watrd it with a watring can.
(page 3) On 3-28-11 I check on my plant and this is what I observed: My plant is differint.  The tip broke off of my plant, Sence then it hasint grone.  It was one of the sloist.
(page 4) On 3-31-11 I check on my plant and this is what I observed: it has don nothing.  It looks like it did last time.  The tip is cut off.  It is not growing.