My Garden Helper

Can I just say how much I love that guy?  He exhausts me and fills me up all at the same time. How is that possible?  I'm finding that Ian doesn't chat much (growls and yells a lot). He doesn't have as many  "needy emotional moments" like the girls do. Instead, I see him as one who redirects his energy into exploration. At this stage, he doesn't care a whole lot about toys. He'd much rather play with the vacuum, or the broom, or the hose. I never did any child-proofing with my girls. None. This time around we have more than one gate, locks on every cupboard, locks on toilets, and nary an unsupervised moment. You just can't turn your back on this boy. It's good. It's really, really good. He's a smart little dude. But sheesh, being so vigilant all the time can wear me out.

I'm embarassed to show much more of my garden. I'm fighting a half-hearted, and losing battle with the weeds (between and around the boxes). Things inside the boxes are finally starting to grow as the days have really warmed up.

My irrigation system still has not been installed (it was supposed to be my Mother's Day gift) so I'm doing my best to water every day- with a smile on my face. I also captured some squash bugs on my zucchinni already. Ugh. Those things reak havoc. I did some research and now have a crazy experiment in place to get rid of them. Basically, I captured some of them, blened them (yes in the blender, I was gagging), mixed their pureed bits with 2 gallons of water, and dumped the water back over the plants.  I don't know why this is supposed to work...but hopefully will. I'll report back.

I'm off and running. I'll be back soon with thoughts on summer schedules and chores. Ooooh now doesn't that sound exciting?

Spa Party

Hannah turned 8 last week. Hannah loves a great party.  Even better, she loves a party with a great theme.  This year was no exception- she asked for a "spa party". 

We asked the girls to wear their pajamas and to come at 9am. After meeting them at the front door with a clipboard and "confirming their appointment", we served breakfast: quiche, sausage, fruit and cinnamon rolls in leiu of cake.

 
Each girl received a goodie bag (comprised of a Turbie Twist, disposable flip-flops, toe separaters, a mirror, and lip balm).  The Dollar Store is great for things like that.

 
Next, they soaked their feet in some sudsy water and rose petals.  I went around and painted their toes. We passed a dish of mints around while they were waiting and had some American Girl magazines for brousing. Mostly they just talked and giggled.

I found some "all natural" mudd masks at Target (one packet was enough for 2 girls) and they applied it themselves using their new mirror.

 
To complete the facial, they used some cucumber slices as a cooling eye treatment.

 
When their masks were dry they took turns wiping it off with warm cloths in the bathroom.

It was a fun party, that didn't cost buckets of money and the girls had so much fun.

(wearing her Christmas nightgown!? and holding up her card illustrated by Carl)

Happy Birthday Fun Girl!

Spa Party

Hannah turned 8 last week. Hannah loves a great party.  Even better, she loves a party with a great theme.  This year was no exception- she asked for a "spa party". 

We asked the girls to wear their pajamas and to come at 9am. After meeting them at the front door with a clipboard and "confirming their appointment", we served breakfast: quiche, sausage, fruit and cinnamon rolls in leiu of cake.

 
Each girl received a goodie bag (comprised of a Turbie Twist, disposable flip-flops, toe separaters, a mirror, and lip balm).  The Dollar Store is great for things like that.

 
Next, they soaked their feet in some sudsy water and rose petals.  I went around and painted their toes. We passed a dish of mints around while they were waiting and had some American Girl magazines for brousing. Mostly they just talked and giggled.

I found some "all natural" mudd masks at Target (one packet was enough for 2 girls) and they applied it themselves using their new mirror.

 
To complete the facial, they used some cucumber slices as a cooling eye treatment.

 
When their masks were dry they took turns wiping it off with warm cloths in the bathroom.

It was a fun party, that didn't cost buckets of money and the girls had so much fun.

(wearing her Christmas nightgown!? and holding up her card illustrated by Carl)

Happy Birthday Fun Girl!