Growin' Like Weeds!

It's been a while since I've posted about the kids - well pictures anyway.  I'm amazed at all the ways they find to entertain themselves out here.  I'd almost be bold enough to say my kids could have just as much fun playing with a solo cup in our backyard than with a $100 toy (which is yet another reason why we had a garage sale this weekend!).  Thank and praise the Lord for active imaginations!!!!

Recently they've taken up an interest in geology.  Now I actually took geology in college and I can assure you they get none of their interest in it from me... it was hands down the most boring class of my college career, but I suppose my interests at that time in my life were FAR from studying rocks. LOL!  Anyway, they all spend HOURS scouring the yard for rocks (aka "precious jewels") and then the real fun starts!!!

Finding "lost diamonds and hidden treasures"!

Cracking it open to reveal all the layers inside!

Even the girls get in on the fun... thankfully we have enough safety goggles to go around - and so far no one has smashed a finger!

SO CUTE!

  I can't tell you how many "diamonds" they've given me.  I like to tell them that we should pretend to be pirates and hide or bury them outside.  (That way I don't end up with a thousand crushed rocks in our house! LOL!)   And they get to work on their arts & craft and directional skills when they draw "treasure maps"!

Looking at these pictures and thinking back on these fun memories yet again reminds me of how fast the kids are growing up.  Long gone are the sleepless nights of nursing newborns - they've since been replaced by late nights filled with endless giggling and pillow fights of sleepovers.  I find myself having to work a little harder as a parent every day - "Praise Baby" or "Baby Einstein" dvds no longer hold their attention - now I am challenged with making up games, treasure hunts, and crafts.  I wouldn't change the quality time I spend with them for ANYTHING!  It truly is priceless - but being a parent is WORK!!!  I feel my kids are a reflection of what Jarred & I invest in them, with a little God given grace thrown in.   

Something else that is a lot of work is a garden!!!  Man oh Man has it taken on a life of it's own!  But oh the rewards are so tasty!

Back

  Front

(the corn rows have been replaced and all my new seedlings are thriving - well, except the carrots.  Guess I planted them too late, too early or too deep.  Oh well!)

Whoa baby!!!  Look at those watermelons!

We were able to successfully grow two melons.  They're the size of a small bowling ball right now.   They're more round than oval - not really sure why that is???  Hmmm.  Anyway, the kids are SO excited and we check on them every day!

And just so we can feed the garden a little better next year, we've started composting!!!  Pretty cool huh!?!?

Yeah, I only used a small portion of that gianormous zuchinni.  Obviously I took this picture a while back! LOL!  It's amazing how much we can reduce our trash when we reuse things in a new way and recycle!!! 

And that reminds me, I need to go and pick the garden later today - wonder what yummy surprises are waiting for me!   I know there will be lots of okra & green beans - I could see them when I was watering last night.  I actually sold all the stuff I picked this weekend at the garage sale so I'm looking forward to some home-grown veggies.  I was surprised, we sold out of zuchinni & okra in less than an hour!  (Note to self: Maybe I should get that farmer's market thing a try afterall!)  I will however be wearing my rubber boots, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when picking the garden from now on - especially after this weekend!  But I'll post more about that later.  And oh... it's Monday... yes friends, it's your favorite time & mine! Put your hands in the air for MEAL PLAN MONDAY!!!! 

MEAL PLAN MONDAY

Monday:  Breakfast for dinner (Jarred is out of town this week, so following tradition, we always do this at least once while he's gone).  Blueberry Muffins, Pigs in the Blanket, Scrambled Eggs & Cheese, and Yellow Watermelon

Tuesday:  Spaghetti, Garden Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Cheese Sticks

Wednesday: Taco Nachos

Thursday: Fried Chicken Strips, Macaroni & Cheese, Okra

Friday: DADDY'S HOME!!!  Grilled Burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Stuffed Jalepenos, something chocolate!