My camera absolutely hates taking dark photos. But, I still enjoy taking shuttle night pics. I'm off to get ready for my very first wedding at our new church. Two widowed senior citizens. How cute.
Have a blessed weekend!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
DISCOVERY shuttle - 11:59 pm - 12:04 am
My camera absolutely hates taking dark photos. But, I still enjoy taking shuttle night pics. I'm off to get ready for my very first wedding at our new church. Two widowed senior citizens. How cute.
Have a blessed weekend!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
10
by Robin
Ten is about being independent. He picked out his own cake. I couldn't sway him for nothing. I have a friend who makes beautiful cakes. I wanted to give her some business. But no.... this is what he wanted from a store. So, we humored him.
What a sweet & innocent cake decoration.
Little did he know....... (We had this topper removed, but somehow it made it back ONTO the cake.)
We had those reigniting candles. He loved that.
Nothing like deer feet.
Ten is about being independent. He picked out his own cake. I couldn't sway him for nothing. I have a friend who makes beautiful cakes. I wanted to give her some business. But no.... this is what he wanted from a store. So, we humored him.
What a sweet & innocent cake decoration.
Little did he know....... (We had this topper removed, but somehow it made it back ONTO the cake.)
We had those reigniting candles. He loved that.
Nothing like deer feet.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
by Robin
I'm not sure if there are words to describe this child.
He turned 10 on Tuesday. The cake was his idea, definitely not mine.
I'm not sure if there are words to describe this child.
He turned 10 on Tuesday. The cake was his idea, definitely not mine.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Captain
by Robin
I had a post on Tiki last week, so now I have to be fair to Captain. Captain is a border collie in a giant 14 lb chihuahua body. He's intense with constant focus on food, beating me to my next step, and arriving to the level of my face or lap as quickly as he can. He can jump like a kangaroo and he loves a good squeaker toy. He will squeeze between my legs and the kitchen cabinets and wait patiently for anything to fall.
But, when he's not busy being intense, the boy knows how to chill. If Jack or I get on the couch, he will jump 90mph onto the couch and body slam (literally) himself over and into the wedge between our bodies & the couch. It's comical. For what he lacks in 5 lb ferocious cuteness that Tiki has, he makes up for it with humoring us and having a sincere heart.
Andrew taught him to lay on his back and now, that's how he sleeps. If he wants to invite Tiki to play, he throws himself on the tile, on his back, and wiggles back & forth. I love this picture. Who can sleep through having their toes licked? Ack!
Late at night, I look down and there he is, nestled on his back and his deep brown eyes staring up at me. Tiki loves Mamma because he gains more by doing so (sort of a selfish chihuahua), BUT, for Captain, Mamma holds the sun, moon, and stars. His life would fall apart without Mamma.
I had a post on Tiki last week, so now I have to be fair to Captain. Captain is a border collie in a giant 14 lb chihuahua body. He's intense with constant focus on food, beating me to my next step, and arriving to the level of my face or lap as quickly as he can. He can jump like a kangaroo and he loves a good squeaker toy. He will squeeze between my legs and the kitchen cabinets and wait patiently for anything to fall.
But, when he's not busy being intense, the boy knows how to chill. If Jack or I get on the couch, he will jump 90mph onto the couch and body slam (literally) himself over and into the wedge between our bodies & the couch. It's comical. For what he lacks in 5 lb ferocious cuteness that Tiki has, he makes up for it with humoring us and having a sincere heart.
Andrew taught him to lay on his back and now, that's how he sleeps. If he wants to invite Tiki to play, he throws himself on the tile, on his back, and wiggles back & forth. I love this picture. Who can sleep through having their toes licked? Ack!
Late at night, I look down and there he is, nestled on his back and his deep brown eyes staring up at me. Tiki loves Mamma because he gains more by doing so (sort of a selfish chihuahua), BUT, for Captain, Mamma holds the sun, moon, and stars. His life would fall apart without Mamma.
Monday, August 24, 2009
STATE of the GARDEN Report
by Robin
It's been a time of transition for the garden. As Obama says, "Change". Yes, things are changing but not really for the good. The summer heat has taken its toll on the plants and everything wants to die in this heat. So I pulled a lot of dying tomato plants. Tiki helped me. He loves to dig.
Then, I had my share of a few hours of weed pulling between the 3 gardens. The dogs thought this was great fun to have Mommy in the dirt with them instead of yelling at them to get out of there.
I did put some seed out from what I had drying. Onions, lettuce, bush beans and romas. The bush beans did pop through the ground already. I hope to get a decent fall crop out of them.
My pineapples have been growing all summer long. One of them turned yellow and probably need picking.
The bigger one is still green, but leaning over because of the weight.
My 2 banana pepper plants produced only 1 lone pepper. That stinks. I put them in the ground way too late. I'm going to take that pepper and dry the seeds and get more babies for the fall.
On Thursday, we had something really big happen in the garden. We saw honey bees on the sunflowers. This is probably nothing to many folks, but for me, it's like winning the lottery. (Maybe Pnatolie will understand my enthusiasm here.) I haven't had any bees pollinating my cucumbers, squash or watermelon blooms. This is real progress. The bees know we're here finally.
Earlier this year, we signed up for the "Hunt for Bees" - The Great Sunflower project out of San Francisco State University. In short, you grow the sunflowers and then keep some basic data on numbers & types of bees you get on your plants. Then, you submit the results back to the University. I'm so excited.... I know I said that already.... but the bees we have are honey bees. This is very good.
I'm going to save seed and continue replanting future generations to encourage more to come back in the spring and because the bee populations must also need to grow in our area. I have no idea what nearly wiped them out of our area, but some are visiting now. (Our other home had bees everywhere! )
I'm continuing to compost, fertilize and replant for the fall. I'm taking a little bit of a risk in case a hurricane comes, but so far, Bill passed by without any wind. It's almost the end of August and I'm antsy to get some plants going while the days are still filled with light.
Have a wonderful Monday!
It's been a time of transition for the garden. As Obama says, "Change". Yes, things are changing but not really for the good. The summer heat has taken its toll on the plants and everything wants to die in this heat. So I pulled a lot of dying tomato plants. Tiki helped me. He loves to dig.
Then, I had my share of a few hours of weed pulling between the 3 gardens. The dogs thought this was great fun to have Mommy in the dirt with them instead of yelling at them to get out of there.
I did put some seed out from what I had drying. Onions, lettuce, bush beans and romas. The bush beans did pop through the ground already. I hope to get a decent fall crop out of them.
My pineapples have been growing all summer long. One of them turned yellow and probably need picking.
The bigger one is still green, but leaning over because of the weight.
My 2 banana pepper plants produced only 1 lone pepper. That stinks. I put them in the ground way too late. I'm going to take that pepper and dry the seeds and get more babies for the fall.
On Thursday, we had something really big happen in the garden. We saw honey bees on the sunflowers. This is probably nothing to many folks, but for me, it's like winning the lottery. (Maybe Pnatolie will understand my enthusiasm here.) I haven't had any bees pollinating my cucumbers, squash or watermelon blooms. This is real progress. The bees know we're here finally.
Earlier this year, we signed up for the "Hunt for Bees" - The Great Sunflower project out of San Francisco State University. In short, you grow the sunflowers and then keep some basic data on numbers & types of bees you get on your plants. Then, you submit the results back to the University. I'm so excited.... I know I said that already.... but the bees we have are honey bees. This is very good.
I'm going to save seed and continue replanting future generations to encourage more to come back in the spring and because the bee populations must also need to grow in our area. I have no idea what nearly wiped them out of our area, but some are visiting now. (Our other home had bees everywhere! )
I'm continuing to compost, fertilize and replant for the fall. I'm taking a little bit of a risk in case a hurricane comes, but so far, Bill passed by without any wind. It's almost the end of August and I'm antsy to get some plants going while the days are still filled with light.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
God likes Smoked Meats & fried food too!
by Robin
"And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a free will offering, or in your solemn feast, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:
(Smoked chicken & mahi above; beef tenderloin below)
Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil." Numbers 15: 3,4 (but it continues)
I had no idea we were making an offering of Thanks unto the Lord with our meal on Monday. I had no idea God was into frying crabby patties.
"And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a free will offering, or in your solemn feast, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:
(Smoked chicken & mahi above; beef tenderloin below)
Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil." Numbers 15: 3,4 (but it continues)
I had no idea we were making an offering of Thanks unto the Lord with our meal on Monday. I had no idea God was into frying crabby patties.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Nice Quote
Good family life is never an accident but always an achievement by those who share it - Anonymous
We were cooking together today when Simon Peter decided to get the camera and put it on timer.
Tuesday, we start in a new direction. We're taking a few courses with a co-op of homeschoolers in my county. I'm teaching Civics, but they boys are also taking other classes. This should be interesting.
We were cooking together today when Simon Peter decided to get the camera and put it on timer.
Tuesday, we start in a new direction. We're taking a few courses with a co-op of homeschoolers in my county. I'm teaching Civics, but they boys are also taking other classes. This should be interesting.
Friday, August 14, 2009
SUNFLOWERS
by Robin
We're helping out the University of SF do a study on bees in our area. They gave us some sunflower seeds to grow plants. Then, we're suppose to sit outside for 30 min each day and see how many bees visit our sunflower plants. So far......... zero. This, I already knew from having to hand pollinate my cucumbers.
Here's the big one by my bedroom window.
Here's the smaller one in Garden #1. I can't believe how fast they grew inspite of getting the seeds in the ground late.
Having sunflowers this year has really inspired me to do more next year.
We're helping out the University of SF do a study on bees in our area. They gave us some sunflower seeds to grow plants. Then, we're suppose to sit outside for 30 min each day and see how many bees visit our sunflower plants. So far......... zero. This, I already knew from having to hand pollinate my cucumbers.
Here's the big one by my bedroom window.
Here's the smaller one in Garden #1. I can't believe how fast they grew inspite of getting the seeds in the ground late.
Having sunflowers this year has really inspired me to do more next year.
Monday, August 10, 2009
SCHOOL STARTS
by Robin
About 50 min ago, public school started in my area. We will too. Right after we finish breakfast, cartoons & getting out of our pajamas.
About 50 min ago, public school started in my area. We will too. Right after we finish breakfast, cartoons & getting out of our pajamas.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
BOOMERANG EXPRESS - the Musical
by Robin
Sunday evening, Andrew was in a musical which was a spin-off to the VBS theme, "Boomerang Express". The songs were the same, but we changed up the choreography and added a skit for those kids at our church that were up for acting.
It was a hard 9 weeks for me (one of the leaders), but we got through it much like a woman does with labor pains. Nothing wonderful ever comes without some pains. But when it is all over, you're so overjoyed and think you can tackle it the next year again. (Not to mention, I always get the best seat in the house - the front row!)
This is my second musical at our church. This was Andrew's first time with a lot of lines. He really made me proud and did very well. He played the part of "Isaac". Isaac has a lot of personality & wants to be like Crocodile Dundee. This part was perfect for Andrew.
Here, the two boys carry almost the entire scene by themselves. They did great.
I choreographed this next song, "Working on my serve" to include all types of props of service in the church. It was a whole lot more meaningful than the hand motions they were given at VBS time.
Hope you enjoyed these.
Robin
Sunday evening, Andrew was in a musical which was a spin-off to the VBS theme, "Boomerang Express". The songs were the same, but we changed up the choreography and added a skit for those kids at our church that were up for acting.
It was a hard 9 weeks for me (one of the leaders), but we got through it much like a woman does with labor pains. Nothing wonderful ever comes without some pains. But when it is all over, you're so overjoyed and think you can tackle it the next year again. (Not to mention, I always get the best seat in the house - the front row!)
This is my second musical at our church. This was Andrew's first time with a lot of lines. He really made me proud and did very well. He played the part of "Isaac". Isaac has a lot of personality & wants to be like Crocodile Dundee. This part was perfect for Andrew.
Here, the two boys carry almost the entire scene by themselves. They did great.
I choreographed this next song, "Working on my serve" to include all types of props of service in the church. It was a whole lot more meaningful than the hand motions they were given at VBS time.
Hope you enjoyed these.
Robin
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Vitamin D
by Robin
Here's a good reason to get your kids away from video games and out on a fishing boat. LOL
Lack of Vitamin D in Kids
"The cause? Poor diet and lack of sunshine, the researchers conclude today in the online version of the journal Pediatrics.
Millions of children "
Not my kids!!! We're out in the Gulf of Mexico right now, soaking up all the Vitamin D we can get while scalloping!! We're going to beat bone & heart disease by getting out of the house & school room and play in the ocean.
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Here's a good reason to get your kids away from video games and out on a fishing boat. LOL
Lack of Vitamin D in Kids
"The cause? Poor diet and lack of sunshine, the researchers conclude today in the online version of the journal Pediatrics.
Millions of children "
Not my kids!!! We're out in the Gulf of Mexico right now, soaking up all the Vitamin D we can get while scalloping!! We're going to beat bone & heart disease by getting out of the house & school room and play in the ocean.
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
GARDEN REPORT - August Killer Heat
We're leaving for vacation today, but I thought I'd pre-arrange some blogs for you while I'm gone.
Garden #1 - almost all the tomatoes are dead. I have new babies in those pots on the left. Okra is good. Herbs are pretty good. Zucchini in front is surviving but not producing. Maybe in the fall. I'm doing hole-post composting. I'll let the ground rest through the hurricanes and then plant all my seedlings.
Garden #2 a & b
Leeks not happy. Bunching onions coming along. Sweet Bell peppers not well. Watermelon is the happy weed all over the bottom. Sunflower tall plant on the right.
Garden #3, dead except for 3 hot pepper plants. I'm going to compose in here next since I've about filled up all my empty spots in the other garden with kitchen scraps.
Sunflower.
Yellow Spanish onion. They did ok, but maybe it wasn't the healthiest soil for them.
Garden #1 - almost all the tomatoes are dead. I have new babies in those pots on the left. Okra is good. Herbs are pretty good. Zucchini in front is surviving but not producing. Maybe in the fall. I'm doing hole-post composting. I'll let the ground rest through the hurricanes and then plant all my seedlings.
Garden #2 a & b
Leeks not happy. Bunching onions coming along. Sweet Bell peppers not well. Watermelon is the happy weed all over the bottom. Sunflower tall plant on the right.
Garden #3, dead except for 3 hot pepper plants. I'm going to compose in here next since I've about filled up all my empty spots in the other garden with kitchen scraps.
Sunflower.
Yellow Spanish onion. They did ok, but maybe it wasn't the healthiest soil for them.
Monday, August 3, 2009
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