Garden Update

LaVor has been faithful in posting pictures on Facebook about our bountiful garden.  It's seriously out.of.control.  In a good way, though. We've gone from this, to the following.

We're picking, on average, three zucchini a day, our tomato plants are officially taller than me, the strawberries are super sweet, we picked our first carrot Thursday night and our first two cucumbers this morning, our cantaloupe literally doubled in size in one day, our peppers are going to weigh the poor plant down (there's so many of them), and we can't keep up with our basil.

We also got a new garden pet this week; a lizard.  We hope he stops pooping in the soil but continues to eat the bad bugs.

The bad boy that was a peanut when LaVor left for work yesterday

More carrots just about ready to be picked

Tiny watermelon

Just a fraction of what's to come

The Lime asked when we were going to have pickles

We're just about over zucchini bread - time for new recipes

There's about 4 more peppers growing on this poor plant

Jalapeños...just for Daddy

It's taken lots of work (primarily from LaVor...I just water and pollinate in the mornings) but it's been a joy to watch our plants thrive and grow. It's been an even greater joy to partake of the fruits of our labor! Our neighbors are reaping the benefits, too, as we can't eat everything we pick.

And it's only going to get more abundant.

Memorial Day

Our Memorial Day was your stereotypical one; picnic for lunch (in our front yard, under our huge plum/cherry tree), swimming at the community pool (we got in for free because we got there 45 minutes before it closed), s'mores made over an open fire, and camping (in the backyard).

All of this was done with the brave men and women who selflessly gave their lives to defend our freedom, on our minds and in our hearts. Their sacrifice does not go unnoticed around here.

Speaking of which, I took the boys to visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall today. LaVor and I were blessed with the opportunity to see the actual wall six years ago, during our trip back East. Since I don't know when our boys will have a chance to see the real thing, and I want to instill in them an appreciation for such things, I wanted to share this experience with them.

On our way out of the park, we stopped at the playground for The Lime to play for a little bit. I sat on a bench next to two veterans and thanked them for their service. They were both gracious and said they appreciated it, especially since they received much less than that after coming home from serving in Vietnam. "We were yelled at, cursed at, spat on, had things thrown at us. It was awful," they said. Thankfully I had my sunglasses on because tears began to fill my eyes, as I thanked them again for their willingness to fight for those who did not support or appreciate them, especially because they were fighting for those peoples' free speech. We chatted for a couple more minutes before their legs were rested enough to finish the walk back to their car.

I'm forever indebted to my parents for being great examples of how to treat veterans, how to honor our flag and country, how to show gratitude for all we've been blessed with.  I hope I can provide that same example for The Lime and Doodlebug.

Today was the perfect ending of our Memorial Day week, remembering those who gave up everything so we can enjoy our lives in this great land.

Celebrating Doodlebug

A year ago, we were introducing Doodlebug to the outdoors.

Today, he got to go bowling for the first time (aka I held him and we pushed the ball down the lane together). We were originally going to go swimming but the weather wasn't hot enough, so we utilized a Groupon that was just about to expire.

The group was small for this birthday, just the four of us, as other family members had previous commitments and illness that popped up. Just like on Monday, Doodlebug didn't know what was going on and was content with what we had to work with. Like this hat I made out of newspaper for him on Monday night. Simple, free, but festive.

The Lime won the first game and LaVor and I tied for the second one. When The Lime hit a bunch of pins, he got this serious/proud look on his face. When he missed, he was visibly disappointed. Doodlebug clapped for everyone no matter what. Love his positive attitude.

Sometimes I feel bad for my kids that they don't get these over-the-top parties but then I see how much fun we're able to have and the memories we're able to make, sans the foofoo, and my guilt disappears. Maybe I'll change my tune when they fully understand what's happening but until then, I'm enjoying the stress free birthdays.

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I finally got off my rear and made the poor boy a birthday cake after Sunday dinner (5/24).  I was going to feed it to him but LaVor thought letting him go all out would be better.  Much to my dismay, he won and Doodlebug had a field day with the chocolate zucchini cake (I'm trying to sneak that stuff into anything I can!).

Our home teachers came over while this was happening so we scooted Doodlebug, still in his seat, out into the living room with us and he continued stuffing his face. He had so much fun and loved every second of it. I loved when he came out of the bath, all clean, and all the chocolate cake crumbs were picked up off the ground :)

Sportsmanship

It wasn't too far into baseball season when things got ugly. First, the Oakland A's and Kansas City Royals had a tiff.


(Does it make anyone else sick how the KC fans stand up and cheer?)

Shortly after that, the Chicago White Sox got into it with the Kansas City Royals (notice a common denominator?).



With The Lime playing t-ball, I cringe when situations like the above mentioned happen. I understand people get upset but to resort to violence, what message is that sending?

Last Saturday, the A's played the White Sox. Dan Otero was pitching and Jose Abreu was at bat when he got hit by a pitch. The ball bounced off of him and hit the catcher, Stephen Vogt. Jose Abreu turned around to make sure Stephen Vogt was okay, Dan Otero apologized, and Jose Abreu gave him an "it's okay" gesture as he walked to first base.

That, my friends, is how it's supposed to work. I was pleased that The Lime was watching and I made it a point to show him the situation and how all parties reacted.  That is good sportsmanship.

In fact, I was so impressed, I had to take a few moments and write notes of gratitude to Dan Otero and Jose Abreu.  I wanted to let them know that, although they probably didn't think two seconds about how they reacted, it made a lasting impression on me and hopefully thousands of other fans, especially little ones, who look up to these guys.  These aren't just lessons that can be implemented on the field but in our daily lives, and how we treat those that we come in contact with.

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 12 - Part 1

Dear Doodlebug,

Holy cow! This year has gone by FAST! I say that now, looking back on it, but while we were living it, it seemed to inch along.

For some reason, I thought you'd be the exact same baby like your big bro was. Boy, was I wrong! You two couldn't be any more different.

We had a rough start. It all started when I felt like all you wanted me for was my milk. Then we had a really tough couple months when you screamed and screamed and screamed every time I tried to feed you. We stood while feeding, fed in a dark/quiet room, tried rocking while nursing, and a few other things that just didn't seem to help. Add in nobody sleeping very much and things weren't daisies and butterflies. But the feeding thing magically turned around and you started sleeping in your own room and all was right in the world.

You, my friend, are a mama's boy. You give waves and smiles to lots of people (okay, pretty much everyone) but nobody beats Mama. It makes it hard when I'm trying to make dinner, but other than that, I love that you love me so much. Big Bro spent lots of time away from me, and I hate that I couldn't be with him all the time. So I'm eating up every opportunity I get to love and kiss you. Especially on those chewable cheeks! I can hardly resist gumming them every second of every day.

We get lots of one on one time, since Big Bro sleeps way better than you do, and I love watching you play and figure things out. You like to get into trouble and even shake your finger at me (like I do to you when I say, "no, no, no") when you're about to do something you're not supposed to. I can only imagine the trouble you're going to get into once you and Big Bro can run around like wild and crazy banshees. The two of you already wrestle and you love holding onto his back while he crawls on the ground.

Ya know, he loves you a whole bunch. He takes great care of you and has been a super duper helper to me since you got here. Sometimes he's a little rough with you, and you don't seem to mind, but it makes me nervous. Daddy and I think you'll be bigger than him someday and you'll be the one being a little too rough. We'll see.

Speaking of Daddy, you sure do love him. He had to go out of town for work the other day and you woke up the first morning he was gone, calling his name. When you hear the front door unlock, your ears perk up and your eyes get big because you know he's going to walk through the door. He loves when you snuggle with him and I know he loves that you say "Dada" all the time. You pretend to talk to him on any phone you see but you hate when he tries to kiss you because his beard tickles your face.

Before you were born, I was a little nervous as to how you'd fit into our established family of three. Although the first half of your life wasn't ideal, we made it work and now we're having more fun than ever. You are a doll and we couldn't have asked for a better Doodlebug to love. Heavenly Father knew you'd provide that extra light and laughter that we needed and we've never looked back. This year has been lots of things but great trumps them all.

I love you tons!

Mama

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 12 - Part 2

-Can stand and has taken a few steps but still prefers crawling.
-Got his 6th tooth on 5/25.
-Waves and says "hi" to everyone but few people say hi back.
-Claps on his own at The Lime's baseball games.
-Dances (bounces) to music.
-Bounces when he wants your food.
-Crosses his ankles when he's in his high chair or stroller.
-Throws tantrums if you don't give him your food.
-Says "Dada" and "Da" for The Lime.  Still only says "Mama" maybe once a week, when he's in his bed, screaming to get out.
-Loves dogs.
-Thinks it's hilarious to pull hair.
-Loves to sing the "Ba Ba Ba" part of "Barbara Ann".
-Can't wear shoes because his feet are too fat.
-Was described as a Clydesdale by my sister.  Spot on description.  He's not covered in fat rolls, just stalky.
-Loves to point, especially at the pictures of Christ.
-Still nurses all the time.
-Lucky for us, he's our Doodlebug forever.

Spoiled

Notice anything different between this picture and the one I posted last week?

Let me give you a different angle.

Thanks to my observant husband and his two trusty sidekicks, I woke up Sunday morning to this wonderful surprise, and I didn't have to wait until Christmas! It absolutely completes my desk makeover and adds just the right touch that was missing. Plus it's much more ergonomic (and cuter, let's be honest) than the folding chair I was using.

The chair isn't the only special thing I received. Look at those tulips!

Whenever I get tulips, I'm always reminded of the many bouquets LaVor bought me from the sweetest florist, Ben, every time we'd visit Berkeley. Tulips always bring a smile to my face.

And if I wasn't spoiled enough, I had to go ahead and whip up my favorite dessert.

If I had to choose my very last meal, crème brûlée would be involved. When we went on our cruise a few years ago, I ate my weight in crème brûlée. The richness, creaminess, and crunchiness all combined into one delectable dessert are enough to make my taste buds and stomach burst with excitement.

It feels good to be spoiled every once in a while.