Too many days it seems my mind is crowded with thoughts like- "When did I last feed Ivy?" "What am I going to make for dinner?" "Whose clothes need laundering today?" You get the idea...so I'm always glad when I run into or am referred by someone to something interesting to ponder on. Lately, it's been this book, Food Inc. The book is packed with info, I'm hoping to see the documentary soon too. It's making me glad I can grow a garden and making me long for my college vegan days a bit. Cody and I also saw the movie Sicko, that really fired me up- unbelievable. We are suckers for a good documentary. One of my favorite lines said that every time we scan an item at the store we're sending a vote to companies about what products we support. What do you think? Do you want to have your own chickens someday? :)
food for thought...
back to school...
I always like back to school time, not just for the obvious reason that the kids are about to have some structure to their day and I might have a productive day for a change. But I like getting ready for a new year- new shoes, new supplies, not so new backpacks this year. I like the change from summer to fall, harvest time, and squeezing in those last few summer outings with the kids. I really have enjoyed having the girls home this summer. As much as I gripe about what they don't do, they DO a lot. So helpful with Ivy and Noah and always good at playing together, just a few moments this summer where they had to take a break from each other!
I figured we better get on the ball with school shopping this year, since we are about to move to the Valley of Desolation as far as shopping goes. Noah's always a good sport, it seems like we're often shopping for the girls and he rarely complains, maybe he's still too young to know he's being left out- yet again- either way we got him a set of (washable) markers which he's enjoyed in many ways. I think our new school North Gem had a smaller list of school supplies which was a pleasant surprise. L & C have brought paints and other things and never ended up using them. I am glad to mostly be done- just undies and socks left. Two stores with the four kids was enough for one day :) I haven't been dumpster diving since college- but I did score some great boxes in back of Dillards, thanks for the ideas everyone!
pea season...
We spent last weekend in Bancroft enjoying family and the Pioneer day parade. When I went out to water the parched garden I noticed the peas were ready for picking. One of my personal favorites- garden peas just can't be duplicated. L & C were quite enthusiastic about shelling them this year which was a huge help. Ivy even got a few tastes, mashed of course. I think tonight we'll be having creamed potatoes and peas- yum. I feel sad that we'll be nearly moved out when our tomatoes, squash, zucchini, onions, and carrots are ready. Do any locals want to adopt our garden?
It is super weedy you must be warned :)
Just a bit of mostly useless information. Should your hamster pass away within the 15 day guaranteed period- you ARE required to bring it back into the pet store to prove it has indeed died if you decide hamsters are not for you and a refund is desired. Nasty- yes- but true. When we left this weekend I knew lil' Daisy was not doing well. I'll spare you details, I just was doubtful that she'd make it until we got back. And when we did pull in I raced in to see how she had fared. Not so good. Yesterday we buried her in the back yard and decided we're going to wait until this move is over and possibly get two outdoor kittens. L & C really want something to love and cuddle and I'm afraid a hamster deosn't quite fit the bill. I have to be honest and admit I'm relieved. For as capable as they are as 8 year olds I was still needing to assist in the cleaning of the cage and all that jazz. Don't tell them I don't miss it. I was sad to see them so sad though, it's never easy, even it's just been a week. One less thing to move I say! Anyone know where I could grab some boxes for moving? I'm realizing it's going to take many many many boxes. I'm motivated.....I'm excited.....I'm full of good affirmations....please let them work....
our newest addition...
We're ecstatic (some more than others) to announce the arrival of Daisy- a long-haired hamster to our home. The girls spotted this cage at DI where it seems we visit every week or so, just to drop off loads of stuff before we move. Had I spotted it I probably would have saved it until Christmas, who wants to move a hamster? But at this point, what's one more thing?
The girls were a bit disappointed that we couldn't get two of something. I guess they get territorial after a month or so. And a male and female were NOT an option. But I think one will be fine for now. It promptly peed through the box onto Chloe's arm at the pet store. They've been watching her like hawks giving us up to date reports every minute- "she's sleeping" "she's in the wheel-come quick!" I remember riding home from Pocatello with my gerbil in a little cardboard box and the ride seemed to last forever. It's fun to see them so excited over her. I think I'm already in love with a pet that doesn't bark or shed :)
a little listening pleasure...
Because we love Tanyas around these parts- thanks Lans- I love them- enjoy!
summer days...
Here we are- into July already. I can hardly believe it. We've been busy at baseball games- although not as busy as SOME people-you know who you are :) We spent the 4th of July in Bancroft and Soda Springs. We also took the yearly trek out to Chesterfield- just can't get enough of that place. I think Noah has had a picture on this tractor every year.
Here's little Ivy- not so little these days. Just now she crawled over- stood up and held onto the chair and said "momma- pick me up!" (Everything but the talking part- that's just for fun :) I know I'm not quite ready for her to grow up that fast. She's taken a few more spills than my other babes, she hasn't figured out how to sit down gracefully yet.
We've had people come through the house a few times- kind of stressful to try to have everything looking good and off the floor, for me anyway! We're still hopeful that the right family will find it. We found a place to rent in Bancroft, which is a huge relief. I can scarcely wrap my mind around the fact that in one month we'll be packed up and heading out. I have good days and days when I just want life to continue as I know it now. It's just so good! 
