Oh Crafts!

So, yesterday I asked Sarah to go tell Daddy that the TV wasn't working and I needed his help. She returned and told me that Daddy told her, "Oh, crafts!". I am assuming she meant, "Oh, crap", but personally, I like her version better. Speaking of crap, this week I got to watch my niece and nephew and their dog, Dobby. The friendly little guy decided that he wanted to color with the girls and ate a crayon before anyone noticed. Today, I happened through the dining room and saw vibrant blue something on the carpet. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that it was vibrant blue poop! Oh Crafts!

Only 3?

So, the other day, I was sitting on the couch watching an episode of Smallville and Sarah came up to me to ask me a question. As she was walking away, I asked her to get me some more water and handed her my cup. She groaned, rolled her eyes and responded, "I always do everything, you don't ever do anything!". Suprised, I told her how I do her laundry, fix all of the food and keep the house clean. Sarah then told me, "You only do 3 things, I do way more than that!" Perspective is everything I guess.

So, I am not dead, but I have been so busy getting back to life, that I feel like it has been months since I got home, not just two weeks. Life continues to progress, full steam ahead, and I feel like I am in a bad "B" movie hanging on to the caboose by my fingertips. When did our days become about the next task? I swore I wouldn't be THAT Mom, who is constantly shuttling her kids, strapped in the minivan, from place to place; activity, to activity. I want to be involved in my kids lives on more than a superficial level. What then, do I let go in order to be able to do that? Question of the day...

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We found this wonderful science lesson outside on one of my Mom's Iris. This spider had adapted it's colors to white and pink to blend in with the shade and colors of the iris. (If he didn't adapt then he had some superior knowledge of where he was supposed to live.) Then, this unsuspecting honey bee flew in to get some nectar and was captured by said spider. We came in at dinner time; the spider didn't appreciate the flash photography so he dragged his kill underneath the petals for more privacy. It was a great learning experience for the girls.

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My help meet

We are having a fun time on our vacation, but I am already exhausted! I truly believe that old adage, "you need a vacation from your vacation". Time just seems to run away from me more than usual. Last night we went for a walk and ended up being gone for an hour. By the time we got home at 7:30, I did not make my 8:00 bed time. Baths, hair, teeth, scriptures, chapter books and prayers took another hour! We are all just dragging today. I had to wake the girls up to get ready for church and leave by 8:00am to get into Stake Conference in the Valley. Now,I am struggling to keep them reverent and calm on the Sabbath. I just am looking for a small moment to be quiet and feel of the spirit of the day. I think that the Lord knew something when he declared that man needed a help meet. I need my husband. I am not as efficient, happy, or useful without him to help me get the things that I need; spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Husband, I love you and miss you! Happy Father's day!

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Some really great friends of ours in Chewelah have opened the "Straw Bale Bread Co."
It is a bread and soup shop that they run out of their out building. Bill built their house in the straw bale style. Straw style housing is efficient, sound proof and more resistant to earthquake and weather damage. But, the point of this post is the delicious food that they are making. Tuesday through Friday they are open and serve fresh bread, made with healthy ingredients and no oil, dairy, or eggs; and the most delicious pastries I have ever eaten. Blueberry scones filled with cream cheese, berry and chocolate scones, and ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls, and daily soups with unlimited fresh bread. Linda also makes homemade granola that is to die for. Here is the Olive-Rosemary loaf that Grampy bought this morning. It was warm and the parmesan smell mixed with rosemary was absolutely tantalizing and made me slobber like a St. Bernard. Yum!

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At Grammy and Grampy's House

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Sarah took it upon herself to instigate family scripture study this morning.

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We went downtown today and rode the carousel, fed the ducks, fed the garbage goat and followed the tracks in the mall. Thank you Auntie Deborah! Catherine and Sarah tried out their running poses with the Bloomsday runner statues.