Yin & Yang

I love my Benny. He doesn't have a lot of words yet but he sure knows how to get what he wants. His point and grunt routine remains the same but he imitates sounds more often. He has said what sounds like "apple", "woah", "bubble", "yeah" and "doodoo". It's annoying but really kind of interesting to watch him express himself without words. Once he talks I'm sure I won't be able to get him to shut up.

Like Nathan. He will go on for days if you let him. Making up stories. Throwing all sorts of random stuff in there. Including made up words that end in feet, poop or butt. Where do these kids get it? He does have quite an imagination though. He will be a good storyteller someday. When he drops the potty mouth. Or he will keep it and be a comedian.

My current favorite and least favorite part of the day . . . bedtime. Nathan resists as he always has. He wants to make a deal every time. One more this, one more that. Good God child - why aren't you tired?! Whereas Benny is tired and he knows it. We will go into his room with the lights off, play his same CD that we put on at night and he puts his head on my right shoulder. He snuggles and we rock for a while. I love it. One song and I put him down. He either spreads out on his tummy or curls up into his little fetal position and there usually isn't a peep out of him for the most part until morning. When he's not ready, you know it. But really, he is a super star at bedtime. I wonder if he will always be like that. Was Nathan?

Usually the 8-9p hour is the one that breaks me. Bedtime arguing gets the best of me. ~sigh~

No point here. Just reflecting on the differences of the two. The age and the personalities. The way the days feel so long right now. How it feels to think about another round of it tomorrow. Thank goodness for preschool.

Last Visit

Sadly, yet another grandmother has passed on. Leo's Grandma (Babci) died almost two weeks ago, only one day after we came back from our trip to NY. Thankfully, we did visit her for a while. She was very different from the last time we saw her. Being on pain meds and being out of it, she was not her spunky old self (and I'm pretty sure it freaked out Nathan to see her in the wheel chair, with oxygen and not really responsive). Still, we sort of got to say goodbye and give her a kiss one last time. Leo will join the family in celebrating her life next week. As much as I would love to go as well, handling these kids on yet another trip is a little much at the moment. But we will be there in spirit (and pictures!).

Other than the sad goodbye, the NY trip was good. The trip up was a success (no traffic - even in VA. Can't say the same on the return trip.). We were out and about every day. But the first stop (and most important) was meeting Julia. What a sweet little munchkin. Less than 7 pounds when I saw her, she was tinier than either of my boys ever were out of the womb. She is a sweetie pie and I hate that I will miss seeing her all the time as she grows. Lily, of course, is a little angel as well and Nathan and Benny enjoyed time spent together. We went to Lego Land together in Westchester, went swimming and played a bunch at Pop's. Give them a flat piece of grass and they are happy to run.

Leo and I went to my friend Hadas' wedding over the weekend while we were there. The short trek into the Catskills are beautiful and seriously, it was the most breathtaking gorgeous day to be in the mountains. We had time to hang out in the hotel before the wedding (without kids!), then leisurely make our way on the ski lifts on the top of Hunter Mountain where the the wedding took place, right on the edge with amazing vista views. It was weird to be hanging in the sky like that, afraid my high heels might just fall off my feet into the forest below. But if the bride did it, everyone could too. The mixed culture ceremony of Jewish and Indian was interesting and even entertaining. They did a nice job marrying their traditions together. There was down time before the reception as well. We considered it an extended date night. It was so nice to just be. And it went too fast. I would have loved to make use of the pool and hot tub, talk more with my friend and get to know her groom. but they will be moving back to the states next year (they are currently in Africa) and I plan to persuade them to visit. And possibly con them into making an authentic Indian meal. The food at the reception was awesome!

While we were away, the boys were "angels" as they are often called when I'm not around. Stinkers. They were busy in kyacks on the Hudson River, trips to the farm, swimming and playing on Pop's truck. They were very good for Pop and JoJo. That made me very happy and proud.

We caught up with some friends up there as well but of course the time goes fast and there are always others I wish I could have seen. Maybe one summer I will take the boys for a few weeks and visit the places I used to spend time as a kid, like the Adirondacks.

Home, we are already back into school (Nathan) and MOPS (me) and work (me again) and all the other social stuff that fills our calendar. House parties, birthday parties, etc. The weather here is cooling for a few days. We can't wait for open window nights as fall approaches.

Disney Extravaganza

Only days after my last post, an amazing opportunity fell into our laps. Cousins Jeff & Karen had a timeshare they booked but couldn't use in Orlando, Florida and offered the chance to use it for the week. It took a split second for me to yell out to Leo, ask him if we should do this, then respond with a very excited "YES!" Days later we were packing the car.

Looking at the map we saw the resort we would be staying at would be right across the street from Disney. We looked at each other and asked "should we?" It didn't take long to decide. Yes, we should and yes we will!

After much discussion, research and planning, we found ourselves at the Disney Store buying passes for Disney World. Aaaahhhh! We're going to Disney! If only the boys could understand what was about to happen. Nathan, at one point, said the mall rides were much better than Disney. Puuhhleeeze!

Sunday morning we were on our way. We were already tired. I had crammed like I was taking a final (there is so very much to know about Disney before you do it!) and Leo and I had a couple nights where we were up late and awake early, both excited and restless as well - even more so than the kids since we knew what was in store!

After a very long ride (GPS says 8 hours, friends say 10, traffic and rain said 12!). We made it to the Vistana Villages. Unfortunately, it was the wrong resort. But the right one was only a few miles away. The right Vistana welcomed us around 7p and we couldn't be happier. We explored our two-bedroom apartment and made ourselves at home. The 3rd floor was not cool. The jacuzzi in our room was and we made use of it right away. Best. Bubble. Bath. Ever.


Having prepared for the Monday rush, we decided not to do Disney on the first day. This was a good decision but a tough one I admit. I understand why it's so busy at The Magic Kingdom at the start of the week - it's awesome and you can't wait to go! But we did wait and did Hollywood Studios instead. Making use of the wonderful Fast Pass (FP) system, we got tickets for rides we would get on later and went to enjoy another side of the park.

First up, Star Tours. I knew this would be a great way to set up the day. Leo and Nathan went on the Star Wars ride together and when they got out, Nathan and I went again. Having arrived before the parks official opening time allowed us the run of the place for the first hour. This was awesome!

We went on rides, saw some shows and signed up Nathan for Jedi Academy. Imagine how proud Leo was. Except that Nathan was too shy and didn't go through with it. The show was still cool but we were a little let down Nathan did not want to train to fight against the dark side. A favorite of Benny's was Disney Jr Live - a puppet show with all the characters you see on Disney Jr these days. Benny stood up, pointed and grunted in his own excited way to show us he recognized Mickey, Donald, Doc and Jake. I loved seeing his little face light up. We weren't sure how much he would "get". His favorite part in this and every show that had it was the bubbles that fell from the ceiling.

We took an afternoon break where we thought we could all get some rest. NOT! "Vacation" with kids is no joke. Thinking you will relax ever, is. We hung around a while before returning and doing a couple things we missed earlier in the day. I was really looking forward to seeing the animation section. I remember this the best from a childhood trip. 20 years ago they were still drawing by hand and using the studios as actual studios. I wish I could remember what they were drawing then. I do remember how fascinated I was by the process and how it stirred my creative side. I desperately wanted to work for Disney. For a long time I really wanted to be an animator. Fast forward all these years later. It's all computerized and probably located in CA. No more animation rooms. This was a disappointing reality after having such strong, fond memories. I wonder if it's too late to get a job with Pixar?

We stayed late for the 9p showing of Fantasmic - a light/ water/ character show. It's a mishmosh of story lines and pyrotechnics. Entertaining,

but ridiculous that you really have to be in there by 8:15 to sit (with wiggling tired kids). We left early to beat the crowd and it was a good choice to make. The first day was long and we were pooped.

Tuesday we took it easy and discovered one of the many pools in the resort. It had a slide and a baby pool and lots of other little kids. Benny napped on Mommy (again - the whole time when he was tired he fussed until he just dropped on whoever was holding him) and Nathan made new friends (again - he seems to meet new people everywhere and every day!).

After a slow afternoon we went to Sea Dog, a new restaurant and brewery up the road. The drinks were good and cheap ($2.50 happy hour drafts
!) and the food really delicious. Wish we had one in Raleigh. We then headed over to cousin Jeannine's house for a little visit. She took us to her local park for a while where the kids ran it off some more and met another friend or two. The boys made use of all of Jeannine's musical instruments and made themselves at home. Nathan taught her how to be Iron Man.

Wednesday morning went well. After the trial of the first park day we knew what to do. The Magic Kingdom, of course is a whole other ballgame. There is so much involved in getting there just from the parking lot. But this is the day when all the tips came in handy, from which monorail to take to which FP to get. We followed my plan for the most part and despite what you might think, it was fun fun fun! We tackled Tomorrowland first and did space stuff (Buzz and Astro Orbiter) then went into Fantasyland for the tamer and popular kid-stuff - Small World and Peter Pan. By noon we were on our 8th ride. This is a big deal at the height of summer heat and tourists. We powered through, saw the show going on at the castle (Princesses and all the favorites!) and did a little in Adventureland before calling it a day. On our way out, we ran into the afternoon parade. We considered not staying to watch but once it began it was hard not to watch. I for one, was not all that romanced by the characters and parades. But at Disney it's different. I wanted the kids to see them all up close and personal. We watched the whole thing before leaving for the day
. I made dinner at our place and we enjoyed a quiet family night in. I love that we were able to do this together instead of going out for every meal. This made it feel right.

Thursday we got up to do much the same as the day before, only we went to the other side of the park. We planned to do Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain but the first was closed and stayed that way all day, sadly. But, Nathan loved Splash Mountain and he and Leo went on it again later in the day (thank you FP!). Actually, we spent much of the day doing some things over again - Tea Cups and Winnie the Pooh. I was worried Benny wouldn't like Pirates of the Caribbean but as we were walking out he was singing to himself in his own Benny way. We recorded it to remember how he makes up his own sounds, yet we know exactly what he is singing.

By the end of another hot day, we took it all in knowing this would be the last of Cinderella Castle for us. I wasn't ready. We lingered in stores, got a frozen lemonade and then begged Daddy to let us stay for the parade again. We popped a squat in the front of Main Street USA and waited. It was worth the sizzling heat of the sidewalks under our behinds. The parade walked right in front of us and so many of the characters stopped and reached out to Benny. With that face, how could you not? Both boys were mesmerized by the experienced. I was touched too. It was a perfect way to end the day there.

While we considered going back for the electrical parade and fireworks, the late timing of it, the afternoon rains and how exhausted we all were, we knew we would have to do that the next time we came back to Disney.

Friday, the final park day, we decided on Animal Kingdom. This day, by far, felt the hottest in the morning. There were no clouds in sight. Just people. Having missed Thunder Mountain, Leo snuck away to ride Everest, a big fast roller coaster we knew Nathan might not be ready for. Leo loved it. We went on a safari ride and saw amazing animals; a bird show; a Lion King show; Nemo The Musical. Characters were everywhere in this park as well. There was a short wait to see Mickey and Minnie and we hadn't spent time doing it before so we decided this was the time. Benny was sleeping on my shoulder and I was afraid she would miss it but just as we were getting ready for the picture, he woke up to see Minnie in his face. He was surprised and delighted. It was my favorite moment.

Before we knew it, the afternoon parade was coming through. This was the longest day but it went by fast. We found a shady spot to wait and there were some activities set up for the kids. They even got little certificates for their participation.

Saturday was pool day. We explored the very awesome pool that had splash fountains and shallow areas for the kids, and a waterfall in the deep end. As always, Nathan made friends and shared a raft with someone else. Here is the time I would have loved to veg out in a chair with a book and get lost. Alas, the kids made that difficult. Later we visited Downtown Disney. The Lego store is worth the trip and we got a few little things as reminders of the trip. Though I don't know how we could forget it. We had such a great time.

Aunt Dot, Uncle Rich and Jeannine came by in the late afternoon. It was so nice for everyone to come visit. Cousin Steve made the effort earlier in the week too. Everyone is so busy but really wanted to see us. It made me so happy! I wish we could have seen the rest of the people we know in the area. I guess next time?!

Sundays drive went better on the return trip. We were so eager to be home we left before the sun rose, and as we got close to home, made Nathan pee in a cup instead of stopping. This made him giggle, especially when he got it on my hand. At that point, I would have done anything to make him giggle. They handled the ride well but it's a long time to be in the car. I just want to see my boys laughing.

And then back to the real world. Doctors appointments and other commitments are on the calendar, as well as laundry and food shopping and mail sorting. Going away with kids was work but the reward of their faces was worth it. Even if they don't remember it all, Leo and I won't soon forget.

Point & Grunt

Benny does the cutest things these days. Although we feel like he is behind where Nathan was at this age (at least with talking) he is catching on to other things quickly. He manages to communicate his needs despite his lack of words. His pointing/ pulling/ directing in some fashion gets you in the right room. His more annoying grunts gets his point across - for the most part. He copies Nathan's every move - from climbing on every surface and jumping off, to running around with arms outstretched "flying", to holding on to the outside of the stair rails and using the steps to ascend. Awesome. Not. It's scary to watch that little body make such big boy maneuvers, but it's also good to see that he can handle more and more of the world and it's obstacles. After all, he is no longer a baby. He is suddenly a year and a half (about) and is very much aware of that fact.

Our favorite game of late: he will be between me and Leo and alternately run into a hug or kiss between the two of us. Of course I love this one. I will have to force it out of him someday. Also, we know he knows how to do things (high-five, fist bump including 'blow it up', blow kiss, etc). But when he doesn't feel like it, or just wants to get a reaction, he will shake his head no and giggle when asked repeatedly. The key is repeatedly. Everything is over and over until you think of a different way to entertain him. This is usual for kids but still exhausting!

When we was a baby, he was a good sleeper, as in when he was asleep, we would put him down and that was it. He's always been good through the night but at some point he wasn't so great about just going to sleep when it was time, and so we went through the horrible (but effective) cry it out stage. From about six months on, he would cry when put to sleep. For months! Then, it slowly changed and it would be a little less, then it was only a few minutes or no crying at all. Hooray! Recently though he too has realized he is becoming more a kid and less a baby. He started crying again at bedtime. Ugh. It's normal at this age and I vaguely remember Nathan doing it too. But it's still painful. Then, before you know it you turn another corner. Just now in fact, we went to his room to change him (without pointing you can tell him what's next - 'bath' or 'change' and he will lead the way). I closed the door, turned off the lights and put on his music. After a moment, he looked at me and pointed to his bed. I put him in and he snuggled right up, ready and willing for nap time. Hallelujah! All the little things over time have paid off. He knows the ques and he practically asked to go to bed. We are doing something right!

Nathan is proof we have been doing ok too of course. He is as bright and funny as ever. And head strong and independent as ever. He has been testing out his place in the world, trying to make deals with us as we do with him ("If I finish my beans and take one more bite of chicken I get dessert, ok mom?") He tries and even sometimes comes up with decent compromises. But mostly, they come out as angry attempts to control things when they aren't going his way. He even boldly shouted to me, "I'm not going to bed early because that's not the way the world works!" Oh my. My words come back at me full speed but from a four-year-olds attempt to get out of punishment. Sorry, buddy, that definitely isn't the way the world works. But nice try. It gets harder to keep him in line as he tries to push back on every front, but we just have to become more consistent at discipline while still taking into account he's a smart kid with feelings and he's taking in every detail of how human interaction works. You can't yell at a kid in frustration and not expect him to yell back at you later on in the way he's just been taught. We're learning every day.

Nathan's funniest thing is he loves to dress us. When we are at a friends house, if there is dress up things - masks, play outfits, boots, helmets, knee pads, etc, he is in them. We went to Marbles not long ago and they have lots of little areas for dress up. He spent lots of a time as a doctor, then a fireman. I almost couldn't find him underneath the coat and hat. I love his sense of make believe and pretend play. He gets better at making up ways to spend time. It's finally translating into less TV time which is knows we are trying to spend less time doing. Also, Benny and Nathan are playing together. Another Hallelujah moment! Even though their play results in giant messes (blocks, under cabinet tupperware, pillows and blankets, books, etc), they pass the time easier these days when they are together. Organized activities are less successful: they are on such different planes still that number and letter practicing for one equals marker on the wall for the other. But still, we are making some progress as a family unit. It's hard to keep things interesting, fun and productive for four different individuals. Today is a bad example of cohesiveness. Mommy and Daddy want to veg and the boys simply don't do much of that - so we are all in different parts of the house doing our own thing. On the other hand, how cool is that?!

Summer Calendar

At the start of summer I didn't have too much planned. I was thinking about how summers are supposed to be - you are off from school and it's just time to hang around and play. But Nathan only went to school a few days a week last year so that doesn't change things much just yet. My weekends and week days flow into one another, so seasons of course follow suit, so that doesn't change over the summer. And our kids are young yet so no matter where we are we are just playing. So how did I think summer would be different? How did I think I could get away without planning anything?! I envisioned lazy days. But guess what? That doesn't always work so well with little ones. Just one unplanned day at home can remind a mother that getting out and doing something will almost always result in a better day with kids! So before I knew it I was urgently filling up the calendar.

Nathan's summer camp sessions went well. There were tears for a few of the days, even though we were going to his school that he already knows (and even some familiar classmates). But he got over it quickly and I count that as another little hump we got over - leaving him someplace without mommy (we will have many of this type of milestone in the years to come. A tough one for everyone but necessary and worth the tears.) We have spent time at the Museum of Life & Science, Marbles and various friends houses. The Mommy & Me Book Club has been a fun addition too. I hosted one today, the theme of course being July 4th. The book reading part wasn't spectacular (for a room full of kids age 1 - 5, you can't expect much), but the theme-y crafts and snacks were appreciated. We have gotten in a bit of pool time too - around all the crazy rain. Every day there has been some combination of storm, or random midday rainfall followed by sudden sunshine. It's weird.

Nathan and Benny spent a night at Gigi and Grandpa's house so Leo and I could have a date night. It was Benny's first time without either one of us. I had to sneak out so he wouldn't freak out, so I hated to leave without last snuggles. But he did fine. In fact he seemed to not really miss me until morning. We went out to dinner, browsed through Barnes & Noble like we used to do pre-kids, and went to a movie, then slept in the next day. A wonderful time for everyone!

Grandpa Truck is here for a few weeks. We already had a cousin sleep over (coupled with poke night at the same time. Smart? Not sure . . . ) Logan turned four and we went to his birthday party last weekend. Thankfully it was not over 100 degrees like last year, but NC humidity is no joke. I'm sure there will be another cousin play date coming up in the weeks ahead - probably involving the pool.

I dove into a new business at the start of June. That has been fun, fascinating and profitable! I am getting connected with old friends and meeting new people every day. I didn't know I needed something like this - something for me, something that will make a difference in people's lives. But I did! And I didn't think I had time for it either. But it's fitting into my life rather well. I also signed up to be the Hospitality Coordinator for the MOPS group I'm involved in. I'm shaking in my boots a little bit about that role. It involves a lot of summer planning and getting ready for the bi-monthly meetings starting in September. I have some time and I know I will have help, but I'm still wrapping my head around all the duties involved. I'm thinking Nature's Pearl will have to be tucked in there somehow too, to make the most of my time. Girls nights and book clubs are always on the calendar too. My girls are so much fun and so important to me - when I don't get to see them I really do miss the social time.

We have a couple trips planned - but not the traditional summer ones most are taking.
I am going away for a training in Charleston for Nature's Pearl. Then we are all going to NY in August to meet Baby Kepler #2 (I can't wait to meet her!).

Looking at my calendar I'm quite amazed I even had time to type this as our lives are so full and busy! Thankfully, a friend offered to take Nathan to play this afternoon and Benny is taking a marathon nap today. Whew... I needed the break!

Tomorrow we will celebrate the holidays at a friends house and possibly fireworks. We'll see if the rain and /or humidity continu
es to curb plans. That's summer for you.

Summer Days

You know what's cool about Spring in NC? Strawberries. We missed going last year but we made it out this year with friends. Benny was so cute. He just wanted to eat them - just like Nathan's first time. I learned though - bring wet wipes with you!

Nathan finished up his first year of preschool. He had a great time and has a lot of fun projects to show for it. He is doing a couple weeks of summer camp at his school too. Then, on to three days next year. Then there is "graduation' before heading of to Kindergarten. This is, by the way, stupid. I'm sure I will gush over how cute they are in mini caps and gowns. But really, it's dumb and makes actual hard-earned graduations less special. So you know how I really feel.

We had the Koker boys here overnight. They all played well together as always (they love the play room), ate well and (for the most part) slept well. I was worried Patrick would be the one to keep us up but it was the older boys who had to pee or just couldn't sleep or whatever. Other than that, no drama. Just fun playing.

The next day we took a drive down to Leland/ Wilmington for a visit to Nonni & Poppi's for an overdue visit. We spent the afternoon at the pool - a lovely day to do so. Nonni is a pool monitor there part time. (A nice way to spend time making money!) The next morning looked a little bleak so we visited the Battleship. We had been talking about going forever. This was a perfect time to go. Nathan had a great time checking everything out (after taking a spill down the first set of stairs. Oops!). It was a fun tour I'm glad we went on. The sun came out eventually and we took the short ride over to downtown Wilmington for lunch. The boys were worn out and slept the whole ride home. Memorial Day was a lazy one. A welcomed one.

Other than the few weeks of camp, the days of summer are stretched out long before us. The pool opened weeks ago and we have already been a few times. Nathan loves it. Benny not so much. This one will take time to get right. For all the prep to get there I sometimes wonder if it's worth it. By summers' end I'm sure we will have a good system and everyone will enjoy it. That is the hope. We went to the museum last week, which I'm sure we'll do several times a month at least. And then friends' pools of course to mix things up. Then there are the other days when we're not quite sure what to do. Mommy's going to have to get real creative a motivated. . . .

My MOPS year ended too and we finished up with a nice dinner at a friends house. But the MOPS stuff doesn't end. I have signed up to be Hospitality Coordinator for next year which means I oversee the setup for each of the meetings. I'm not sure how I got myself into that role but the group has been so wonderful for me that I had to step up to make sure it was just as great for the next mommies to come along. It will be interesting since both boys really don't like being in the child care there. Another thing they will just have to get used to.

As if I didn't have enough on my plate I also signed myself up with Nature's Pearl (https://www.naturespearlproducts.com/jentrend). They offer all sorts of products using Muscadine Seed Extract, a super antioxidant that reduces inflammation - the root of all disease! (Google it. Interesting stuff.) This sounds involved and he products do wonderful things, for every person, sick or not. So I'm on board to spread the word and build a little something for myself on the side. I gotta wake up this mommy brain somehow so it doesn't get too mushy.

Looking forward to playdates, a trip to the Zoo, and even a Mommy and Me Book Club. I guess I shouldn't be so hard on myself for having some downtime in the afternoons. We have a full calendar.

Project Girl

For the most part, I live for projects. They keep me looking forward to something, keep my creative wheels spinning, and give us all something to do to break up the days and make our lives better in some way. The saying "when it rains, it pours" is true in all aspects of life including projects!

We got new countertops last month and a new backsplash was installed last week. These were fun
items I didn't really expect for a long time but things are going well so Leo gave me the ok. Picking out the stone for the counters was a breeze (Leo and I are often in sync when  it comes to design decisions  but the tile for the back was a little more complicated.  But that's part of the fun, right? Thinking of new ideas and overcoming the challenges to get you to a new place. We were short a few last pieces but they should be in soon and then the project will be complete. With the new sink and faucet, the room looks wonderful and I love being in there. Good thing since I'm in the kitchen half the day.

In the living room I had made some new doors to cover up a built in shelving area where we store our junk. Shoes, hats, flash lights, etc. I was sick of looking at it. So I covered it artfully and I love it. By the fireplace I  notices a draft in the winter that was bugging me so I came up with a design to have one big panel of cloth with magnets inside to stick to the metal surround and cover up the glass (to protect the kiddies and the glass itself) and close up the draft. I didn't get it done in time for winter but it's up now and ready for whenever. This was my first foray into using a sewing machine. I have mixed emotions about that learning curve.

Then comes the carpet. While it has been on my long wish list to replace it someday (after the kids have finished spilling things on it every freaking day!) we noticed an odd wet area under a piece of furniture. The stain is big and smelly and mysterious. We have an idea of where it may have come from (an overloaded washing machine on the other side of the wall?) but we're not completely sure. We had a plumber come look in case it was a major thing going on and all that we got from that visit was a couple holes in the wall and some guy scratching his head about the whole thing. We are still shrugging our shoulders too and not sure what to do. I guess it will remain covered for a while until we figure out where it came from before we replace the carpet. While thinking about what to do I thought out loud about putting a wood floor there instead. After all this other stuff going on, Leo gave me a look that suggested I might be slightly off my rocker and I better lay off the DIY ideas for a while.

For Mothers Day I received four carpet roses to plant outside. Brother Matt delivered them and mentioned he would be happy to put them in the ground. Although I hadn't planned for roses in front I casually mentioned how maybe they would look good in front instead of the awful bushes we have always had and always hated. The suggestion turned into a project in three minutes and suddenly we were pulling the awful things out of the ground. Matt made quick work of it while I ditched the
cut up branches to the woods behind the house and Leo came out to help between work e-mails. (We love being backed up to the woods more every year!) The clean slate has my wheels spinning once again . I visited a local nursery yesterday and fell in love with a couple plants. I got three Dwarf Nandina and one Heavenly Bamboo that will go nicely with the small Japanese Maple Orangeola I got at the farmers market last weekend. As for the giant holly tree - that monster is coming down as soon as we can get our hands on a chainsaw. I plan to get a nice Japanese Maple there too someday. As for the roses, Leo dug up a strip of grass on the south side of the house especially for them. They will be lovely to see when we come home everyday and less grass to cut!

One of my friends noticed all that was happening and called me the Project Girl. It's true. It doesn't stop around here. And I hope it doesn't. Even though I'm tired, it's so much fun!