Foraging in the Backyard

I am embracing it. I cannot keep control of the weeds outside of the raised beds without herbicides and I won't use herbicides.  This year I hopefully put down the straw to keep it under control...it has made pulling them easier. ::snort:: Instead of beating myself up for not spending an hour or two a day pulling weeds in the rain, I am simply embracing the adventure. We don't garden - we FORAGE IN THE BACKYARD! 

However, when we get a morning that isn't rainy - we weed. LOL I am NOT joking about foraging...today we pulled weeds around the spot we had planted pumpkins. Success, we found the pumpkin patch. 

See those weeds behind Stacia? Yes, THAT is what I mean by WEEDS.  When you buy a place with a horse pasture do not glibly think it will make an "easy garden" spot. You need a HORSE to keep the weeds in check. LOL We got into stinging nettle - which stings for days afterwards. One whole row of plants disappeared...I guess the chick weed murdered them. 

I have my doubts these little guys are going to mature before frost. We shall see. 

Next, we turned to foraging... the Kale I planted (much less than typical) fed us well and amounted to a gallon of dried kale on the shelves to sneak into food and soups. 

We harvested the rest of the radishes and discovered they needed to be harvested earlier. I don't know if it was the rain or how big they got but they were all nasty when I went to use them. Lesson learned. I will plant much less next year. 

Ye Old Baptistry is filling up with dead and useless things...new life on it's way. I love having a lasagna bed to work on each garden season. It makes dealing with the overabundance of green after we harvest much easier. 

Millie had a grooming appointment today. The groomers thought she should be seen every 6 weeks. We liked the way she looks now. They didn't even really trim much...but we tried it their way this time and in six weeks we try a new groomer. We don't like her having to be shaved to the skin due to matts....but seriously, it seems to me they simply blew her out...ah well, we'll figure out what works. At this point I'm thinking 8 - 10 weeks may be a better bet.  It's CRAZY to me that we've had to wait 3 months to get into the new groomer. Grandpa HAD to come with us to pick up Millie as Michael had an appointment at the chiropractor. I think it did him good to get up and move. LOL 

Stacia is working on a new cake. It will be shaped like a question mark. Rumor is she's going to try the air brush kit she got for Christmas. She usually has specific requests for cakes, but she is playing with this one. 

I made pesto.  The basil is doing well. I hope to move it inside when it becomes too cold in the greenhouse. I love fresh basil for pesto. I made pesto - so I could make homemade pesto chicken artichoke sundried tomato PIZZA. 

In my on-going rubber band challenge...Michael had a brilliant suggestion. He thinks I should outfit others with bands and snap them when they irritate me instead of snapping myself.  Come to think of that is the norm I'm trying to change. ::snort::  I am getting better. I'm discovering I need to find the line between wit and sarcasm...AND FIND IT FAST BEFORE MY ARM IS TOTALLY DESTROYED. Who knew renewing a mind, taking thoughts captive could be so painful. LOL 

Flowers and Scones?

 If one were to look at the photos one would think the day was all about flowers and scones. LOL 

At this point it would seem I am not going to have any traditional, yellow sunflowers.  There are more buds about to bloom and I'll take the success where I can get it. It's taken me 5 years to successfully grow sunflowers up here. 

The highlight of my day was a visit from a young mom and her little one.   As we sat and shared, I reflected on how very faithful God has been to transform my character. As a young mom "explosive rage" were words which characterized me.  I was insecure and fearful and THAT could not be shown, so I raged and bullied, AND there are quite a lot of hormones associated with being pregnant - which I often was in those days. It's one thing to know God has done a good work, has slowly step by step transformed that aspect of my character, it's another to sit and answer the question HOW - HOW did God lead me out of that mess? 

It was good to reflect, and I continue to reflect this morning (Thurs/4th).  Believing and internalizing the truths of 1 Cor 10:13 were my launching pad. Believing God is faithful, he DOES provide a way of escape from my temper, and then looking for the escape and choosing it...surrendering to the small voice of the Holy Spirit, the impression to stop when all I wanted to do was explode, vent, wound.   God was faithful in providing a husband who gently pointed out the fact I was "harsh" with the children (and everyone else in my circle at that point). Mike helped me see it was possible to change "the way I was."  I had to surrender to God's escape plan rather than my desire in the moment. I had to learn to recognize when I was about to give full vent to my flesh and stop. I had to learn how to interact with the children I loved rather than simply bully them into good behavior. It took time...but God knew I would love these kids enough to do the hard work. He knew he would use marriage, parenting, and homeschooling as tools to transform me, to lead me slowly, step by step along the road of holy transformation. I am blessed to have had people along the way who encouraged me to keep surrendering, rather than beat me up for getting it wrong.  While God did not make me quiet, demure and passive....I have learned to be passionate is not to give in to fits of explosive rage. This journey of transformation began in earnest when my oldest was a bit older than hers is now...God is faithful. He uses even our past failures to encourage others.   I'm NOT where I'd like to be, but praise God I'm certainly NOT where I was.  

I shared I am currently wearing a bright pink rubber band on my wrist. It's to remind me not to be impatient. These days I am not prone to explosive fits of rage...but I realize the exaggerated eye roll, the caustic sarcasm, and negative thoughts are finding their way back into my life way too often.  I snap myself when I catch myself being impatient with the reality of our lives just now, or entertaining negative thoughts.  It's a silly way to be more aware.... and God provided an opportunity during this visit for me to think deeper about HOW his grace showed up in the past and shows up now. It's also progress that fits of rage are not the issue these days...impatient sighs...that's progress. 

We brainstormed situations and reactions and I was blessed by the love which motivates my young friends' determination not to stay stuck ...she reminds me of me 35 years ago. Dad is still talking about how he's never had anyone call him "Ma" before. He is smitten big time with her little guy. He sort of thought he was another great grand, but we cleared that up. 

The pink accessory on my wrist? I am learning to cheerfully repeat things I've said several times already in a day with grace...because if a person can't remember, they can't remember. My impatience only makes things worse. 

And, yes, I DID try Mary Berry's scone recipe...weighing instead of measuring...and they are good. Still not exactly what I want...but yummy.  I will use a smaller cutter next time...these got huge and then toppled over.  They are flakey and not overly sweet...

They are disappearing from the counter at an alarming pace. I took Stacia to youth group and promptly fell asleep in the car for 90 minutes. I guess that was needed. 

While the day could be summarized as slow...filled with flowers and scones...it actually had potential for kingdom impact in my life and the life of others.  It had an element of community, iron sharpening iron, and isn't that what community is about? 

The SECRET We've Kept This Year

We've had a secret for about a year now...It began as a nudge from the holy spirit. They shared their thoughts with us. We all began to pray. They began a year-long process with its ups and downs, but it looks like it IS going to happen....I have had a photo on my phone in the grandblessing file for a couple of months...it's the front facing copy of the one below. We've prayed, believed, been frustrated and now.... I asked Arielle if I could just copy her thoughts for the blog...

From Arielle: We’ve been working on something incredible and life changing for almost a year now. As of end of July, we are officially licensed as foster parents! We’re excited to have a little guy about D’s age join our family “sometime soon” as we work towards adoption.

His story is all his to tell when and if he wants to but he’s truly a miracle and blessing, one we can’t wait to have join our family, adventures and life. It’s been a God thing from the beginning, and I fell in love the moment I saw him, and I’ve been getting all teary eyed about it frequently

I could write a whole book on my thoughts, emotions, prayers and dreams, all the things I’ve been learning, but for now We’d love prayers for our little guy and his people. Prayers as we transition to a family of FIVE. Prayers for the next legal steps and all the ups and downs we know it will involve (Hollywood makes it look so simple and rosy). Prayers for me as I navigate having two toddlers- three energetic wonderful boys

Boys and Blooms

I walked into CoRielle's home this morning and immediately knew there was a different kind of busy-ness today! The vacuum was whirring, the chairs were stacked away from the table, and the boys were nowhere to be seen. Benny was busy vacuuming. "Honey" (Arielle) was having a meeting today....and company tomorrow. LOL  Unfortunately, the photos of our industrious crew were all blurry. 

Monday, when Benny stopped by for respite care, he burst in the house saying, "Bachan! Guess what? There were TWO Boss Babies and I got one so there is only ONE Boss Baby."  He told me today that they were mean babies but if I wouldn't be afraid, we could watch it together. Which we did. 

Next on our agenda was a quick trip to the park and a mile walk around the neighborhood. I pointed out it may rain on us if we left the house. Benny assured me it doesn't hurt to get a little bit wet to go on a walk. This seems to be a truth one could live by. 

LOOK! In the midst of that horrible weed patch/garden is a single bloom...further investigation revealed the rest of the row still working towards blossoms, and the artichoke plants. 

Blooms everywhere this morning.  I realize the summer is nearly over, but I grew these from SEEDS. Next year I'll know to start the seeds earlier...next year I'll have the greenhouse established before the growing season and can begin getting things going before the last frost. 

Michael, the girls and I took a break right in the middle of the day to read a chapter from "Inkheart" and to watch an episode of "Manifest." These are things we want to do WITH Allie and since she is working - we are learning creative scheduling. 

Girls? Let me brag on them a bit. Stacia took a test in her last Japanese class and ACED it. Kim said she believes she is the only one of her students who has ever made 100% on that test. AND Allie took her English assessment for college and is going to be able to CLEP freshman English. Go girls! 

A GRAND First Day of School

Bre is a smart Mommy. These kids started school a few weeks early. They will take a baby break in November....and the kids are excited to begin now. 

I love the photos and the board. Bella is going into 1st grade. Her favorite thing is visiting Grandma and she wants to be a nurse for babies. 

📷by BreAnne

Annie is in Pre-K, her favorite thing is playing, and she wants to be a toddler! ::grin::

📷by BreAnne

Gideon is in kindergarten, his favorite thing is sharks, and he wants to be a firefighter. 

📷by BreAnne

I think I need to borrow this sign for Stacia's first day of school...and Allie's first day of college. 

August 1st - fall?

Stacia came in from romping through the place with Millie to show me a "terrible sight." She found THIS on the ground. I told her not to worry, we are a long way from fall.  Later on, I noticed a few of our birch trees are yellowing.  And last week there was snow on the top of the mountain - but it's melted...so I'm not quite ready to claim fall, but summer is nearly run its course. 

Arielle and the boys came over to give Michael and I a bit of respite.  We went out for soup (me) and sandwich (Michael) and enjoyed a relaxed, prolonged private discussion.  We stopped at Freddies on the way home to pick up supplies and meds for Dad. We gave each other $10 to go on a shopping spree. It cracked me up that we both selected food.... Michael got gummies and chocolate covered granola bars. I got two packages of Lily's milk chocolate covered caramels.... they were on SALE. LOL  

It's a rainy day around here. We spent the afternoon in the living room talking with the girls.  We continue to love the dreaded "teen" years, probably because we still maintain we've not had teens. We expect them to be young adults, and by the grace of God, they've lived up to our expectation.  At some point I got a notice my scone cutters were in my mailbox! Woot! I can make all kinds of sizes now. LOL 

Michael grilled some lovely steaks I've had marinading. He did it IN THE RAIN. I went outside, in the rain, to the former "garden" and foraged through the weeds to find go withs for the steak. If it would stop raining for a few days when I can stay home, I might get it weeded...but the food is still there. 

Cute-cumbers - Dino Eggs

A stir fry with squash, cabbage, onions, asparagus, broccoli, sweet peas...from the garden. KALE - I should have picked some kale! 

Cucumber Tomato salad

Dinner was yummy and we all lingered and shared memories. Good times. The girls, Grandpa, Michael and I settled in to read a chapter from "Ink heart," and watch an episode of Manifest, while the guys headed to bed to prepare for another day of work. 

As for the "fall" question? Could it be fall on August 1st?  I'm simply going to enjoy the time for what it is...hopefully not fall...but maybe a longer fall than typical? Summer came way early. I'd like to linger in summer or fall for a bit of time rather than have an early winter.  This seems far too early for fall. We shall see. 

Weekend Recap

We had plans for the weekend which didn't pan out. But that's o.k. We still enjoyed time together as a family - and that was the heart of our plans. 

We've been missing the summer nights sitting around the fire. This has been hard as Dad no longer wants to join us outside but isn't safe on his own. grin:: This Friday night we decided to just build the fire after he went to bed at 9. The girls, Michael and I enjoyed connecting around the fire. 

This was more like a bon fire but was totally controlled and died down very quickly.... it was fun to receive photos from CyRi and JaRissa when we sent them this one. They were sitting around the fire at CyRi's at the same time. 

While others were working or at the Air Show, Stacia and I walked around Friday Fling. We found a photo exhibit and took the survey from the sponsors. This earned us 2 $10 gift cards to Fred Myers. Every little bit helps.  We also tried a fried Oreo (ugh) and promptly gave the remainder away. 

Curriculum has been arriving at our home. One box had the air-filled plastic bags in the box. This resulted in quite a few minutes of fun play with Millie. Stacia discovered she could squirt the air at Millie and Millie wasn't quite sure how to attack the situation. 

Saturday had work for half of us, errands and quick jobs around here for the rest of us. Stacia and I fit in a coffee date after we dropped Allie at work and had an hour before we could pick up groceries. This is a blessing of Covid/2020...the discovery of pick up groceries. LOL I much preferred sitting with Stacia and discussing all things life than running up and down aisles at Freddies on a Saturday. 

The Dino Egg cucumbers are ready. Larissa renamed these cute-cumbers!  I began dehydrating our over-abundant crop of Kale. I have found that if I dry it, I can put it in soups, eggs, guacamole and everyone eats it....and if asked I simply tell Dad, "It's green like basil," which it is. LOL 

We had planned to be at the Air Show on Sunday - but decided several factors indicated the wisdom in changing that plan. We felt it would be a bit too long to leave Grandpa with Alex.  We wanted to hear the guest speaker at church. Rain was predicted. We thought about rushing to Anchorage after church, but Michael had seen enough to satisfy him on Friday. The rest of us really wanted some family time as much as the air show...so....

We opted to invite friends out to lunch after church and it was fun to connect in that way.  The girls enjoyed visiting with their youth, we enjoyed visiting with Danny and Krista.  Later at home we played games and simply enjoyed being with each other. 

Now it's time to start a new week - and a new month. August. The 8th month of 2022 already. Whew. Stacia's birthday month! CyRi's anniversary month - has it been a year since we had a yard full of celebrants?