Our Very Own Herb Garden

Thanks to my very wonderful in-laws, Bob Bob and Ju Ju, I now have my own herb garden in the backyard. As a very special birthday gift, Bob Bob made this plant holder for me- and I finally found some herbs to grow (i am a little late to the game). Ben has enjoyed helping me grow these and I have already used them quite a bit. The oregano is really good, and if anyone has a good use for thyme, I need to use that more. It smells so good! So far, I have Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, and Parsley, and oh yea, that wonderful herb, yellow mum. LOL.

Me and My Pumpkin

If you are a reader of my family blog, you know all too well how much my son loves produce. Well, recently he brought home some produce that was extra special! Many thanks to Ms. Abigail who let Ben and Maddie visit her garden on MANY occasions. Thanks to her kindness and generosity, Ben was able to watch this pumpkin and watermelon grow to maturity. He even has a book about growing pumpins now. I can't wait to take him to the pumpkin patch!! After picking his pumpkin and bringing it home, it had to go with him everywhere. He even had to take it to bed! (he agreed to let it sit on his dresser, so it could "watch" him sleep) He tells me everyday how much he loves his pumpkin. Sadly, the watermelon met an early demise- well, actually it served it's purpose, and due to Ben's request, we ate it today! Pumpkin is still going strong, and usually sits here as you see it, on the rug, watching tv.

I'm a Big Girl Now!!

Well, it is official, Maddie is a big girl! She started pre-school this year and she loves it. Her teachers, Ms. Karen and Ms. Debbie, are GREAT, and she really looks forward to it. After the first day, she was well adjusted and now she runs right in to her classroom. She is having a ball! Ben attends the same school with her. They both attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-2. It is fun for both them and me!!

A Day at the Farm

As many of you know, my children love being outdoors. Ben is especially in love with gardening and watching things grow. He is enamored with vegetables and the fact that they grow from a seed. So, last weekend, we went to a nearby Herb farm who happen to be hosting an open house. We got to learn about herbs, and the kids got to wander the farm. Ben even got to pick some peppers! Thanks, Farmer John! Cousin Jessie even got in on the gig. What a fun, beautiful day!

Daddy's Home!

A traveling husband is a reality I must live with. Sometimes it is hard, but sometimes it makes being with Dad extra special. Here are some precious shots of Todd returning from the road, and having the best things in life jump in his arms.

Sibling Love

So, the reality of having a sibling is hitting both of my children recently. Ben will go months without touching a certain toy, and as soon as Maddie touches it, it suddenly becomes very interesting! I am trying to foster LOVE, but life happens. They have their precious "kodak" moments sometimes too, like these. Ben can make Maddie laugh like no other, and He will protect her- and has saved her from harm several times. Life is Good!

You Gotta Have Friends!

Ben and his buddy Joseph ham it up for the camera. These are the good old days!

Go Maddie Go!

So, tonight and last night proved to be monumental consumption expositions for Maddie. I just had to blog this! She loves spaghetti, as you can see, and tonight, she ate an all green dinner! She is a healthy eater! The green stuff is a pasta recipe courtesy of Giada. On a side note, Everyday Italian on the food network is edging out Curious George for before bed entertainment for Ben. I am pretty sure he loves Giada. Smart kid!
Another side note, we started Gymnastics class today. Maddie runs circles around me in the "mommy and me" class, and Ben's enjoying a beginner class. He stunned his teacher by doing flips everywhere bouncy. No, I am not kidding. She told me later that he would probably be a candidate for the advanced class. (did i mention he is not yet 4???) Ok- so here's where my bubble burst- he must learn to follow directions better before he can advance. So, I am trying to balance pride with angst. What to do. All in all a good day. We spent lots of time just playing today- just the three of us. The trampoline is a great invention. So is the digital camera!