A Hint of Summer

We’ve had such a mild and dry Spring, it is hard to believe we live in Western Washington. Where are the Incessant Rains™ of March and April? Why did we have to water our lawn in May? What is the world coming to, when the first weekend in June is forecast with temperatures in the mid 80′s?

Showcasing the new fence.

Showcasing the new fence.

Back East, they turn on air conditioning in May, and June is hot and muggy. But here, we are unlikely to see any Summer weather before July 4th. Except for July and August, when the sun comes out, Washingtonians know to get out and appreciate it. After all, this may be the only vitamin D we get, that doesn’t come from a jar of pills.

It's official:  David is taller than Rachel.  But what about Sarah?

It’s official: David is taller than Rachel. But what about Sarah?

I broke out my short-sleeve shirts last weekend; it looks to be a hot Summer. Maybe my tomato plants will recover from their sulks and actually produce a crop before October.

Auditioning to be Flower Girls ...

Auditioning to be Flower Girls …

Walking with David down our street in the cool of the evening, watching the blue sky fade to lavender, I am very thankful for the way that God designed our world, and for designing my eyes to be able to appreciate the incredible colors he created.

Project 365, Day 155
Tim

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Flowers and a Green Thumb

My dad loved gardening. He was constantly planting new varieties of vegetables or exploring different ways to tackle the animals who seemed bent on getting into his garden. Flowers were another one of his delights. He even bought an expensive lutyens garden bench and has grown quite attached to it. One year he came for a visit, and we filled every possible pot or container we could find with flowers. It was beautiful.

Today my in-laws swept Sarah and me off on a little adventure. My mother-in-law shares my father’s love for gardening. Her landscaping creations are stunning – bursts of color, winding paths of beauty, and places (some hidden and delicate, others spacious and vast) to breathe in deeply and relax. For best landscaping service, click here.

“It’s a late Mother’s Day gift,” my mother-in-law smiled as we piled into the minivan and headed down the road. “I don’t often get to treat you.”

Awaiting a new home.

What could be prettier than fresh plants.

We arrived at our destination – Watsons Nursery – and spent the next hour wandering among the aisles. We picked out perennials for the front yard – Daniel gave me a Mother’s Day gift card of yard work, planting and the purchase of fresh bark. Then we selected a beautiful mix of annuals for the large barrel by the front porch.

“I know you must have some of your dad’s green thumb,” my mother-in-law stated hopefully.

“Um,” I stammered, “we can only hope.”

Actually, my hope is pretty much on Tim, Sarah and Rachel. Although he favors tomato plants and a vegetable garden over flowers, Tim has inherited some of his mother’s love and talent for gardening. Or maybe he just picked up a few tips and tricks over the years of being dragged into various landscape projects. He and Rachel planted several flower boxes for me last week. And Sarah is my faithful watering girl. So, I think I have things covered.

Planting things today!

Planting things today!

Not wanting to miss the chance, I begged Tim to help me plant the flowers tonight after our walk. They look so beautiful!! I am already thrilled at our flowering barrel. I can’t wait to get Daniel to finish digging up my front area. Oh, and Tim has a fantastic idea for using some stones he bought to surround the barrel and add some plants around it.

“Mom, you have so many flowers this year,” Rachel admired when she came up the walk way this evening.
“Why yes, I do,” I hugged her, “it’s beautiful isn’t it.”

Project 365 – Day 154
Kathy

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Homeschool Testing

Monday and Tuesday the kids had their annual testing. Washington State requires homeschoolers to either participate in standardized testing or an assessment by a certified teacher. We’ve used the CAT-5 test and the Stanford Achievement Tests over the years.

The girls - taking a break from testing.

The girls – taking a break from testing.

We join with other families during the testing, which does make the time a little bit more bearable for the kids. On the second day of the tests there is a curriculum sale. This is a brilliant way to gather moms together and share curriculum. This year I had a table and managed to sell several hundred dollars worth of books.

At one point I was managing a table by my self for three other moms. Two of the moms proctoring the test, and the third forgot a box of math curriculum and had to run back to her house.

I was so wiped out after a busy weekend and two days of testing, that I fell asleep in the recliner. I then snuck off to bed to take a real nap. Imagine my surprise at discovering Tim, who was supposed to be paying bills, dozing on the bed himself. It was obviously nap time.

I’m so proud of these kids! They work hard all year long. Such a privilege and joy to homeschool.

Project 365 – Day 153
Kathy

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Memory Lane

When I was in second grade, our family lived on a military base. It seemed idyllic to me — I could walk or bike to the library and to school, and it felt very safe and secure to me. The back yard of our house faced into a huge open play space that was shared by all of our neighbors — I loved the sense of being part of one really big family.

My second-grade teacher was excellent — she knew how to motivate me and draw out my best academic efforts. I think that second grade was one of the happiest times of my life.

This is the door to what I think was my second-grade classroom.

This is the door to what I think was my second-grade classroom.

So when I visited that same military base, today, I couldn’t resist the temptation to take a few pictures of the school I attended.

You can always recognize an elementary school in Washington, because they usually have a covered area for the kids to play.  Otherwise, Washington kids would never get recess.

You can always recognize an elementary school in Washington, because they usually have a covered area for the kids to play. Otherwise, Washington kids would never get recess.

It looks unused, now, with another brand-new elementary school having been erected just down the street, but I remember attending there as if it were yesterday (or maybe last week).

Project 365, Day 152
Tim

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Buildin’ a Gate with My Girls

Today Rachel and Sarah helped me build a double door gate as a new entrance to our back yard. Rachel and Sarah both used the drill with obvious dexterity. In fact, I think they caught on a little too quickly…

"Are you talking to me? Yes I do build gates."

“Are you talking to me? Yes I do build gates.”

I was afraid to lean in too closely

I was afraid to lean in too closely

Project 365 – Day 151

Tim

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