Bootsy 2 days before she died.

Tears catch me off guard. They come at most unexpected times. The alarm clock shows 3:35 am. Even the clock is sleepy. I lay awake and remember she is not here. Tears come. I take an extra long shower and let the tears come.

13 years is a long time, but death always comes too soon. We buried a good friend yesterday. I had to think real hard to know what day it was. Somehow, in our sorrow, it feels like forever ago. It was only yesterday. I am trying hard to wrap my mind around it.

Bootsy had a massive seizure. 4 days later, she died in her sleep as the new day was about to be born. During those 4 days, we tried to keep her comfortable as we kept our chins and hopes up. Maya is away in Japan. "Can you hang in there until Maya comes home?" "But if you have to go, we understand". She would sit in front of our house in the shade of poplar trees and watch the world go by. She would wag her tail and try to get up to greet us, but after two days, the light in her eyes gone and she is distant.

Scott woke me up to tell me it's time to say good bye. We held her lifeless body and told her what a good dog she has been. I tell her I am sorry when I was too busy for her or I got annoyed with her. I touch her silky ears and try to remember how they felt in my hands. I bury my nose in her beautiful golden fur and wish the time would stop. I take her paws into mine for one last touch. It's always too soon.

Our other dog Ranger at Bootsy's grave

Scott took her to the top of a rolling hill and put her to rest, right beside our friend Zippy. He came home saturated in tears and sweat. "The only regret I have is I didn't sleep with her that night". During the 4 days, I would often find him sitting beside her gently stroking her and talking to her for a long time. Man's best friend. Silent and Loyal. She was gracious and faithful until the end. The last conscious thing she did was to get up and greet me when I returned home.

Flowers for Bootsy

13 years is a long time, but death always comes too soon. Tonight, we went to visit her grave. A beautiful spot. I can see her running through the tall grass. Poking her head out every now and then to check on me. She can smell the gophers and prairie chickens. She is grinning. tail wagging. Flood of memories. I let the tears come.

"If it hurts so much, why would you get a dog?", I've been asked.

Because you are their whole world.

Rest in Peace, beautiful girl. Thank you for the wonderful 13 years together.

Spring--Here to Stay!?

Yesterday, I finally went outside with my camera in search of spring. It's been a very long winter. The last few months, I have been in survival mode. Not the best place to be. I am glad spring is here. Mosquitos are terrible, but I hope to get outside as much as I can. Renewed desire to live with a heart full of joy and excitement for life. Life is beautiful. I am glad that being a mother forces me to slow down, helping me appreciate beauty of life which goes so often unnoticed.

Dogs

My friends' dog is dying. This particular dog has been a part of our family for several years now. 'Zippy' would come stay with us when his owners were away. I personally had never had a close encounter with border collies until I met Zippy. I always found his neuroticism rather entertaining. Zippy is such a 'homebody' he hated being away from his home and owners. He pouted and went on hunger strikes when he came to my house. Once I found him sitting up on Maya's bed with his snout pressed into the corner of the wall.....pouting. He has this uncontrollable urge to howl at the train. He loved chasing bubbles. Eventually, he accepted us. We loved having him around. When we got the word that he has aggressive cancer, we went over to say 'good-bye' to him as a family. Today, he will go to doggie heaven. I asked my friend, "is it weird to choose when he will go?"--playing 'god'.....strange.

When I was a child, the only thing I ever wanted was a dog. We finally got our first dog when I turned 15--a female Golden Retriever. She died when she was 2 years old. Poisoned from eating the grass saturated in pesticides. There were several dogs in the neighborhood that died from the same thing that year. The city neglected to inform the residents when they sprayed the weeds around town. I went to see my friends while my parents went to retrieve her lifeless body from the vet....to avoid it altogether. I was a teenager who did not know how to express my feelings. By the time I returned home, she had been cremated and gone. I never got the chance to say good-bye. My mom told me how she cut all the flowers from her garden to put around her in the box she was laying in. The regret I felt that day has been with me for a long time. Watching Zippy struggle to his feet to greet me brought it all back.

Silent and loyal. You are their whole world. Dogs spend most of their life waiting for us to come home. They shower us with unconditional love and teach us what it means to be alive.

I woke up with a knot in my stomach. Today is the day. I know he wasn't our dog, but he was a big part of our lives. We will miss him. My girls cried when I told them about the cancer. I cried as I listened to my friend talk about how he plans to say good bye. I am glad Zippy will not be in pain anymore. Please do not argue with me whether dogs go to heaven or not right now. I know heaven is a beautiful place, but why is it so difficult and painful? I try to imagine Zippy running towards the sunset through heaven's meadow filled with flowers. It's beautiful. Rest in Peace, Zippy. It's been a wonderful adventure. I'm glad we became friends.

Lately

During the month of March into April, I have been consumed with "Guys and Dolls". I have *reluctantly* jumped into the world of community theatre. 3 months ago, when the director asked me if I would consider taking a part in this production, my reaction was "theatre isn't my thing, I have never acted before". Now I love it. I have a small role as one of the hotbox dancers. It's a fun role. We get to act all giddy and sassy. We get to sing and dance. I don't have any speaking part, so it's a good way to get introduced to the world of community theatre. I have been getting to know some great people which has been fun as well.

We have just finished one week of performances which have been well received and fun to perform. At the same time though, sacrifices had to be made by my family. I am forever thankful for the understanding and the patience Scott and girls shower me with daily. I do not think I have heard one word of complaint from them. Instead, they are excited for me and they are my biggest fans. It's like this. Scott comes home and we may have 5 minutes of exchanging few words and I head out, I come home after 11:00pm and by then everyone is in bed. Scott is off to work early so I usually don't get to see him in the morning. In times like this, I am reminded of what an amazing man he is and how strong our marriage has become over the years. Last week, he called me before coming home to ask me just this, "what can I do when I get home?" On this particular day, he had been working since 5:00am. He never makes me feel bad about coming home late or being away all the time, which puts my heart at ease and I am able to enjoy what I do. I hope I can be like that also. To encourage and to be supportive of all that Scott does. I was thrilled to be able to send Scott on a little trip today. Some good friends were going away to the nearby city to check out a motorcycle swap. So, I talked the guys into inviting Scott to come along. He was thrilled.

I love it when Scott and I are willing to sacrifice our needs for the sake of the other. We are willing to cover for each other instead of pointing fingers at each other. No blame shifting game. I thought we were best friends when we married, but after almost 15 years, it just keeps getting better. How can that be? I am grateful. I never thought it possible to love someone as much as I love my man friend.

Going Fancy

I don't get out much. I don't say this grudgingly. It's just a fact. Circumstances don't allow it and for the most part, I am okay with that. It's the circumstances brought on by the choices we made....like living in a small town, having kids and all that. So when I get to go out, it's very special and very memorable. The last Saturday was one of those. Very Special.

We celebrated two of our good friends' birthdays in Calgary at River Cafe. If you are familiar with Calgary, it is located in the Prince's Island Park. I've walked by there several times checking out the menu outside, but have never actually been there. It's pretty fancy and expensive. We left the children behind in care of some loving friends, put on some 'fancy' clothes to meet our friends. For me, sharing good food with people who know and appreciate it is one of the most satisfying experiences.

When I go to fancy places, I am reminded how un-fancy I am. I try to put on my best behavior but something always goes wrong to reveal my true color. I mean I was raised well, I think. When I meet my parents' friends and colleagues, I sometimes have to put on my fancy self. But maybe just maybe, it's okay to be who I really am. Actually, I am okay with my non-fancy self. It's real and it's way more fun to be real. No pretense. But it's funny how 'fancy occasions' make us think we should act differently. It's a trap I don't want to get caught in.

Once, some friends treated us to a night in a hotel. I don't own suitcases. I have some good travel bags, but honestly, since I don't travel on airplanes much, I prefer to travel with laundry baskets. When we got to the hotel, it was definitely fancier than I thought. Men in smart uniforms came to assist us to our room. "um...no thanks. I can manage".

So, back at the River Cafe. We were greeted by a gal taking our coats and other courteous staff. Our friends are by the rustic fire place starting the evening with a glass of viognier. It went down nicely as our anticipation of the wonderful evening unfolded. We were there to catch their early bird special. Our appetizer was Red Lentil Hummus served with warm flat bread, preserved tomatoes and roasted garlic. I liked it almost better than the traditional hummus made with chickpeas. For our entree, we had the choice of Steelhead Trout with Roasted Heirloom carrots, purple potato Creme Fraiche Croquette, cider cured Salmon Caviar or Hanger Steak served with Walnut Spaetzle and parsnip Puree. I chose the trout, and the steak for Scott, so we can share. Our pleasant waiter, always serving the ladies first, of course, said to me, "ma'am, would you like still water or sparkling water this evening?" "ummm.....can I just have some plain water?" "Sure, ma'am. how about some still water then". After I exhaled the sigh of relief that I was able to order water, my friends nonchalantly told the waiter, "I will have still water please".....AS IF they have always called it "still water". ALL OF THEM! We laughed so hard about that.

The dinner was simply amazing. Great company. Good wine. Two and half hours of pure joy. Every bite was savored. I love eating with my 'foodie friends', because we eat good food and we talk about some other good food at the same time. I dream of traveling. Traveling just to discover good food all over the world. There is so much I have not seen or tasted. This evening gave me a little glimpse of what that might be like. Traveling with like-minded friends, savoring every bite, every moment, the conversation and the friendship. Sounds like it would make a good book, even a movie. We decided to call it, "Eat, Eat, Eat", instead of "Eat, Pray, Love".

Of course, I would like to insert a giant disclaimer here by saying good food does not have to be fancy. In fact, so much of the good food I have experienced thus far have been very simple. It was prepared with much thought and care, with fresh, good ingredients. Not complicated at all. Most importantly, good food must be enjoyed with good company. That is a must. Eating alone is almost never fun....for me, at least. I would rather share a glass of cheap wine with a good friend than eating a five-course gourmet meal alone. I have had some amazing food from humble food stands on street corners or on a patio at friends' backyard on a lazy summer evening.

As the evening went on, we saw more people filling the restaurant. Lots of fur coats and kisses on the cheeks to greet each other. Real fancy people. I wondered if they came here often. Probably so. I was happy and content. Not envious. I love my simple and not-so-fancy life. I don't want a fur coat. I have been in situations where I had to kiss people on cheeks to greet them. I was very awkward. I am okay with not knowing what "still water" is. The evening was epic, and I'd love to eat there again one day.....but I want to wait long enough so that every moment of the evening become memorable just like it was last Saturday.

If you are interested in seeing some photos and a different perspective of the evening, check out this post by my friend, Krista.

Comfort Food

Mona has been sick this week. She slept for two days with a trip to the emergency room for X-Ray and a prescription for antibiotics and an inhaler. A touch of Pneumonia. She hardly ate any food. It was hard to get her to even drink water. On the third day, she perked up a little. She said, "Mommy, can you make me some rice balls and miso soup?" Yes. Yes, I will. She gobbled up 3 rice balls and a bowl of miso soup.

Rice Balls (Onigiri) and miso soup are the ultimate comfort food for us Japanese folks. I don't know why they are so good though. I mean, they are just balls of rice that are salted a little and wrapped in a sheet of seaweed. That is it. It makes me smile that my girls ask for them when they are unwell or had been away from home for a while. Scott and I used to have our "East Meets West" meals every now and then when we craved our comfort foods. Mostly grilled cheese for Scott and rice balls for me. It looks like I won all my girls over in Comfort Food Department. ;)

I had conversations with friends about comfort food. I think it's safe to say comfort food is often something we had as a child, the symbols of our childhood. Something warm and usually starchy and not too healthy ;) but oh so good.

So, about these Onigiri's, the elite Onigiri's are triangle shaped. I don't know why or who decided that, but it just is. My mom always made round ones though, so I grew up with Onigiri envy....until my dear grandma taught me how to make triangle ones. We made them together to bring along on our hike. Even now, when my girls ask for Onigiri's, I make them into triangles. It's funny how such a small event so long ago still stays with me.

What's your comfort food?

The Weekend

When I was 18 years old, a good friend gave me a cassette. It was titled "Dream" by Tuck & Patti. I had never heard of them, but quickly fell in love with Patti's soulful and warm voice and Tuck's amazing world class jazz guitar. I still have that cassette, occasionally playing it thinking about my friend. I don't know where she is now. Over the years, I have acquired two of their CD's. Their music became 'home', something I can always come back to, something solid and comforting.

I like live music. Music has been a huge part of my life, however, I don't like huge stadium concerts with screaming fans. I like more intimate settings like Jazz clubs and live music in coffee shops, so I don't make it a habit to go see concerts much. Long story short, I had the opportunity to go to Tuck & Patti concert this weekend, 20 years after my friend gave me the cassette. It was a 'date' with my good friend Jodi, whom I had not seen in over a year.

As soon as we arrived at Festival Place in Sherwood Park, AB., we noticed we were probably the youngest people there. Made us giggle a little. :) Lots of 'older' men in black turtle necks and ladies in flow-y dresses. The hall was small and intimate. We liked it right away. As we fumbled through the dimly lit hall to find out seats, we spotted an old Hammond Organ with a Leslie Amplifier and speaker, a nice set up for the opening band, Dave Babcock trio from Edmonton. The evening's MC was Lark Clark from CKUA radio (which happens to be my favorite radio station)-- a community supported radio here in Alberta. It was a perfect setup. The two and half hour went by quickly. It was delightful and surreal. After waiting for 20 years to hear them live, it felt so 'normal' to be there, and yet so exciting. I held my breath as I sat on the edge of my seat as Tuck played "Europa", (take a look at the video above). It made me smile when Patti took off her uncomfortable high heels on stage and sang "High Heel Blues" and showed off her scat singing.

It boggles my mind that so few people know about them. They are considered one of the world's best jazz duo. But I like it that they are so understated and they don't seem to care about fame. Their setup was so simple. A small table with water bottles and towels. There was no CD's for sale. Their tour schedule take them all over the world. Japan, Italy, USA, mostly in small venues. I realized people who come to hear Tuck & Patti truly appreciate their talent. They don't need all the flashing lights and screaming fans to know they are good. They don't need loud speakers, because people come to listen. To really listen, because they are really that good. I like that. Unpretentious and real. Instead of spending their energy of becoming 'famous', they focus on improving their skills. A hidden treasure. It's like one of those amazing little out-of-the-way restaurant only locals know about. When Tuck finished the song "Europa", the audience sat quietly for about 3 seconds before we started clapping because we were so taken by his magic, the way he made his guitar sing by letting his ten fingers gracefully dance on it. No effects, no flashing lights. I think there is definitely something to learn from that, even for me. To put our whole heart into doing what we love, not caring so much about what others think, pursuing excellence quietly-- believing in what we do.

Me and Myself and I

*The Picture is of my friend Paula and I on my birthday this year. I requested a "Tacky Tourist Hike" with some of my girlfriends, and we were very successful at it. :)

I was rather awkward and shy in my early twenties. I don't think I knew who I really was, and cared too much about what others thought. Wasn't very good at small talks, but had the superpower of being invisible at social gatherings. A few years later, under a different circumstance, I had the chance to hang out with a friend I went to college with but never had the chance to get to know back in college. One evening, we were taking a drive out to watch a play together, he said to me, "If I had known that you were so much fun back in college, I am sure we would have hung out so much more back then". That really was a turning point in my life. I was so insecure back then, but what he said to me helped me realize that I have lots to offer. That was almost 15 years ago. Now, in my late 30's, I can honestly say I am at peace with who I am. I am completely a different person than I was then and yet so much the same. I tell my friends now that if they had met me 15 years ago, they probably wouldn't have liked me. :) I am growing and learning so much about myself and how I fit into my little corner of the world. This makes me very optimistic about the years ahead. I look forward to growing and changing. I look forward to meeting more people and deepening the friendships I treasure now. Life is so great, I remember thinking, that I got it all figured out, but my goodness, how wrong I was! When I am old, I still want to try something new, try new food, and skip rocks in the river, I want to get to know young people, I want to take ballroom dance lessons in my 60's or even 70's! Life is sweet, and I don't want to miss a thing.

Thinking Out Loud

I've been trying to write something on here for months. In fact, I have about 5 posts deleted half way and 3 that are saved and not published. I feel scattered and not with it. It's like running a marathon without training for it. Life has been like that lately. Even though we try our best to not get too busy, there always seems to be something. I guess I can count them as blessings. We have friends, a community where I feel very much a part of and an active family. But sometimes it's nice to be able to hear myself think, instead of hearing impatience in my voice as I hustle my kids from one place to another.

Initially, this blog was started after much encouragement from a small number of friends who have read my writing. Most of my earlier writings were based on my memory of special events or my 'deep thoughts'. Later, I started adding some updates on my creative stuff and nice photos I took. I never wanted to bore anyone with my day to day mundaneness. With the presence of online social networking available to us, our lives are rather exposed. I can find out what most of my friends had for breakfast by a click of a mouse or satisfy myself with the delusion that I have 'socialized' without leaving the house or seeing anyone. It's fun and yet intrusive. It's perfect though, right? (*insert sarcasm here*) We are all so busy with our activities and families. We have no time for each other.......This goes against everything I believe! I have always never wanted to be 'too busy' to share a cup of tea with a friend, or 'too busy' to help a person in need. I wanted myself and my home to be available and open to anyone that may pass through. Old friends, new friends and strangers. I want to be able to say "hi, how are you?" and actually take time to listen to the answer.

I have also been thinking lately a lot about the 'online image'. I read many blogs, mostly of artsy people that I don't know. Their work and lives inspire me in my artsy stuff. Most of these blogs have beautiful photographs and inspiring writings. Children running through a forest with the most gorgeous handmade dresses and playing with beautiful wooden toys. I am drawn to a life like that. I can't help though, wondering if their lives are really like that. I mean it really is easy to create an image of myself on here as I want to. I can take photos of my children when I am doing some inspiring activities with them and a little help from the photoshop. It's easy for me to mislead you to think that I am this super mom that does all these creative things with them. It's an easy trap for any of us. But I desire to be real. I desire to be "what you see is what you get". Nothing more, nothing less. I am a woman who struggle in my day to day stuff. I get impatient with my kids. Somedays, I wake up thinking where along the way have I lost myself? I look in the mirror and see an empty shell not recognizing what I see.

I am trying to recognize that weaknesses and mistakes are okay. I need to make that into something tangible so I can use them as fuel or even the inspiration to reach something greater and wonderful. When I regret what I said to my kids or how I treated them, I must acknowledge that to move forward.

I am writing all of this to say I am going to write more often of boring stuff on here. It's going to be more like a journal. I may even pretend that I don't have an audience. There, that was long and well, ....boring.

We Call Her 'Goldilocks'

For 12 years, this is what she has done while we are out......

Life Defined

Fall is such a crazy time. The first week kids went back to school, I was utterly exhausted. Dance lessons, horseback riding and play practice. School lunches and fall cleaning. Jam making! I have a crabapple tree. It is a blessing and a curse all mixed in one. I love the soft blossoms which announce the arrival of the long awaited spring. It provides a temporary sanctuary for bees in the spring and birds in the winter, and for the girls all year around as they climb and see the world from the higher ground. I have never been afraid of heights. I actually like it. There is something quite pleasing about being up high. You are free from the hustle and bustle of this world. Free from worries and it even smells better up high! Every fall, I get up on the ladder to pick these beautiful little jewels to squeeze them into jars with lots of....I mean, just a little bit of sugar and they make the most beautiful jelly. Pink tartness bursting in our mouth. We enjoy it all winter long......longing for those warmer evenings and sunshine. But oh the mess. The apples are in abundance. We leave the ones on top for the birds in the winter, but we cannot help the law of gravity. There are always more than I can put into jars....so they fall. and they freeze. and they turn into this mush. With my crabapple tree and an ornamental apple tree (with pink blossoms) and three huge poplar trees, raking is a full time job around my house. As I mutter things under my breath which I am not allowed to say, I rake and rake. But the irony is that those 5 trees are the most beautiful features of my home.

The dust is finally starting to settle around here. We are sliding nicely into our new routine. I even have a few moments to breathe and catch friends for a cup of tea some days.

I am learning that it really is about the perspective and our attitude that define our life. I often hear people say, "I am going on a trip. Husband bought me a Tiffany ring......THUS life is good". No, Life is good, all the time. Life is good even when I am picking up the dog poo in the yard, because I took the time to scratch the dog's ears and throw the ball as he chases it down with his tail showing the obvious delight. As I watch him, it makes me laugh and I am inhaling a lungful of fresh crisp fall air. Taking a little break to bounce on the trampoline with my 3 yr old. Take time to savor the moments. Because this is life. The mundane-ness. Boring tasks. But I have to do it. So I might as well make the best of it. I do not want to live in a series of lost moments because we'd rather be else where doing something 'fun'. (thanks, Ashley for reminding me this!) If the presents and special events are what make our life 'good', I am gonna need lots of presents.

I am even going to take it a step further and say life is good even when things are bad. Even when tragedies come our way. It is often in the middle of trials, we see hope, we see grace, we experience peace. We see that we are not alone.

Favorites

How do I possibly choose just a few photos? Here is just a little glimpse of our wonderful summer.

About Ramona, Betty, and Beverly Clearly

My girls and I love the Remona Quimby books by Beverly Clearly. This summer when we were in Portland, we found the Klickitat Street and cooled off in the Remona Fountain at Grant Park. It's one of our favorite places to visit.

M friend Betty is a retired librarian. She used to give Beverly Clearly tours in Portland and is in fact, friends with Beverly Clearly. In Betty & Wayne's home, she has a beautiful library filled with hundreds of children's books. Many of them are the first edition and others are autographed by the authors. My girls and I spent wonderful few hours in her library looking through books. Betty showed me some letters she exchanged with Beverly Clearly and some photographs and newspaper articles concerning the author.

A several years ago, Betty received a phone call from Beverly Clearly. Clearly lived in California but heard that this winter had been particularly cold in Portland. Clearly asked Betty, "how are my children?" referring to the Henry, Ramona, and Ribsy statues in Grant Park. So, Betty went down to the park with three scarves, fastened them around their neck and took some pictures to put them in the mail for Beverly Clearly.

Sweet stories like this must be remembered.

Adieu Little Birdies

On Sunday, July 5th, we woke up to an empty nest. I felt sad. I wondered this is what you'd call an "Empty Nest Syndrome". A friend told me that the mother may come back to lay more eggs. We are hoping she will. This morning, we actually saw one of the babies awkwardly perched on our hedges. Stay safe, little birdies. Thank you for sharing with us the wonders and joys of watching you grow. Here are the last of the pics I got. I have an amazing video of mother bird feeding the babies. Maybe I will post it one day when I know how to do it. Thank you for letting me share this adventure with you. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Now, I must figure out what to do with the time I used to spend watching them....maybe I need a new hobby :)

*the nest is getting crowded......

*I loved watching them sleep. Don't you love the fuzzy 'crowns' on their heads?

*This one was taken the day before they left. The babies would stand on their nest and flap their wings.

Once Again......Robin's Nest Updates

Babies are growing everyday. We can now hear them chirping when it's time to eat. We are so pleased to see them doing so well. It is an exciting thing for our family to witness. Scott spent 40 minutes on the ladder waiting for the perfect kodak moment, forcing us to take life slowly and appreciating small miracles. Mom and dad robins are ever busy.....and protective.

The Art of Conversation

I love MaryJanes. I live in a pair of MaryJanes all summer....so much that I have MaryJane shaped tan on my feet. I have a pair of red ones that are full of dirt and grime, stained by spilled juice.

I have always had the hardest time getting shoes that are comfortable. I have wide feet. Last summer, I needed a pair of shoes. I went through the mall hitting all the shoe stores only to be discouraged. When the store clerks would help me, they all looked at my feet and laughed at them (under their breath) for my uneven tan.....these ladies were all *well put together with blings, the latest fashion, hair styles and of course complete with fake tan. I didn't like the way they made me feel, like I don't take care of myself or something. I hit the last shoe store in the mall feeling completely defeated. I had a young male sales person help me. By this time, I am getting rather self-conscious about my tanned feet. So, I warned the clerk about my feet and laughed nervously. He took one look at them and said, "That's so great. That means you are having a great summer!" I just wanted to hug him. And of course they had a perfect pair of shoes for me.

Update

I need to leave them alone for a while now. I nearly got killed by the angry mother bird (totally understandable) when I was trying to take these pictures. They should be around for 2 more weeks or so. I was looking for the beautiful blue egg shells to keep but they are no where obvious. Do they eat the shells for calcium? That's my guess for now. I am completely consumed by my robin's nest. The wonder of life.....such an amazing thing to witness. I can see how it affects my children and I like how it is softening their hearts to the world around them. I see Mona talking to her sunflower--"you are doing so good, sunflower!". Tori will always say "Hi, robin!". Maya excitedly sharing this experience with her class (we email the pics to the teachers). It's a beautiful experience.

Speaking of "being consumed", if you aren't tired of me talking about the nest yet, my robin's nest story has been featured in imagine childhood blog. They have one of the most beautiful and inspiring blogs about how to appreciate nature with your family. Their online shop is also full of wonderful things. Their staff is very helpful and friendly as well (Hi Sarah!).

The Robin's Nest Update

Here is our beautiful mama robin. She has been sitting on the nest so much more. Looks like she is here to stay. While I was taking pictures of the eggs, she sat on the near by tree and *yelled at me. Totally understandable. Sorry, mama. We will do our best to help you get those babies all *grow-ed up*. We look forward to meeting them.

Day 3

Day 4

Look!

We were pretty sure that the nest was abandoned. But here is one brave mama robin. We have eggs. Apparently robins lay one egg a day and usually there are 4 eggs total. We will keep checking everyday to see....Trying really hard not to scare the mama.

Day 1 (June 5th, 2010)

Day 2 (June 6th, 2010)

Aren't they amazing!? Waxwings are finally back. A couple of weeks later than last year, but I am glad to see them back. I think we will be looking for them this week in our Mountain Ash tree feasting on fermented berries, getting a little tipsy. My garden is planted. Flowers are starting to grow. Oh how I love summer.

Mona the Comic Relief

May 18th, 2010--Mona decided to go Trick Or Treating. God bless those wonderful neighbors. She got quite a haul. I told her she couldn't go again until Halloween. It's only cute once. But it was fun and Mona and her friends had the best day.

Mona said to me, "you know mom what I LOOOVE? "

"What is it, Mona?"

"I love Itchy-Bum noodles (as in Ichiban Noodles). I wish you would buy them more often"

Before I could explain why I rarely buy those evil noodles full of chemicals, we just bursted out laughing.....until we cried. I take life too seriously sometimes. It's good that I have my girls to lighten it up.