Tulips

"Mom, look at me! I'm a scarecrow."

On Saturday, we journeyed to the Skagit Valley's Tulip Festival. It's a family tradition and this was our 12th year. I like the word journey as car ride doesn't encompass the "adventures" of traveling with 3 little kids.

missing chick

Early this morning, Natalie set out to do chicken chores. Soon after, she came inside to report that one of the yellow ones, who lives in the garage, was missing. It seems the chicken wire wasn't positioned on top of the box. We searched the garage high and low, no Lilly. I told Natalie we needed to check outside. We searched for about 15 min, and were about to give up. Natalie heard the chirps first and then my ears caught the sound. We followed it to discover Lilly inside the tire of the tire swing. Lilly had spent the night outside! Wet, cold and terrified I am sure. Thankfully, she is ok and has been rejoined with Lilac. I'm sure she will be honored by her peers for her great demonstration of bravery and she will have tales to tell of her grand adventure.

always check pockets before washing

I threw in a quick load of laundry, happy that Bailey Mountain was changing status to Bailey hill. Who doesn't like seeing progress? I didn't bother to check any pockets. Uh oh. I tossed the clothes into the dryer and went to check on them a bit ago. Guess what? egg shells everywhere. I mean everywhere. I actually had to pull out the vacuum and use attachments on my dryer. There must have been an egg or 2 in Will's coat pockets. Oops.... Next time, I'll check the pockets, and carefully at that.

Sunflower House

It's 8:51 am and the sun is shining. Welcome spring!! I have an itch to get my hands dirty today and although the ground is not yet prepared for it, I have sunflower houses on the brain. If you've never heard of a sunflower house, you must check out a fabulous book titled Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy.

Using sunflower seeds and morning glories, an amazing "house" can be created. Complete with a morning glory roof and all! I will post progress on our Bailey sunflower house as proress is made. Until then, check out the book. You'll love it!

going 2 outside

Yesterday was an interesting mommy day. One of my kids struggles with not being able to go potty outside. She did it anyway and made a mess of her skirt. We talked.

Hours later, the same daughter and another one of my kids were found going poo in the back yard. I looked out the kitchen window and there were 2 white bums 20 feet out under a tree, together. Really?!?! I thought. They both were called in. One of them said, "but mom, I covered it up." The other said, "sorry it was an emergency." I didn't know we needed a no pooing in our backyard family rule, and yet now we have one.

A friend recommended an appropriate consequence. She explained the plastic bag she brings along while walking her dog..... you get the idea.

Despite this interesting point to our day, it was a good one and although Ted had a very interesting day himself at work, it was great to say, "Oh ya, 2 of your kids pooped in the backyard today."

A note: My kids LOVE camping and have gone potty outside on camping adventures. I think if given the choice, they'd choose a tent over a house. My beautiful babes, I love that about you and as your mama I say thank you for the smiles yesterday! :)

turkey update...

The 36 pound turkey is still in the deep freeze.

Introductions are in order!

This is Dahlia. Dahlia is a silver laced Wyandotte.

This is Daisy. Daisy is a silver laced Wyandotte.

This is Lilac. Lilac is a buff orpington.

This is Lilly. She is a buff orpington.

Who named these 4? I did. I loved Natalie's idea, so flowers are the theme. There is a 92% chance that all our chicks are females. I pray that Orangie, Tulip and Chicka are, as we are not in the rooster business. The kids are attached to their feathered friends.

I am happy to report that ALL the chicks are now living in the garage. I sing and dance as I write that. The 3 eldest together and the 4 wee ones together with a warm heat lamp. I can't wait until we get the eggs! I am most excited to give them away. An average of 8 eggs a day is more than this tribe needs!

meet the 3 eldest chicks

This is Orangie. Orangie is an Araucana. William named her. She is quiet and likes long walks in the park.

This is Tulip. She is an Araucana, like Orangie, and Natalie named her. She is our most spunky chick. It took quite a bit of effort to get this pose.

This is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. She is a Barred rock, like Harriet, and Lydia named her. Chicka, for short, is curious and gentle. A perfect match for our Lydia.

joke day - April 1

Did you get anybody today?

I got Ted. My super fly sis gave me the idea. Thanks Tracy! Ted's car is parked in an underground state employee garage. I decorated his windows with shaving cream. In large letters the back window reads Sweet 16!!! The side windows read I am a Star and I am a Princess. Hee hee. It was fun. He hasn't made the discovery yet..... we'll see how it's received.