Back to What Works Best

Last summer our gas mower died and we had decided to replace it with an electric mower.  There were a few reasons.  I hated the pull cord of a gas plus the inconvenience of making sure you always had gas on hand to fill the tank.  I grew up using an electric so I was comfortable mowing around an extension cord and it was always ready to go!  No gas needed.
Well, we used an electric for a year and found that it was not suited to our yard at all.  The engine simply was not powerful enough to cut through our thick grass (okay, I am a over-generous with the fertilizer!) so you had to walk r-e-a-l-l-y slow so the engine wouldn't bog down.  Our yard is huge so I didn't like the time it took to mow it.
Now we are back to a gas mower.  We got a great deal on a Craftsman with a Honda motor at Sears.  You will think us weird but we 'fought' over who was going to try it out first this morning.  Me, I just like mowing and Keith just likes machines.  So, I graciously let Keith have the privilege because I know for sure the novelty will wear off for him and it'll be back to me and the boys mowing regularly.  Instead I attacked my ever growing patch of chickweed with a vengeance and re-seeded some bare patches.
My parents bought our electric off of us as theirs was decrepit and falling apart.  Dad just happened to stop by to pick up the mower as I was baking so he was the lucky winner today of a fresh cinnamon bun!

We Love Cows!

Since we are pretty big fans of dairy products and beef, we love cows!  Liam's preschool class took a field trip yesterday to Aldor Acres farm in Langley.

I have to say it was quite the set-up and I was really impressed.  The owners/farmers were very organized, the barns were neat and tidy and the hands-on experience was exciting.

Liam really enjoyed himself but proved to be a city boy because he complained about the smell the entire time!

 

 It was a chilly morning...hence the vest.  Certainly doesn't feel like late May!

 

 The viewing theatre was quite impressive. 

 

 Shake, shake, shake that cream into butter!

 

 Some of the kids were freaked out by this gentle Jersey cow but Liam had no problem walking right up to her.  He was able to pet her and then milk her!  I was also given a chance to do the same.  A first for me!

 Then the kids were taken outside to feed the cows some hay and silage.

 This little calf was two days old and the kids were welcome to pet her too.

After they had their 'dairy experience' we were all given a sample of ice cold chocolate milk and then each child received an ice cream cone of their choice.  Vanilla, strawberry or chocolate. 
Liam and I had a great time and I think we BOTH learned lots too.

Offical Lego Masters

While I was away last weekend, Keith took the boys to Oakridge Centre to check out the only official Lego store in BC.  We had promised  Chad a bit of a shopping spree in lieu of having a birthday party. It just so happened that there was also a Lego Building event happening that day with a 'Master' Lego builder who was working on an 8 foot high Yoda.  The boys were able to assist in the building and receive certificates for their efforts.  Because it was Chad's birthday (sort of) he received a whole bunch of free goodies and Liam got stuff simply for being cute and eager.  This is the kind of day that put smiles on their faces and mine too...because I didn't have to go with them!

 

*PS.  Excuse the skewed photos.  They were taken with an I-pod I can't seem to improve them.

First Creepy...Then Funny

On Monday I was taking advantage of the awesome sunshine and mowing the lawn.  As I have stated in the past I enjoy mowing the grass and do not consider it either man's work nor woman's work. 
So, I finished the back and moved to do the front.  I saw that Engine One Ladder truck was stopped on our street and found out that they had driven by and saw a whole bunch of kids on the street and took it upon themselves to stop the engine and let the kids explore the truck.  A very kind-hearted gesture.  Keith went out and said 'hi' as I don't think they knew we lived in the house they had parked in front of.  Keith headed back inside as I started mowing and as I glanced up one of the fire fighters was taking a picture of me with his i-phone.  I kept on mowing but was perturbed.  Was he merely admiring our stunning rhododendron which is full of red blooms?  Was he a creepy pervert?  I was actually a bit annoyed at this point and eventually they drove off.  After I was done mowing I told Keith about it.  He didn't seem to think much of it and told me to let it go...because you know,  his job is to calm me down when I freak out!
Tonight he came home from work and told me that they took a picture of me basically to mock out Keith for 'making his wife' mow the grass!  Keith had to assure him that I ENJOY mowing the lawn and they couldn't believe it.  They obviously have no idea what it's like to have a 'crazy-bee in the bonnet,Mennonite,energetic,bull in a china shop' sort of wife.
Too bad for them!

Girl Time

Spent a night away with two good friends this weekend.
We enjoyed shopping and eating and laughing.  All these things are good for the soul!
A fun 'first' for us was trying on and buying shoes at Nordstrom's.  Great memories.  I didn't take a whole bunch of pictures but here are a few.

 Day one was spend in Burlington and the Premium Outlets.  We also checked out Winco for the first time.  We also managed to squeeze in a few hours at Alderwood Mall before a very late dinner!

 Day two was downtown Seattle.  We had much fun playing tourist and eating great food at Cheesecake Factory.

Mother's Day ~ Surrounded by Love

My three precious sons!

I love them more than they will ever know!

That's a Wrap!

So proud of my boy!  After six show run of 'The Sound of Music' it's now officially a wrap.

He did fabulously as did the entire cast.  I wish you all could have seen it.  Such musical talent!

Nathan had an excellent time with the cast and crew and has made some long time friends...in all grades which I believe is a really good thing.

Mother's Day Tea

Liam's preschool had a Mother's Day Tea this evening.

It was lovely.  Liam was pleased to have some rare one-on-one time with me so that was a highlight for us both.

We had craft time, cake and then a short singing program.

 All spiffed up and ready to go.  Oooops, got a bit of water on Liam's shirt as I was doing his hair.

 A fine young gentleman.

 We both like to color!

Liam had the corniest expressions on his face during the program.  He sang enthusiastically but was very fidgety.  Probably it was the punch and chocolate cake he had just eaten!