Back To School Countdown

School starts up again three weeks from today (not that I'm counting or anything). I say that and Bella always jumps in with, "Your counting!  Your counting!"

I already have my back to school shopping (school supplies) done.  Trying to use up some of the supplies that we currently have on hand (reduce, reuse, recycle, right?).  We have a couple of registrations and schedule pickups in the next week or so and then it's that (most wonderful) time of year. 

Not that I'm looking forward to it or anything.

Bunny Killer

So, I went out in the back yard to see what Pippen was up to this time (last time he dug a hole in the yard).  When I looked over the deck I saw what looked like a dead mouse.  I told Bella to get Nick and bring a bag back out (I didn't want her to see it and I needed some help getting rid of the evidence). 

Upon further inspection, I realized that there wasn't just one dead "mouse" but four!  And, with Nick's help, figured out that they were tiny baby bunnies (with bite marks).  (yes, he has had a rabies shot, thankfully)

He is always helping me when I do the gardening and probably heard me talk about how the bunnies always get in there and destroy things. 

I think he was just doing his part and helping me keep the bunnies out of my garden.

Got Milk?

We go through five or six gallons of milk a week. Yea, I thought so too, but a cow would give us about eight gallons of milk a day. A little too much for us. 

Yesterday, the kids finished off a gallon in less than ten hours. I believe that's a new record for us. 

I guess I better start building a barn for that cow. 

The Beatles are back!

And playing loudly in my basement.

(The thirteen year olds again)
Help!
I need someone.
Help!
Not just anyone.
HELLLP!

Stop and realize that you are making memories....for someone else. 

Is this how you want to be remembered?

Our basement has turned into the hangout for Alex and his friends. I don't mind having them hang out here. I know where Alex is and I know what he is doing. I also get to know the friends that he hangs out with a little better. 

Normally they hang out and play XBox. Today the basement was turned into an obstacle course that somehow incorporated the dog crate. Yea, I didn't ask (or watch). The dogs rushed out of the basement pretty quick once I opened the door.   I took that as a sign. 

Cat Scratch Fever

Every day, right after lunch, Alex goes up to his room and starts jamming on the electric guitar. He is self taught at the moment and has only figured out a couple of songs. Did I mention that he likes to test the loudness of the amp?  I'm surprised Indiana or Iowa haven't called up to complain about the noise.

Today Nick happened to be home (and about to walk out the door) when Alex started up with his daily jam.  Alex was playing "Cat Scratch Fever" over and over and over. 

Nick said to me, "Does he always do this?"  

Me:  yes. Every day. 

Nick:  Good luck with that. 

And he left. 

And so, here I am, it's 3am, I am laying in bed trying to get some sleep, and guess what song is going through my head?

Dirty Dishes

So, everyday I am wondering why we can't fill the dishwasher and how there are not that many clean dishes in the cabinet for use.  Then, I stumble into one of the boys rooms and find:

Bowls, dishes and cups among all of the stuff on their dressers

I like that its near the deodorant , don't you?  

Rainbow Loom Bracelets

We have joined in in the latest craze. It's the Rainbow Loom. Check them out at www.rainbowloom.com

Bella was given a bracelet from one of the neighbor girls and has worn it ALOT!  Then she was given one by another friend and that's all I have heard for the last couple of weeks. 

It's really simple to make. The instruction booklet was a great starter. There are also quite a few YouTube videos out there showing the how-to on different style bracelets.  (You can make rings and necklaces, too)

This would make a great birthday gift. 

No. I'm not getting paid for talking about it. Just thought I would share. 

Two of the bracelets I'm wearing were made by Bella. 

Baking Frenzy

Just enjoying the cooler weather that we have been experiencing for the last week.  It really doesn't feel like summer.  What's going on with the weather?

I thought I would take advantage of the cooler weather and bake up some cookies for the family.  I even tried my hand at homemade cupcakes.  Sure, using a box mix is a lot easier, but, making it by hand makes it taste a lot better.  It's made with real ingredients and, of course, LOVE. :)

I made four batches of cookies. They are not all shown. The cookie monsters live in my house and sneak them when I am not looking. 

How have you been spending your time this summer?