Mother Nature has a sense of humor

Our strawberries are going crazy in the garden this year. We have enough to make at least one batch of jam. I can't wait to make it with the kids tomorrow! We are going to feel so accomplished. We've been having fun looking for strange and interesting berries. This one takes the cake, for sure. We picked it at the peak of ripeness. Now it's just withering in our fridge. No one quite wants to eat it, but no one wants to throw it away either. It's just too cool. Or too creepy.

We call it "The Glove"

Photo Catch Up

Everyone's too busy enjoying summer to blog, but in case I ever slurp this whole thing into a book, I don't want huge gaps. So here's some stuff that happened in May and June. Enjoy the snaps. I hope to make my blog cooler soon, like an ice cream sandwich on a hot summer day. Aren't ice cream sandwiches the best??

Kara fell asleep on the couch like this.

The kids helped me feel special on Mother's day.

Hayden participated in his first Pinewood Derby.

Kate is the messiest eater. And the cutest.

We started putting together our outdoor living room and working on the yard.

We had our first BBQ and sprinkler party

Kara finished her first year of preschool.

Jillian was promoted from 5th grade. Next year -- Middle School!

Kyle and I celebrated 13 years of marriage with a nice date.

Jillian and Hayden participated in an excellent singing program at school. The district is closing their elementary school this year, so it was a bittersweet performance. Their wonderful music teacher does not have a job for next year. He is truly amazing and I'm so sad for him and the kids he teaches.

Kara had her first dance recital. Hayden danced hip hop. They both did great! Hayden has been invited to join a performance company next year.

We celebrated Father's Day by making Soda Pops.

Kate decided bath time is the best time.

Whew! We have been busy. More to come!

Summer!

I am so glad summer is finally here. The last two weeks have been extra super duper busy around here. I'm sure they've been just as busy for you. Here are a few things I could post individual posts about, but I just won't get to.

- last day of preschool for Kara
- last day of school for Jillian and Hayden
- Jillian's 5th grade promotion
- Kara's dance recital
- Hayden's dance recital (yes, they were different)
- my half marathon
- my relay from Portland to Eugene
- Father's day
-13th anniversary and Cirque de Soleil
- weaning Kate

I've also been busy doing teacher gifts, camp stuff, prepping for summer fun, trying to clean my house (and failing), gardening, laying bark, and taking care of kids. My life has been a whirlwind. I'm looking forward to:

- lazy evenings on the deck (new furniture!)
- popsicle and sprinkler afternoons
- family bike rides (I have a trailer now, I just need a bike)
- walks after dinner
- fresh tomatoes from the garden (and beans, and cukes, and lettuce and everything)
- early morning runs
- vacations (Crater Lake, Washington coast, girls camp, St. Louis, Spokane)
- birthdays (Kyle, Kara, Kate)
- "home school" stuff with kids
- eating outside and grilling up good things

It's finally going to hit 80 this week after a cool spring. I am ready! Bring on the summer fun! What are you looking forward to?

The Answers

Thanks to those of you who played my game! Here are the answers you've been waiting for. Or not waiting for, as the case may be. I'm going to add a little commentary to make everything clear.

Group A:

1. It's been so rainy here that Kara's gone dark blond. I'm compensating by spraying Sun-In on her hair on the few sunny days we're having. Next step, Toddlers and Tiaras. This is true. Don't judge! I just can't bear to see Kara going dark blond. She's supposed to be my blondy girl forever. Her new highlights are really cute. Now she's asking for a spray tan, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Okay, that last sentence was a lie.

2. When I was little and thought my name was boring, I told people my real name was Amelia and I just went by Amy for short. This is also true. I don't think anyone believed me. I also told my mom I was going to change my name to Jackie when I turned 18. She said I could.

3. I'm so proud of myself! I cleaned all the windows inside and out last week. Now they sparkle with the falling rain. Hmm. Maybe I shouldn't have cleaned the windows. Not true. I have yet to clean the outside of my windows. I have three inside windows left to clean. Now that the sun is actually shining, I might just get them done.

Group B:

1. Kyle and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary by staying in a treehouse suite at this resort. Only in Oregon! Not true. But I am going to take my family to the treehouses sometime when Kate's a little bigger. Looks pretty cool! Kyle and I are celebrating our 13th anniversary this weekend by going to Cirque de Soleil. I am excited!

2. After six pregnancies, my hair has finally settled on the totally impossible texture of fuzzy. How convenient. Unfortunately this one is true. My hair used to be wavier, but now it's just blah. Sigh.

3. I was going to give a pledge to my local classical music radio station until they said "this hour we are taking pledges in memory of a cat. Or from people who love cats." Too bad. So, so true. And hilarious.

Group C:

1. I'm starting to side with Kyle on the whole trampoline issue, although I'm still more in favor of it than against. It's that annoying worrying mother side of me, I guess. True. I 5% agree with him, and I 95% want a trampoline. He has yet to budge from saying 100% no.

2. Marketing works on kids. Kara's been telling me all about some wonderful products -- Angel Soft bath tissue and Resolve floor cleaner. She dutifully informed me that "we don't just want vacuum clean, we want Resolve clean." Also true. Now she's telling me all about the wonderful charms of Sea World, including repeatedly describing the commercial and asking if I'll take her.

3. Lady Gaga is starting to grow on me. Such a lie. Although I hate Katy Perry more than I hate Lady Gaga. I kinda think Katy Perry's producer/songwriter is Satan. Have you heard the lyrics to her new song "Last Friday Night"? I won't post a link because I do not want to be responsible for corrupting you. Heaven help them if my children ever learn this song!

Well, there you have it! No one got all three answers. I guess I'm good at lying. Just kidding! Thanks again for playing along.