"I'm just going out for my venture."

I woke up this morning to the front door being opened.
Joren, who is usually my late sleeper, was up at the crack of dawn wearing his baggy gray sweat pants (showing a little crack I might add since he had lost his undies somewhere along the line), his dad's hat- backwards, his backpack and Eirik's running shoes. The kicker is his fur vest that he wears with no shirt. I said "Hey Joren, what are you up to?" "I'm just going out for my venture." I'm just glad I wake up at every little sound. :)

I had a RS presidency meeting at our house. I always leave with a big list of To Dos. But it was good. The kids like our bi-monthly meetings because it is always movie morning.
After lunch, the rain stopped and we went outside. It was intoxicating and no one wanted to come back in until bedtime. The kids pretended they were Aang from Avatar and Eirik told me all kinds of stories about his life while I joyously weeded and tended the garden. Teig loved playing in the grass. Then we made these great little stick creations. I threw in some corn and potatoes and put some onions and meat on the grill for a wonderful evening outside.

Then Tor knocked Joren over in the mud and we all went in for baths.

My favorite time of day? At night, when Teig falls asleep in my arms.... and then later when I fall asleep in Pauls'. What a beautiful life. Jacob Race Car or J Rock Gray Crayon

"Mom, you're stupid and I don't like stupidness."
"Joren, go put the knife away." I said. "no, you put the knife away mom." "Joren, don't talk back to me please." "No, you don't talk back!"
Then he took my cell phone and threw it in a hole in the dirt. Then he hit me. Then he went to time out in his room. Later, despite my efforts, he wore his hat and backpack and shoes to bed. Our friend Trevor commented that he had never met a kid that had such a sweet and innocent voice and demeanor that could be so capable of mischief. I agree. And he is such a sweetheart too.

My garden makes me so happy. Not just this part; the whole yard. The part I didn't plant is even better. It's just a big joyous surprise every day. The snowball bush is blooming today. The peonies are 2' taller than last week. The poppies are nodding their little heads about to open. The bleeding hearts are sensational. It is a magical place. I love living here.