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January 29, 2010

Square foot gardening/baby blood test




We are planning a square foot garden ("SFG"), yay!! I didn't know what this was until recently. We've been planning on starting a garden and have been doing research online which is how we found out about SFG's. We've already begun germinating our seeds indoors which include: green beans, zucchini, summer squash, okra, tomatos, lavender, and sage. I will also plant some marigolds to keep out the bugs. A SFG is basically a raised planter box that is separated into individual square feet using a grid. Each square foot is filled with different types of plants, up to 16 of the same plant in each square foot depending on the spacing requirements. This method is done instead of rows to maximize the use of space, minimize weeds and watering. This method makes a lot of sense if you live in the city! It has been a little different for me trying to figure out how to create a veggie garden in my backyard considering when I was a kid whe had a GIANT garden, mainly because we had a giant yard. I included some photos from the web above to show the concept in action.
Here's Frank helping me figure out how to organize our beds and checking out our existing herb gardens.





On a side note, Frank had to have a blood test today. No big deal really, but... They conduct a blood test on a one year old the same way they do on an adult: apply tourniquet, tap on inside of elbow to locate vessel, insert butterfly needle, and hold still while they fill tiny little blood bottles. You can imagine my panic when I realized what they were going to do, AND that I was the one who got the pleasure of holding him still. The HORROR that I felt was nearly unparalleled! Alas, it was not so bad, Frank is extremely brave, tough, (fill in appropriate adjective...) and he cried a little, didn't really squirm too much, and basically shook it off immediately. WOW! You can see the sticker he got in the photos above, which I'm having him wear all day as a badge of honor : ) Have a lovely day!

5 1/2" of rain in Phoenix, WHOA!!

Last week we had one of the largest rainstorms Phoenix has seen in years. We got 5.5" of rain at our house in a matter of days, which is more rain than we got all year last year. Needless to say, I haven't had to water my plants in a week : ) As a result of the weather our dog, Petunia, got to stay inside too, lucky girl!
Frank also tried taco salad for the first time, which apparently tastes better if you put some in your hair too!
Over the three day MLK weekend we had a double sleepover with two of the girls friends which was a lot of fun for them.
and of course we've all been bundled up and enjoying some hot tea as this weather is out of the ordinary for us! Hope all is well!

January 18, 2010

Tied for favorite


After looking at all of the pictures from the red carpet last night I can't decide which of these is my favorite dress. Any thoughts?

January 3, 2010

Our Merry Christmas

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!! We had a great time, my parents and brother came out to stay with us for a couple of days. My photo taking was definitely on the back burner (which means I was having a good time) but here are the pictures I did take, several people are missing but the kiddos are all here. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! Frank didn't really know what was going on at first.
He got into the new toys after a while though
The girls got new Webkinz


a VERY special treat from Ma'am
Jillian got something special from Santa
Gelsey in some of her new clothes/jammies

A combo gift for me and my mom, this was a bit tricky to put together as evidenced by the last bit not quite fitting on top - should have slid that to the side for the photo ; )
Ryan nearly beat the entire Harry Potter Wii game which has become the favorite game lately
Frankie jams on his new guitar all the time it might be his favorite gift



Thanks for the gingerbread people Jessica! We had a lot of fun with them. Jillian made an Edward, a Bella, an Alice, a Victoria, a Lily Potter, and a Jillian : ) They were delicious!
Waiting for our guests to arrive for Christmas.