Good Saturday Morning!

Sunshine!  Some of you know what a relief it is to see a clear sky after many, (many) days of clouds, rain and darkness.

I try to be a good sport about it.  In fact, there's a lot to like about the short, dark days of winter.  And they are short.  On cloudy days it doesn't get truly light until about 8am, and then it's getting dark by 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon.  We light the candles, grab a quilt or blanket, and wrap ourselves in the coziness of staying home and slowing down. We make more hot chocolate, cook more soup, read more books (individually and together), and I get more projects done.  Or not... somehow it feels okay not to be busy, when the whole world seems asleep.

Today, however, is sunny and bright, and a day for getting things done.  But before I start cleaning and sewing...


1.  Memo to Tate:  You are 12 years old.  Please, embrace The Napkin.
To be fair, he's getting better about this.  For awhile I was making him take his shirt off while he ate, so he would realize how often he wiped his fingers on it.  No kidding.

2.  Grampa Grasshopper was here again yesterday - in  just-above-freezing monsoon rains - removing the forms from the steps.  Just a couple more days and we can walk on them.  *Happy squeal!*  Pictures soon.

3.  Note to Gunnar:  What were you dreaming about?  You growled, and moaned, Clean it up.  Clean it all up, now!

4.  I'm freshly inspired to step up the boys' chores.  I may post on this to keep myself accountable.  Consider yourselves forewarned.

5. A message for Wyatt:  That electric razor you got for Christmas doesn't bite.

6.   The boys are cleaning the bunnies' cage.  At this point it is still divided.  We're all hoping that Podger and Poly will get along and share the "good" house, but so far... let's just say that Podger is definitely the Alpha Bunny, and we had to put Poly into protective custody.  Give 'em time...

The boys have also been instructed to go on a garbage hunt around the yard, as it has been windy.

Then there is gravel to be moved.  They are slowly but surely emptying out the old play area in hopes of turning it into a garden.  At this rate, by 2020, but maybe I can light a fire under them...

7.  Quote of the day (maybe Dobson?):
Many parents are finding that a pat on the back helps develop character - if given often enough, early enough, and low enough.  ;D