Cali in the Summer

After a very hot Friday we got this on Saturday. A sky heavy with clouds, a few sprinkles, alot of wind, and myriads of lightening strikes. This has started a pretty scary scene in our state of about 800 to 900 fires large and small, most of which you don't hear on the local news because there are far too many. This affects us closely because that means my dear hubby is gone indefinitely at times working at the fires or covering stations. When he comes home? Hopefully Saturday for at least 2 days.

So this is what we are left with. Usually you can see the hills from the other side of town past those trees. It's all haze now. There is a 5oo acre fire in a remote part of the forest adjacent to Yosemite about an hour and a half away from us. We had to close up the house today because the smell of smoke was that strong. I am really just thankful that my house and neighborhood is safe. Now how should I tell my neighbor that's mowing his 2 acres of weeds at noon is not the best idea right now... as I stand by with water hose in hand. Seriously. So even though it's much cooler today than previous days, we are staying inside mostly due to the poor air quality.

But seriously, keep us in your thoughts. One neighbor is excavating his old mobile home, one was mowing weeds, and one is bulldozing across the main road. I live on a one way in one way out road. Just another summer in Califas.

USA Today has done an article about the fires. Cal Fire posts the current fires on their website if you are checking to see if there are any in your area. It's seven pages long! And just a few reminders to my fellow Californians. Defensible space is now 100 feet. If you have to mow or weed whack do it early in the morning or at sunset. Please don't even try to burn (locals!)

On the home front, we have been home for 2 days now. I wish I could say I've been highly productive in crafts or even tried a go at sewing, but no. We are watering plants, playing inside and out mostly, making homemade ice cream, and hanging out. And I'm just fine with that.

I may go out and buy a fire safe for all our important stuff. Just in case...

Out of the Mouths of Babes

There have been lots of interesting phrases and conversations in this house hold this past week. I've learned that I should probably turn off the TV that I sometimes keep on for back round noise.

Here's just a sampling:

- Why did you hit your brother? Mom, let me just tell you after I go poop. OK?

-Chuck E. Cheese at PBSKIDS.ORG

-(as she's writing on a note pad) I support that bill. (okay)

-Bowling make me haaapppppyyy!

-(At bed time to my 2.5 year old) Do you want me to turn on your fan? No, mama cause I can't hear you.

And if you are looking around for a new blog to read go check out

No Time for Flash Cards.

Have a good weekend. Mine starts today!

Summer Loving

I have been so used to the spring, fall, and winter schedule of dinner, bath, story time and off to bed. It's hard for me not to follow that same schedule this summer, but everyone else seems to be just fine breaking the rules. This is a summer bath on the lawn.

Story time has been replaced with chats on the lawn over looking our view of the hills.

We are taking strolls around our paths filled with rosemary, lavender, and rock rose.

A little watering of our baby greens slowly coming in.

Bed time snacks of lemon balm and mint.

I guess I'm warming up to breaking the rules. We have a good sleep after soaking in an evening sunset and spending time outdoors.

Happy Belated Mother's Day

This is the area right outside our front door. It is pretty (and this obviously was an old pic) and dangerous at the same time. That lovely pond with a soothing little waterfall was a kid magnet. Both my children have had a fall in that pond and once my son and his bike!

I could never truly relax or be too far from the kids for fear of possible drowning. Yes, it can happen in 2.5 feet. And my dear son who lives to be outside now knows how to open the locks on the doors. Occasionally, I'd be in the back of the house doing something, walk down the hall and realize the door's open and my boy is happily playing out side by him self. That pond needed to go!


So, last week while my husband was on vacation he took out the pond, put in some lovely plants (names later), lavender, rosemary, and other very hearty plants. Hearty because of the heat in the summer- it Fry's the plants. But the process...oh my! He had to regrade the soil, add new soil, put a bender board in, add about 2 yards of pretty river rock and viola! My mother's day present. It turned out so well. I can't quite get a good shot.

So, now we don't have to worry about our kids, or any one else's for that matter, in the pond. He also installed a security door latch.

Thank you Chris!

Whoopdie Doo

These little quizzes are sometimes fun.

Take the Quiz here!

I am a Sunflower What Flower Are You?

I kinds disagree with this one. At times I'm jaded.

Friends Book Plug

One Crafty Mama is releasing her book Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby. It's all about an Eco friendly way to raise baby from feeding, diapering, products to buy, and more. Look out for it this summer!

It's Official

They grow so fast. The kids, not the flowers.



Preschool Graduate and Toddler Class Graduate


A little over the top. I know.