Blackberry Cobbler and The Lemonade Stand

As promised...I put the blackberries/raspberries to good use today! If anyone can tell me how you tell the difference between blackberries and black raspberries I'd be interested to know! The cobbler was seedy...but delicious!

The kids decided last night that they wanted to host a lemonade stand today...
Their prices were as follows: $.01 for ice cubes, $.25 lemonade and $.50 for peanut butter cookies. Yes, they are goobs! lol

They did actually have a few paying customers, only one that wasn't family though!

Great-Grandpa Kenneth and Great-Grandma Helen came over, of course!

Sam bought a couple cups from them while he cut the grass ~ mercenary little twits aren't they? You'd think they could give it to Sam...but no! He had to pay just like everyone else! Jon bought some and I went out and bought some as Uncle Steve's proxy. Then, God Bless him, Kevin, the mailman humored them.

Eventually, as you can see they gt bored...

the stand didn't last long after that. They did pretty good though, netting $5.25. They plan to buy themselves a set of finger paints with their profits.

I told them next time they can do a community service and GIVE the lemonade and cookies away and see what kind of patronage they get then!

Love you all!!

Red-Neck Pool and Black Raspberries...

Sad, isn't it? Or maybe just kinda funny. Maggie didn't think so...Liam kept dumping water on her head and she could hardly get away from him.
We (being me) set up one section of the tent this afternoon, Mags and Liam want to sleep outside tonight.

Ain't she CUTE!?

We discovered this evening that we had a bountiful harvest on the fence line...

Jon, the kids and I went out and picked a large mixing bowl full of them and I plan to make raspberry crisp tomorrow...MMMMMMmmmm :oP

Have a BERRY happy day from our house to yours! We love you all!

Our Batty Buddy and the Crushing Defeat

Time for a little more catch up!

Again, I'm going with last things first ~ because, while I recognize the need to tell you about the game (you know, the one I went on and on about last week) I still don't like thinking about it...I rank it right up there with Ohio State losing to Florida!

Yesterday morning, we had a new little visitor! We named him Buddy. Have you ever seen such a thing? He was just hanging under the eaves ~ he woke up and left around 8pm last night. Jon and I decided he needs to build a bathouse for me...I certainly would love for the little guy to hang around if that is his desire! He can just help himself to all those nasty mosquitos in our yard! I do so love living in the country!!

Thursday, was the big game...but first let me put this into perspective for you...

Marengo Blue has a long history of being the "best" team in the league. They have a dedicated coach and a group of boys that have been playing baseball together every year since T-ball. During pre-season tournaments, they beat our boys twice. Neither time by a large margin, but a loss is a loss...we thought! Many of the boys on that team are classmates of the boys on our team ~ they go to school together once they hit the middle school. Sam badly wanted to win this game, because he and a few of his friends had ragged each other unmercifully before school let out...I THOUGHT it was good natured. When it comes right down to it though, I'm still something of an outsider here and let me tell you, I COMPLETELY underestimated the level of animosity between Marengo and Highland (which is TOTALLY STUPID, btw)! That game was pure UGLY from start to finish! Our boys have had a phenomenal season this year...going into that game they had only lost one game. They have been playing really well together and rising to the challenge to win against a few good teams! Which is doubly impressive because last year they won ONE GAME all YEAR!! Consequently, they have not been practicing since the season started, why fix what is not broken? Right. On the flip side, Marengo had lost three games going into out match up and apparently, they did practice. I guess it just boils down to them wanting the win more than we did...but some things are just out of line. Like, the scribblings on the inside of our boys dugout that said "Suck it, HYO Blue", among other things. Really? Was that necessary. They were out for blood and our boys fell apart. The game was called in the bottom of the fourth inning for lightening and the score was something like 15-1 then. It was sad ~ being the outsider I just cannot understand why the parents not only condone but encourage this level of competition. These boys have to play every other sport together at the middle school. There were some hard feelings going on and I think it's unfortunate. So, in the end, I comfort myself with the fact that we have 2 losses now and they still have 3! And they better watch out come end of season tournaments...because our boys will be READY!!

Oh well, better wrap this up and get ready for church! Love you all!!

Guess What I Have???

Ok ~ I better tell you because you would NEVER guess!! I have a free evening!! NO ball games, no plans, just a blessedly peaceful night at home with Jon and the kids!! I cannot remember the last time this happened...but in typical contrary Cheryl fashion...I'm bored. I figure at least I can get current on the blog though!

Last things first...This is a picture of a picture of my VBS class this year. One day I only had 21 kids...every other day it was 23 or 25 though...by far the largest class! They were so sweet and ornery! It was a great week. Jon was able to help this year, possibly the only time he ever will. It was fun to have him there, the kids loved having mom AND dad with them! Every year I get a little less stressed out about teaching a class. The first couple of years I did it I was so far out of my comfort zone I felt sick. I've pretty well gotten used to it and I've learned that the BEST prep for teaching VBS is PRAYING!! God ALWAYS gives me the words. Which is only truly impressive if you've ever been in a room with twenty-five 7&8 year olds!! They ask questions that could stump ANYONE except God!! We've been so busy I haven't been keeping up...sometime last week Liam made his dinner pick ~ homemade pizza. He did an awesome job! I was surprised at how well he did! Very insistent on doing everything all by himself! He put all the ingredients in for the crust dough...
I did have to spread it for him after it rose, but then he took over and spread the sauce...

And sprinkled on lots of cheese...

The pizzas were delicious and I think all three kids really enjoyed preparing their respective meals. I will definitely have to do that again!

Here's a shot of Mag's last week, warming up with the big girls...

she's the only one wearing red.

Jon took Mason back to his Mom's house this afternoon. We enjoyed having him here and as always Jon is a little bummed that he's gone now...however, it will be nice to get back to "normal". Not that we even really have a normal these days :) !

We don't have another ballgame until Tuesday ~ a short camping trip is currently under discussion. (crossing my fingers)

Countdown to THE OHIO STATE FAIR : approx. 5 weeks!!!!

Sorry!!

This post will be short and sweet, or something like that. We've been ridiculously busy this week with VBS and baseball...but here's whats new(s):

• VBS is going great ~ I teach the 2nd and 3rd graders (which means both Mags and Liam are in my class, ugh) I LOVE teaching this age group though...they know how to act in school and they haven't quite developed the "attitude" yet. Jon is heading up recreation, today he organized a water balloon toss and fight. The kids really enjoy the water games when it's hot out like it has been this week! While having my own kids in my class has it's own set of challenges, it also has it's own set of advantages! I get to know all of their friends...sometimes better than I'd like!! ;)
• Sam's baseball team knocked off the only undefeated team left in Morrow County Little League Tuesday to take first place!! Tomorrow they play their "big" game against Marengo Blue...it's beginning to look like they just might finish the season in first! Which is a HUGE accomplishment for a team that ended their season AND tournaments in the basement last year!! We are SO EXCITED! It's been an awesome season so far!
• Liam had a game tonight and he hit his first homerun of the season! He also was asked to possibly sub for a peewee team next week! The boy is a natural!
• Maggie got the call to go up to the "bigs" Tuesday ~ she played for Katie and got a hit. They won their game and I'm thinking she's starting to get a bit big for her britches...Jon told her tonight that she needs to get a good nights sleep tonight because she has a game tomorrow and she responded "It's just a T-ball game.", with total disdain.
• Mason is still here ~ he will be going back to his Mom's house Friday. He has been helping Jon with VBS all week. It's been great having him, the kids have really enjoyed it.
• We still have two more days of VBS, and two games this week...I'm hopeful to get some pics up here but I haven't taken any yet :(

I love you all and miss you!!!!

Mason's Tacos, Baby Birds and the Runaway Kittens

Wednesday afternoon at the Garrett house...

I suppose I should confess that I skipped blogging Maggie's "meal". There just wasn't much to it! She chose chicken tenders and fried cheese sticks ~ so all she did was put the stuff on the pan. She did a great job though lol! Mason prepared his tacos yesterday. Jon had some trouble turning over the cutting of the tomatoes ~ he was afraid Mason would crush them. Mason did just fine though... Once he had the veggies cut, he started on browning the meat...
Meanwhile, Maggie and Liam came flying into the kitchen very distressed because Cratchit had moved the kittens again...personally, I'd just like to leave them if that's where she wants them...but the kids were really worried so we tromped back to Shad's barn...
We stopped at the Blue Spruce and checked in on our newest additions...much to the dismay of their mother!

We got back to the barn and Liam went right to them...Shad had shown him the morning before where their mama was putting them. So we gathered them all up and headed back home.

Once we were in our yard, the kids put the kittens down and they followed them just like baby ducks, it was SO CUTE!!

We got the kittens settled and went inside to wash our hands and enjoy Mason's tacos.

After supper, we split...Jon took Mags and the boys to Edison so she could play for Kate's coach pitch team ( she got 2 singles and they won, so I guess she was better than an automatic out)! I took Liam and headed to Chesterville, where Liam had a great game! 2 doubles, a single (one strike out) and I lost count of all the outs he got! He and Jarin (1st baseman) were almost a 2 man team last night!

Tonight, we split again. I'm taking Sam to Iberia :( ~ and Jon is taking Mags to Mt Gilead. Both Sam and Maggie's teams only have one loss this year so far, so hopefully they'll keep it up tonight!! Love you all!

Yeah Sammy!!

Sam received his reprt card today in the mail. He got a C, 2 A's and 5 B's! In addition to that he got a ribbon for "Achievement Honor Roll"...not sure what that's for, but I LIKE IT!! Finally, a little application from my boy. I guess he did pretty well and managed not to embarass his teachers this year in his achievement tests, because they sent him all kinds of loot! Free passes for athletic events and a dance, McDonalds $'s and free ice cream cones from 2 places! He told me just yesterday that if you improved your scores between fall and spring your name gets put in a raffle prize drawing...he's holding his breath in the hopes that he'll win the LCD tv...lol! I have to say, that while I'm not at all pleased with the fact that he had 3 pairs of shorts stolen from his locker this year, I am VERY pleased with the Middle School in general. Once he finally got his butt in gear ~ he had a great year there. They are quick to punish, but they are quick to reward as well. He's gotten so many little rewards this year I've lost track of them all. Fridge magnets, car magnets, free passes to dances, a free cup and a free t-shirt to name a few. I need to find out how they raise money, I haven't heard the first thing about a PTO, but they must do something! Because they spend a lot of money on these kids over the longhaul! Oh well, thought you would want to know! Love you all!

And They're Off...

I felt bad because Angie called to see if Mags would play for Brian's coach pitch team and Maggie turned her down...she doesn't get to see Nick very often though and I'm told Cardington has the best playground in the league! Look at Nick's face! It was with trepidation that he followed Maggie, and who could blame him? LOLIn case you haven't seen Danielle in awhile...

Yup, best playground...hands down!

It was a great game ~ Sam was responsible for 4 outs...he played third base and did a darn fine job! Crappy at bat though :(

One strike out, One walk and One hit that even his long legs couldn't beat to first base...Oh well, better luck next time.

Maggie only has 2 pages left in her summer workbook. I asked her what she's going to do for the rest of the summer and she rolled her eyes at me and said, "Read of course!" Why can't school be like that with all my kids????? Liam on the flip side of that coin has only done like 21 pages (out of 96)!!

Well, that's all for now ~ Love you all!

It's Too Nice A Day...

For you kids to be inside!! Sound familiar to anyone? MOM! lol Ahhh ~ it's happened, I've turned into my mother. I sound just like her...kicking the kids out of the house (over and over and over). I'm not sure how, but every time I turn around they're back in! Liam, Maggie and I's allergies have been going crazy lately because...I've refrained from turning on the A/C though, too much in and out ging on for that! I haven't only been kicking them out during the day either!! They've slept in the backyard for the last 4 days! We have been completely unsuccessful in our attempts to go camping, so we gave up and pitched the tent out back. Jon and I did take it down this afternoon...supposed to rain some tonight :(.
Mag's asked to me to send a shout out to Poppy, who she thanks for teaching her to use her licorice as a straw last fall...

The news is as follows:

• Yesterday, the kittens went missing briefly. All 6 of us spent some considerable time looking for them and they were nowhere to be found! Then, in the evening Deb informed us that Cratchit had put them in the stallions stall in Shads barn. They were all in the food bucket! It's somewhat amazing to me that all 5 of them were alright! They are all back home now though, none the worse for their adventure.
• Last night Danielle and Nick came to Maggie's game in Cardington (which her team won). It was really good to see them, dadgum she's gotten thin! They plan on coming to Sam's game tonight as well, due to it being a Cardington game! Nick is growing like a weed!! The boys got him hooked on baseball in no time flat, Danielle was going to have to go buy him a baseball glove today. LOL
• As a family we cleaned the house today, all part of the "Teach the Kids Initiative". Mason dusted, Sam vacuumed, Maggie washed the windows and Liam cleaned up all the toys in the yard...while Jon mowed and I scrubbed the bathrooms and the kitchen. So, my house is clean and I didn't have to do it ALL by myself! I can't say I needed the help, but it was nice to get done quicker and frankly I was REAL tired of seeing the kids sitting around the house playing their DS's!
• Mom and James will be here this weekend ~ we are all excited to see them!! Drive safe!!!
• WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Gone Fishing, Sort Of

I'm not sure why I let them talk me into going. I never did really enjoy fishing ~ it's kind of gross. I'm thinkin' Maggie feels the same way. Jon put the first worm on Liam's hook to show him how it's done... After that, Liam did it himself!

Maggie is more of a cheetos kinda girl, she eats cheetos while Jon puts the worm on her hook.

She started to get upset though as she impatiently held and jerked on her fishing pole while Liam caught fish...

after fish...after fish (6 in all)!

I tried sticking her up in a tree...

but she was bored there too, so we went for a walk around the pond.

We saw all kinds of cool stuff!

Like a turtle sunbathing on a stick...

and a frog taking a bath...

some lovely lily pads...

and this gorgeous dragonfly! If anyone knows what it is, let me know!

When Mag's and I were done walking we headed back and found the guys right where we left them...

Mag's decided to take ONE more shot at catching a fish.

And, what do you know!!! She got one!!!

I can't say it was fun exactly...but at least I got some good pictures!

Love you all!

Sammy's Soup

As part of our new "Teach the Kids" initiative I had a bright idea!

Before we went to the grocery/Costco Saturday, I asked each of them to pick a meal they would lik to have this week. What I did not tell them at the time was that they have to help prepare their pick! Sam chose Cheese Soup! So, yesterday after church he got to chop potatoes, carrots, celery, onion and ham. Then later, he prepared the cheese sauce all by himself! I explained to him that he needs to know how to make cheese soup because it's his favorite and when he's out on his own he can make it. He explained to me that there is really no need for him to learn how to make it ~ he expects me to teach his WIFE how to make it!
Yes, he's a turd! lol (lol) He did an awesome job though, it was delicious and I was proud of him. He won't admit it...but I think he was proud of himself too.
We have games everyday this week and 2 on Thursday. I think today, Jon and I are taking Mag's and Liam fishing ~ ugh! I'll be sure to get pics! Love you all!

Playing Catch...Up

Sorry it's been awhile since I blogged! Last week Jon picked Mason up on Thursday and he will be here with us for at least a week, if not two. Friday, we decided it was time for the kids to earn a little keep around the house...so we put them to work!

Jon got Mason started mowing the back lawn...

I put Sam on push mowing the small sections around the clothesline and in front of the play area...
Maggie got to try her hand at using the Kitchen Aid Mixer! She made a delicious lemon bundt cake...

While Liam played...

Yeah, that didn't work out fair exactly...but last night he made a chocolate cake to make up for his laziness Friday! It was delicious too, well kinda. He shorted the mix a quarter cup water and you could tell ~ lol.

Jon and I had a big long talk about having the kids do more around the house. I struggle with that...as I'm sure I've probably mentioned before. I KNOW they need to learn...but having them do these things on a regular basis feels lazy on my part. It's my job to take care of the house, I don't really like the idea of off loading MY JOB on the kids. Jon and I did finally agree that whether they DO things around the house or not, it is our responsiblity to teach them HOW to. So, we are working on that this week! I'll let you know how it goes! Love you all!

My Favorite Pastime

would definitely be sleep! Anyone who knows me knows I VALUE a good nights sleep. I haven't been getting very many of them lately though? Tonight/This morning, Jon rolled over and layed a hand on my shoulder...no big deal really. I'm sure he does this same thing at some point in the night frequently...tonight however I apparently was right on the edge of sleep or between dreams when he did it, because I instantly was wide awake (heart pounding). As I'm sure you know, waking up with your heart pounding is NOT conducive to falling back asleep. So, here I sit at the computer...the quietest thing I could think of to do. Well, in the dark at least ~ because if I can't be asleep, I'd rather all the kids stayed that way ;) .

Sometimes, the best noise is none at all!!

Win ~ Win Situation...

that's what we had tonight! Which is much better than the lose~ lose we had LAST night! Sam and Mag's teams both lost yesterday. I took Maggie to Chesterville while Jon took Sam to Iberia. Helen & Kenneth came to Maggie's game which thrilled her to no end! The kids love nothing better than an audience! Sam's team lost by 4 runs and I'm told it was pretty much a fiasco. The boys beat themselves...I didn't get to see but Jon said they should have easily beaten that team. I told Sam the reason he lost was because his MOMMY wasn't there! Maggie's team lost their first game of the season ...she took it pretty well though. They played her little friend Rogan's team and she was just happy to see her!

Tonight, Sam had a home game at the park (which I headed up) and Jon took charge of Liam who was at home in Chesterville. The last thing I said to Liam (before I LOVE YOU) was "Play your BEST game ever"...and darn if he didn't!!! Jon told me he played awesome tonight and I missed it!! :( !! He made 2 double plays and was tearing it up at bat. Jon said he was drilling the ball tonight! Sam, not so great...he struck out in his only at bat and took his turn on the bench this evening. But, they won so I'm not complaining!

Maggie has a game tomorrow night and then we have a few days off. Jon is going in the morning to pick Mason up ~ he'll be with us for at least a week.

Well, that's all I have for now...I'm going to go watch Mythbusters...my new FAVORITE show! I just love watching Jamie and Adam act like lunatics! I'll bet they love their jobs more than anyone else on earth!

Oh...for those of you who don't already know about it I've linked to a new (to me) blog on the sidebar...Sailing Emma. If you have some time to kill this blog is fascinating! It's a couple (friends of Katie and Johnny) who decided to sell their homes and sail around the world...so cool! I lost a couple hours today reading it! Love to you all!!

Guess What??

Chicken Butt ! Yup ~ I had to!

We haven't bee up to much lately, at least not much new!

Sunday evening, Jon built a small campfire in the backyard for the kids to roast marshmallows.
These pics are real bad because I didn't want to use the flash, but it was getting too dark outsided for me to take good ones without it :(

Liam, Lord help him ~ caught his on fire.

Yes, she's a bit of a goob!

Sam, has to play it cool now even in the backyard...seriously?

So, last night Jon took all three kids and went to Sam's practice so I could have some quiet time, it was nice, but not enough! I think I need more than 2 hours ;)

After they got back, Katie called to see if I could bring Maggie up to play in her game. She had a player leave and was going to have to take an auto out with only 9 players...of course, we took her up ~ she was SO EXCITED!!

She was up to bat within 5 minutes of her arrival...keep in mind she's a T-ball player and she was filling in on a coach pitch team...which means she has to hit a MOVING ball!! (yes, I know, DUH)
And SHE DID IT!! She got a hit...a very unimpressive hit, but a hit nonetheless! Then, because God was with Mag's, the girl who retrieved that ball she hit overthrew first...which means Mag's got a DOUBLE!! She was so cute...very eager! It was pretty cute and I wish I'd gotten pics but we ran out so fast I didn't have time to grab it.

Tonight Jon is taking Sam to his game in Iberia and Mag's has a home game in Chesterville.

I'll try to take some more pics to post soon - Love you all and

Happy birthday TRACY!!