{Where I've been}

I've been taking photos almost daily {not quite, but close}, however I haven't had time to edit and blog about them because of these five, adorable, INSANELY MESSY, ducklings that {finally!!} hatched on the 4th and 5th of July. {Side note: four hatched on the 4th and the fifth arrived on...the 5th} Thus far we only have names for three of them but are working on the last two--who were, incidentally, the first and last to arrive. The light brown one is Indy {short for Independence}, the dark brown/black one is Sirius, and the light blue/silver with yellow spots is Olive. I'm actually amazed that any of them hatched given we had 1.) never done this before, and 2.) made the incubator ourselves, and 3.) some of the eggs had to sit for almost a week before they could be put in to the incubator {thus lowering the chances of developing/hatching}. You can read my first post about them HERE.

For awhile we had a webcam up with a live feed so people could watch the last two ducklings hatch, which we then moved over to the brooder. It's down for a bit now but it's been pretty popular. The ducklings live in our sunroom {for the moment} and I love hearing their little trills and songs interspersed with the pitter patter of webbed feet running around the brooder. We've taken them outside to play in the grass, hunt bugs, and have already introduced them to swimming. Plus, in between all of that I'm cleaning up after them at least 3-4 times a day. Lots of work, but so worth it. So without further ado, here are some pics of our little ones.

On to the pics...{click to view full size}

{June 30, 2011}

A little while ago, one of the gals on the Ravelry Project 365 group came up with the idea of having a swap between those of us participating on the board. We were each assigned a name and asked to include various items in the package, and then mail our stuff out by a certain date. My box arrived from Cumbria earlier this month, but we had all agreed to wait until June 30th to open our items. After unwrapping the brown paper, I found a box loaded with goodies! There was much ooh'ing and aah'ing over the beautiful handknit flowers (okay, I may have gone a bit overboard in telling my family how much I love them), some squealing over the sheep magnet, a bit of drooling over the chocolate, lots of petting of the lovely yarn, and even more "awwww'ing" over the super sweet card and gorgeous photos. And, as if that weren't enough, my swap partner also gave me some nicely scented soap, some awesome lotion, and cute little buttons. I.was.spoiled!! I LOVE it ALL and can't thank my amazing swap partner enough!!

(And I'm truly hoping that the person I sent stuff to loves her items as well!)

Taken with my iPhone using the Camera+ app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 27, 2011}

Back when we lived in Oregon, we used to go Geocaching fairly often. (If you search through the archives you'll find some hilarious stories about our first times out). Ryan and I loved the challenge and the kids loved finding "treasure." We had not gone out geocaching since we'd moved here, though. With interests renewed, plus being bored out of our minds, we decided to go out tonight and find some caches. We also now have an app on our iPhones that lets us locate and search for caches, log them, write notes, and everything else you do while geocaching which, coupled with our handheld GPS, makes things even easier. Getting to the caches, however, is usually the hard part. We set out on a trail through a heavily wooded area where we fought our way through the forest and found three separate caches. Although we were all sweating like crazy, and realizing just how out of shape we are (okay, that would be just Ryan and I...mainly me), we had a blast!

Taken with my iPhone using the Camera+ app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 21, 2011}

Although I took this photo (and sent the package off) days ago, I'm trying to catch up and give everyone a glimpse of my new packaging. I realize the "Thank You" card tied with the ribbon, and the sticker with my logo printed on it, are a bit difficult to see with the camera being pulled back, yet I wanted to show the new boxes I'm now using for print and small album orders. Each box is then tied with white and yellow baker's twine bringing some of the yellow from my new logo in to the theme. I love it and can't wait to get my website (and new blog) finished and published for you all!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 18, 2011}

My son has been legal to drive for about three months now, but we've been so busy that we haven't had a chance to put him behind the wheel. Today, however, that changed. After a quick trip to the bank I noticed that the parking lot was almost completely empty, so I gave him the low down on everything, and we switched seats. I'm teaching him the same way my dad taught me, which is that in the beginning he only gets to put it in "drive" and let the car "push" itself. Once he gets the hang of turning, braking, going in reverse, etc. we'll step up to using the gas pedal. This lesson only lasted about 15 mins. as there ended up being quite a few people cutting through the parking lot, yet he did really well. Even though it's a bit scary thinking about him being able to drive, I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm excited about teaching him how.

Taken with my iPhone using the Camera+ app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 17, 2011}

My lilac bush finally bloomed...and is quickly losing it's sweetly scented blossoms. I grabbed a photo before the remaining flowers are all gone.

Taken with my iPhone using the Camera+ app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 15, 2011}

Today is Miss Kya's 6th birthday and, as you can see, she is clearly worn out from all of that bully stick eating (hold the jokes). I meant to take a better photo of her earlier, but between working like mad on my website redesign and schlepping all over Concord trying to find my daughter a bathing suit for tomorrow's field trip, I'm settling for this. And it should be noted that Kya is NOT a fan of the camera. Oh she looks all cute and sweet in photos, but she hates posing for them. I tell her she's beautiful, yet that never works. She's not impressed with flattery. I feel lucky whenever I can get her to even look at the camera. Can't say I blame her...I'm the same way. Nevertheless, I adore this dog as much as my kids, and if you ever meet her you'll see that she is a "mommy's dog" through and through. My dad calls Kya my "shadow" because wherever I go, she goes too. I love it that way!

Taken with my iPhone using the Camera+ app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 14, 2011}

Lunch today--"Fancy" grilled cheese: rustic farm bread, swiss cheese, and thinly sliced pear--repeat. Nom.

Taken with my iPhone using the Camera+ app

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 11, 2011}

I didn't get a chance to post this yesterday although I did take it last night. All four of us played poker until around midnight. Yes, I'm corrupting my children young. ;o)

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the X-Pro II filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 10, 2011}

All packed up and ready to go! I'm participating in a swap on Ravelry with the rest of the Project 365 gang and will be sending my swap partner's items out tomorrow. I'm really hoping she likes all the little goodies! Once she receives it and we've all opened our boxes, I'll post the photo I took of what's inside. Until then...ssssshhhh...it's a secret.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Poprocket filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 8, 2011}

Last year we had a moth just like this one that hung out on our front door. I looked up what type it was, but have forgotten. From wing to wing it is roughly 4-5" wide and about 3" tall. Definitely one of the largest moths I've ever seen. This one is "trapped" between our window screen and the window, however I did my best to convince it to fly free by leaving the window open...and tapping gently. It appears "she" has been laying eggs on the screen itself, so maybe that's why she refuses to go? I named the first one "Kevin." I think I'll name this one "Sheila." (That "line" of "stuff" on the screen is actually rust, but if you look towards the bottom right of the moth, you can see the eggs.)

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Walden filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 6, 2011}

Tonight my son was honored with an award of excellence in Algebra. He and other freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were recognized for their outstanding academic performances in various classes. I'm not sure how many kids received awards, but I do know it was not that many given the size of the school, which says a lot about what it takes to be honored. We are so incredibly proud of him!

Before we went inside I had my dad take a photo of us. Although the expressions may not be the best (none of us like having our picture taken), I love how it shows just how big our kids are getting. The saying is so very true...time flies when you're having fun!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{May 30, 2011}

I realize this is out of order but I wanted to post this picture (and may post one I took on the 28th as well). On this day, when I had woken up and come downstairs, I looked outside to find one baby robin perched on the edge of the nest. The other two had apparently already fledged and this lone bird was getting up the courage to join them. Quickly I grabbed my camera, carefully opened the front door, but despite my best efforts I spooked the wee one. She flew towards the house, hitting it gently, then landed in the landscaping. I felt so bad and was properly admonished with the look of death by the robin. Realizing that it was okay I snapped a couple of pictures before heading inside. From there we watched her hop off in to the woods where we noticed one of the other babies up in a tree, being fed by the mama bird. I did not see the second baby, however with so many trees surrounding us I have no doubt it was out there. Eventually the one on the ground joined the rest as we no longer saw them. I still catch myself looking out the window at the nest and can't help but to miss them. Good luck baby robins!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 5, 2011}

Tonight, Ryan called me outside to show me this strange, mustard yellow, slimy substance that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. After a bit of research I figured out that the stuff was called slime mold, or in some cases, dog vomit mold. It looks sort of like cauliflower, however it's definitely not solid like it. We're not sure how big the patches will get or how long it lasts for, but it's truly weird.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 3, 2011}

Ryan and I recently "built" a homemade incubator from a styrofoam cooler, a piece of plexiglass, some chicken wire, a 25W lightbulb, a thermometer that also measures the humidity, an egg carton, and--the best thing ever--a temperature controlled outlet that controls when to turn the lightbulb off and on to maintain the temp at 99-100 degrees. On Saturday I put in 11 Muscovy duck eggs that I had collected over a few days, and I've dutifully turned the eggs and watched the temp/humidity the entire time. Hopefully we have several that are fertile and will end up with baby ducklings in another 4 weeks. Tomorrow night I will candle the eggs to check on their progress, although I'll most likely check them tonight just for fun. :o) This is the first time we've ever hatched anything and I know the success rate isn't so great for duck eggs, but it's fun nonetheless! Plus, I've already told Ryan that if these eggs aren't fertile/don't make it, I'm throwing some freshly collected chicken eggs in there--I want babies!!

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Sutro filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 2, 2011}

Tonight Ian had his spring orchestra/band/choir concert--the last of the year. As always I left my big camera at home because I've learned that 1.) Ian will never be sitting where I can see him unless I perform some amazing feats of acrobatics, and 2.) these concerts are looooooong...and I don't want to stand for 40 minutes while the orchestra performs (the entire thing usually lasts over 2 hours). Yes, I'm lazy...yes, I know this. Anyways, I couldn't help but notice this jacket and found myself staring at all the zigging and zagging and just plain insanity going on. Now, I have seen some busy clothing before--I grew up in the late 70's and 80's for crying out loud--but this...this is pushing it to the next level. The pic doesn't do it justice (gym lighting), yet I think you can get a feel for what I mean.

Taken with my iPhone

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{June 1, 2011}

This is a gift I'm knitting for someone. The yarn is pooling in a, to me, unfortunate way. However, when I took my knitting to my doctor's appointment yesterday I was complimented on it. Hopefully the person I'm knitting this for either has a great sense of humor or loves crazy pooling. To say I'm nervous about what they will think of it would be a huge understatement.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Brannan filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{May 31, 2011}

I'm behind a bit, but will post pics from the missing days later. Today was yet another doctor visit in a different place, so I captured it for posterity's sake.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Walden (if memory serves) filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{May 29, 2011}

I've been attempting to sew a costume for my daughter's school project since about 5 p.m. What should have taken me about 10 mins. has turned in to an all night issue. I have no idea why the machine isn't working, but tomorrow I'll be looking for a large bag of safety pins to use instead of sewing it, then hand sewing the rest.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Brannan filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{May 27, 2011}

These could quite possibly be the cutest set of stitch markers I've ever seen. I mean how could I not adore them given they combine two of my most favorite things--coffee and knitting?! I will definitely be using these a lot. The seller, Bijoux Designs For You, is also incredibly nice to work with and has several really nice pieces (from stitch markers to jewelry) in her shop. Plus, if you like the ones I purchased she has another listing for them as well... ;o)

On to the pic...{click to view full size}