Our Last Second Trip to Florida!

Two Tuesday's ago Matt booked a trip for just the two of us to Ft. Lauderdale, so we could go to the Florida Keys! We left that next Friday and came back on Tues. night! It was the most fun trip, except for the food poisoning I got our first night in the Keys, but besides that it was amazing! It was so nice to be away and the weather was perfect, so warm, but not hot! We had a fabulous time and did everything we wanted to do! I hope we can go back some day! I don't know how to publish more than 5 pictures at a time and none of these are in any order, but here are some of our favorite things we did!

Matt and I went on a glass-bottom boat tour out to the coral reef about 6 miles south of the keys! We are at the very front of the boat! While on the boat at the reef we saw a shark, stingray and Matt saw a sea turtle, which I didn't see! =( We also were able to see the sunset, which is a HUGE thing in Key West!
This is me on Bahia Honda State Park's beach! It was beautiful and so peaceful! Matt and I couldn't get over the color of the water! It is that color because no where in the keys has water more than 17 feet deep!

My favorite thing we did was go sea Kayaking! It was just the 2 of us and Marcus, our tour guide! It was incredible! We didn't see too much fish and such, but we did see some crabs and a ton Queen counch, I think it was called. They are endangered, so we couldn't take any with us, but it was cool to see them! Marcus taught a lot about the Key's careful ecosystem and the importance of the coral, mangroves and sponges, etc and how they all play into each other to keep the islands healthy! The Key we kayaked to and around was No Name Key, which just had 50 homes on it and NO water, sewer or electricity, although it did have phone and cable/internet lines! The picture of just me is in a mangrove creek! Super cool!
None of these pictures are in order! But our first day in Key West we decided the best way to see the Key was to bike it! Biking is HUGE in Key West and everywhere in the Key's actually! Super affordable and very fun! So we rode our bikes around for about 4 hours that day... ALL around the Key! It was so fun! I loved biking right next to the ocean! This was Matt's favorite thing we did!

Jackie:Professional Baker?

So for Christmas I got Matt a golf pass thingy to the golf course we live on! When I was at the clubhouse buying it, I was talking to the manager about how the past year's busyness and such. I asked about the grill the clubhouse has and what was going on with that. He said that they did have a chef last year, but not much selection and that this year they were going to focus on getting it more up and running.

So... then my mind started churning.... What if I could make desserts for them? Just a few things, that tasted yummy, but weren't crazy difficult, but were made from scratch with local stuff when possible? (like fruit, etc) I liked the idea cause while I am no professional baker this could be my 'in' so to speak and be low key enough that I could maybe actually do it? I thought about this for a while and mostly discussed it my mother cause I couldn't talk about it with Matt cause he would have been like, what were you doing at the clubhouse? So after Christmas and him having his gift, I broached the subject with him. He was supportive, but then never mentioned it again. Unlike my mother, who mentioned it nearly every time I spoke with her.

After Christmas I just let it go, thinking that there was no way I could take something like that on. And wondering how women work, even if just from home, or for a few hours a week, and be a mom! honestly I thought I would just fail.... not cause all my stuff would burn up, but cause more than likely I would forget to do it one day, or over sleep(if I had to get up early to do it) or do any number of things I am capable of that I have seemed to have done before in regards to carpooling, volunteering at the school, or just being a decent parents/neighbor.

Anyways, I talked to my mother again yesterday and didn't have that great of conversation about a number of things, but mostly they were self-reflective. I didn't like how I felt about the things I had said about myself. I began to think about this baking idea I had had. Could I even do it? Should I try even if I do fail, or they don't want it cause they already have their desserts (which could be real possibility.) Well, I prayed about it last night, as I have done several times already, but as I prayed I thought of things to do and how I wanted to go about it. And then after my prayer I lay in bed thinking of all the things I could make. I think I am actually going to try and do it! I have my little plan laid out about how I want to present my idea. I have some ideas about what I could make. And how much I would charge. Who knows if I would actually make any money doing this, but I suppose we will see. I know how I would like the schedule to work. The biggest question, besides if they even want me and my baked goods, is where to make the baked goods. Utah is a stickler about kitchens and where sold food can be made. Heavens knows I don't have a kitchen that qualifies. Does the golf club? Or do they just have a grill, refrigerator, etc.. and no oven!!! I don't know. We will have to see! I suppose if nothing else, it can't hurt to try! It could be a grand adventure! I kinda thought if I blogged about it, then it could make me more accountable to the idea! I will keep posted how this all turns out, if it does!!!

One and a half years later....

Will skip all the stuff that I haven't written about in the last 1.5 years! Will never catch up otherwise. But what is funny about the pictures that are currently on my blog are that Lincoln in them is almost as old as Maggie is now!

I actually wasn't planning on picking up this nearly dead venture, but I received an email from Matt's cousin saying she finally updated hers after promising over and over again to herself that she would finally write in her journal! And since about my only resolution of the year is to write in my journal, I thought maybe a blog would be better? Can I do it? Don't like 80% of people break their New Year's resolutions? Well, the odds don't seem to be in my favor... we will see.

Last night after 6 agonizing nights, I finally finished Gone with the Wind, which I was reading for book club. So today I have wandered around the house wondering what to do with myself! Matt couldn't be happier cause I have been ignoring him for those last 6 nights! Since I have all this extra time, I thought I would write.. on here! Probably have a lot other more 'important' things to do, but ha who needs it?

So in the last 1.5 years the most important thing we have done as a family, or maybe I should say Matt and I did was add our beautiful Margaret(Maggie) Alice to the family! She is a darling little girl. So tiny and so wordless. The kids fawn over her and even Lincoln today told me, "Mom, I am a good big brother, huh?" She is so spoiled by them. She is so enjoyable and fairly easy going, which has been a nice change over the other 3! I took some pics of her today climbing into the drawer which we keep the kids plates and bowls. After trying it once, she went and retrieved her baby from the family room and carried her by her hair, which is how she carried her everywhere, and placed her in the drawer too, so she could join in the fun! If you look closely she has multiple Electrosal tablets in the drawer with her too. She loves those things and we are now finding them everywhere downstairs. She is such a funny little duck!

Happy Birthday Ella! And Yeah to Me!

I know you are not suppose to post birthdays on blogs due to random people reading them and stealing her identity, but I guess I am willing to take the risk! Unfortunately for her we are not celebrating until tomorrow because Matt won't get home until around 7 tonight and I want to attend the last sewing class I can before the baby comes! so tonight is booked up, but tomorrow will be good because Mary Beth is coming for dinner anyways and bringing her new love interest and Pat and maybe Steph will be able to come for dinner too! It should be a good evening! Not quite done birthday present shopping for her. Have 2 small things, one of which was given to me from a friend for the baby- it is premie baby clothes(from her child), but knowing my unborn child will never fit into it, and since it is so cute, I pulled it aside to save for Ella to play with with her dolls! The other is a dress-up dress, which I bought at Macys for cheap. It is suppose to be a real dress, however, I would never let her out of the house in it, so dress-up it is! I am thinking of getting her some barbie clothes and some dress-up shoes- all of hers have fallen apart! We will see.

So I have made it! Last night was the last night for Matt to travel for work for a while! He has traveled every week, at least 2, but averaging 3 nights, a week, except for this week, for the last 8- count them 8- weeks!!!!!!!!! I have survived! I honestly wondered if I could. I have tried hard not to complain too much- although, I have and mostly to him, I think. But it hasn't been as bad as it could have been. I feel like Heavenly Father has blessed me with patience and overall good children. I am glad it is over. Yesterday was a hard day for me because although I knew the traveling is over, Matt came home Friday afternoon and left yesterday morning first thing. It is hard on me when he has come home on Fridays and left again on Monday. Only happened 2 or 3 times, but I feel like it takes me about 3 days with him home for everything to just get back to normal and stuff and to have him leave again soo soon was rough- Not to mention that I am just grumpy from having a terrible cold and being 9 months pregnant also adds into the equation. I know he had to leave for work, however, but to leave a women who is 1 week away from having a baby should be against HR policy.... somewhere, probably Europe it is.

So as of today- Tues. whatever date it is today- I have only one week until my due date, which will be the date of the birth of this child, unless it comes sooner because I am going to be induced on Tues. if it chooses not to come before then. I am ready for it to come! I am honestly not super excited about the baby, but about the fact that I will no longer be pregnant! I am done! I am actually excited about dieting and exercising again and am dreaming of wearing my old clothes, which are about 10,000,0000,000,000 times cuter than anything I have worn for the last 9 months!

The end of this pregnancy has been much different than my other three. 2 reasons mainly. First this one I have had carpal tunnel syndrome brought about due to my pregnancy which has been keeping me awake at nights for the last 6 weeks, or so. It keeps me awake because of the pain in my hands- poor circulation. It mostly bothers me between the hours of 4-8 in the morning. I get terrible sleep between these hours. Hoping it goes away after the baby is born. And the 2nd reason is because with my other children I did not have these fake contractions/false labor. Twice I have thought I was in labor. Most recently on Friday when I had 6 hours of contractions, anywhere between 3-6 minutes apart. When I had that long of contractions with the others it was because I was in labor! Just baby faking me out- and I hate it! I want to know, or not, if I am in labor. Just have my water break! Bugging!!!!!!!

Carter's birthday was last week! All these Sept birthdays! Going to be an expensive month in the future! For Carter's birthday we(Matt) took him and 5 of his friends to the Dew Tour in SLC! Matt braved the mobs and took them with the help of my brother, Pat, and nephew Derek! Matt said it was crazy, but that the boys had sooo much fun it was worth it! While we won't do that every year, it was a birthday to remember! I am glad they had so much fun! I do have picture to post! Oh, and to note how hip of a kid my son is he wanted to halfpipe/vert on his birthday cake! So I made on for him and put some skateboards on it! Also we bought him his first pair of skate shoes last weekend- DC's! I wasn't wearing that stuff until I was like in 8th grade- he is soo cool he is starting in Kindergarten!!!! Cute now and hoping it will stay cute and that he won't get a little to cool for himself!

Cat in Front of Keyboard.... How Long Can I Type Like This?

Been awhile, eh? Lot's has happened worth writing about, but 2 things are the only things occupying my mind. ahhhh... Cat just moved! Poor thing starved for attention that I am not willing to give. Anyways.....

The other stuff worth mentioning before delving into my preoccupied mind. Since last writing, I went to Matt's family girl's getaway! It was really fun, as it always is! It wasn't insanely hot for St. George, which was the biggest blessing. Got some funny pictures and even better memories made. I do love the women in Matt's family. So fun and funny and just great women to be around.

The evening I got home from Girl's getaway my parents came to town. My father had actually been here the whole week before for work. We had dinner with him two nights in a row on his dime, which was super yummy. And the kids really enjoyed themselves as well. It was nice cause Matt was traveling that week and it was nice to get out of the house in the evening, even if I did have to basically man the kids by myself during dinner. Anyways, Matt and my dad hung out the whole weekend I was gone and from my understanding the kids couldn't have had a more wonderful time doing all the stuff I either won't let them do, or just going on really fun outings. Matthew, the most wonderful of husbands cleaned the whole house, mopped the wood floor downstairs and everything, so that I wouldn't have to when I came home. Matt is usually really good at keeping the house clean, or at least having it picked up when I come home from these trips, but it usually isn't clean enough for company. But he went above and beyond this time and I was SOOOOO grateful!

So my parents came to visit. Some asked why have them come soo close to having the baby born... They were here 7 weeks before the due date. It was because it seems they only come, or have recently come, for wedding, or babies being born. It isn't much fun, or much fun can't happen when they do that. So they agreed upon my insistence to visit just to visit and do fun Utah things. So we hiked Stewart Falls, even me, well past the time we should have with no flash light. Carter came too and luckily for his safety Patrick anchored him to the trail on the way down. Me on the other hand was on my own pregnant self. I used Patrick's cell phone as a flashlight, which I desperately needed. I honestly think it was one of the dumbest things I have ever done. My mother said, "No way. white water rafting the Amazon Tributary was the dumbest thing I had ever done...." Well, this was a close second. Matt didn't go because he was out of town until Wed. night. Carter got his cast completely off while my parents were here! That was very exciting! Mom got to meet our wonderful surgeon. I know we saw MB's apartment while up in SLC that visit and also got ice cream to celebrate his cast coming off. His arm looked awesome by the way and he was really good about using it right away! On that Thursday, everyone but me, including Patrick and Mary Beth, hiked Mt. Timpanogos. It wasn't the best experience for everyone. My father got altitude sickness and doesn't remember parts of the trip. My mother freaked out and froze going over some scary rocks and had to be coaxed down. Matt was on the verge of tears(maybe slight exaggeration) at the lake and ate lunch laying down, refusing to even sit up until made to when they left Emerald Lake. Matt and I did it last year for our anniversary and refused to ever do it again. Matt repeated those same words this time around too. We will see. I stayed at home that days with the kids and had a very relaxing day- although I did make an emergency run into my dr. office cause I was having some major crazy pains. But was short lived and to all was well, once they and I got back home!

Friday after a morning of recovering and teasing Matt endlessly about how they, mostly my dad, was never forgive him, nor forget, for making him go on that awful experience. Mom was more gracious. She wanted to go on the hike. Matt did feel really bad about it. anyways... after recouping a little. We spent the afternoon up in SLC with lunch at Le Gourmandese-yum- and then onto the Gateway at the Discovery Center. The kids loved it. I thought mom and dad would have had more fun too, but they trudged along. I think now just grumpy from being still sore ad tired from the day before.

Saturday we went to Matt's work open house and got to show my parents around. The kids had a good time. My mom seemed interested in what is done at the plant.... my father was more interested in candy each department was handing out. Lunch was yummy though. And then off my parents went to see MB on more time before they left and then to catch their respective flights home. It was a good visit. It was disappointing that my father worked every day here except for the day of the hike. What could I do about that though?

After mom and dad left life quickly resumed to normal. Although the next week was the first week Matt traveled for 5 days. I psyched myself up for it and made it through the week with little worse for the wear. Was busy and the kids and I all made it through with the house still standing and my sanity! It wasn't too bad. Although the hard thing about having Matt gone was that it took me like 2 days to be use to him being here and not getting agitated with all these little things he did, which normally don't even bug me, but drove me crazy upon his return home. And then he left again Monday morning. And last week was a hard and long week even though he was gone only 2 nights. He was suppose to be gone 3, but came home early to see Carter off and home to his first day of school. Nothing terrible happened the 2 nights/3 days he was gone. I just struggled. And I don't know if I struggled so much cause of the short weekend with him, or cause I am now 8+ months prego and am just done and exhausted? I had no motivation. I still did stuff- all the baseboards downstairs except for the front room and the upstairs hall baseboards- plus all the usual crap. Those took forever by the way..... you don't know how big your house is until you clean all the baseboards on your hands and knees. We obviously have too big of a house.

Those are the two things occupying my mind. Matt's traveling and my pregnancy. I can't say having Matt gone has been THAT terrible. It has it's bad and good days and we are all doing okay. But I am done with pregnant. I HATE pregnancy. Sure there is the kinda, almost enjoyable parts of feeling the baby move around, but besides that everything else is overrated. I hate the clothes, which are barely fitting these days. And I hate how I have to get up every 2 hours to pee at night. I sleep like crap and always have to sleep with a pillow in between my knees or my hip bones hurt soo bad I can't stand it. I hate how I can't have my kids sit on my lap anymore. I hate how I loath bending over and yet have to do it 100 times a day and get bugged at my kids for leaving anything on the floor I have to pick up. I just hate all of it! This has become a total gripe session, I know........ And I know it will all be over soon, but then I will have 4 kids! How in the world will I do that? although after every pregnancy I have been soooo grateful for that baby because that means I am not pregnant anymore! Yeah!!!!! I have joked that I could have 12 kids as long as the next 8 were delivered to my house in a little basket!!! I pray, pray, pray that we are done. I don't know if I can do another pregnancy. Having said all that...... last week was ugly, or at least parts of it were, but this week has been relatively a good one. While I am still done with this whole baby-making thing, I think heavenly father is blessing me with patience. Maybe I didn't ask for it enough last week. I don't know. I am done gripping for now though.

Carter started school last week. We are soo lucky to live far enough away for the bus. So we all walked with him down to the bus stop last Thurs. Matt recorded it on the camcorder. He played around with his pals while waiting, but when the bus arrived he was all business and barely looked at Matt or I as he stood in line and boarded the bus. I always thought mothers who cried were sooooo lame cause it was just 3 hours and the kid was back home again, but there I was balling like a baby seeing him get on that bus. I don't have a reason exactly, not like I was like 'my sweet little tiny baby!' Just hormones I think. I also tear up every time I have gone into school with him. He likes kindergarten and LOVES the bus!!!! That is all he talks about when you ask him about school- who he sat next to, what the rules were, who his bus driver was, what they said, etc........ He loves that he doesn't have to buckle up. Soooo funny. I like his teacher well enough and have heard good things about her. He likes her too, so that is good. He has a little neighbor girl in his class, which is nice. It has been good so far and he has enjoyed himself. Came home with homework today! Also today was wild hair day, so we spiked his hair up and colored some of the tips pink and blue- he looked soo cute! Too bad I completely forgot to take a picture. He was pretty excited about that.

The other big thing occupying our life right now is soccer. Both Ella and Carter are playing. So we have practise 2 nights a week and a game Friday night and Sat. morning!!!! A little overwhelming! Ella, however, could quite possibly be the cutest little soccer player there ever was. She has got these super cute all pink cleats, which she called clippers, and wears Carter's old purple soccer shorts and wears her headbands and bracelets while playing, not caring a bit about me telling her to take them off. The first game she didn't run after the ball once, or really even move, but just stood there in the middle of the field. Soooo funny. Last game by the end she kind was following the pack. Carter is doing a lot better than last year and it more aggressive and missed making a big goal by just inches last week! So sad, but a confidence builder!

So that is everything. whew!

Recent Stuff

Been a while since I have written. While nothing super exciting has happened, enough to write about in no particular order.





Carter, Matt and our nephew, Derek, attended a Real Salt Lake game 2 Friday night's ago. All of theirs first professional soccer game. Kinda of a long story to write, but one of such generosity, it must be shared. Matt's coworker handed Matt an envelop 2 Monday's ago and said it was for Carter. When Matt told me this, I was worried it was money, but it wasn't it was 2 INCREDIBLE seats to the Salt Lake Real game for the coming Friday night!!!!! And a little note that said, "to get that arm well soon!" I couldn't believe the kindness of his coworker! I was almost speechless when Matt told me it was just too nice. So you say, but what about Carter's cousin? Well, A few days before our sister-in-law, Derek's mom, called up and asked if Derek could spend the night Friday night because they were going to be out of town and Derek's brother and best friend were going to the Real game and would be out late. So when I called to tell her about the soccer game and how I wasn't sure if Derek would want to come and hang out with me, Ella and Linc, I said I could look and see if there were seats close to us if she wanted. She thought would be a good idea and low and behold there was a seat right next to Matt and Carter, so she got it for him and the three of them got to go. It was meant to be!!!! Carter had a lot of fun and Matt did too. It was a wonderful guy night out for them and I felt so grateful for the kindness of Matt's coworker, who truly went above and beyond.

Matt has started his new job! His official title is Joint Venture Liaison. Or at least that is what I think it is. He started last week. It is going to be difficult and a sacrifice for all, but hopefully worth it in the end.

Garden update: I watered my garden on Friday morning before I rushed out of the house. I was proud of myself for being up early enough to water it, but like an idiot, I forgot to turn the hose off! So it was on for over 2 hours before I realized it and called my kind neighbor to have her turn it off. I haven't watered it since- boy was it muddy. I know one should put it on a timer and call it good, but I actually really enjoy watering it every other morning. It also allows be the opportunity to pull some weeds and hem and haw over the growth from the day before. I did pull my first tomato for the plant this morning. There is no blossom rot! All my other red-turning tomatoes have blossom rot! I know the cause, again-watering, but am not sure what to do about it. Some toms have it and others don't? I don't know. My corn is, I don't know what to call it- seeding/pollinating/something and so I am getting little corns finally growing on my fence height stalks! very exciting!

Carter gets to ride his bike tomorrow!!!! YEAH!!!!! That should actually be the title of this post. THE most exciting thing about the summer so far. He still has his cast on, but it has been 6 weeks since the initial break and so the Dr. said tomorrow was the lucky day. What could be better? He has been very good and patient, but still.

This weekend is girls getaway with Matt's family. I am very excited, except for the heat that St. George has. But none the less, the condo has AC and so really it shouldn't be too bad. It is always super fun and I am sure this weekend will not be a let down. Maybe I will post pics from it so as to encourage other family members to come next time!

Last week I went to the Oquirrh(sp) Mountain Temple open house twice! Once with the family on Tues. night and then again on Friday morning with my non-LDS friend. The visit with the family was good. Not the craziness that the Draper Temple open house was. Much quicker and thus the kids were much better behaved. The temple was beautiful! One of the prettiest I have seen. Friday morning, we went super early because it was the second to last day it was open to the public and I was terrified of having HUGE lines and since we didn't have reservations- of them not letting us in. But we got in fine and there was NO waiting, which was wonderful. Once inside the temple it wasn't as busy as Tues night either. All that couldn't have gone better. It was interesting going through the temple with someone who wasn't LDS. It makes you think about each of the rooms and what takes place in there more. I also seriously wondered what was going on through my friends mind. She did go to the Draper Open House, so it wasn't a complete surprise what the inside of a temple looks like, but still. She is devote in her faith, so it makes you wonder if she thinks we are all insane and going straight to hell, or want to make her dump in that baptismal font. I would sure take the second, cause I have had enough friends think I am going to hell. We didn't talk to much about her thought about it afterwards because we also have 5 kids with us- 2 of hers and my 3. And I while I would love to talk more in depth with her even now about it, it can be a difficult thing to broach. Anyways, I love the temple and it was so wonderful to be able to go and have them sooo close to us.

I am now 32 weeks along. No names yet! Now considering Sophie or Sofie. Who knows? I have no major complaints. Yesterday I did have these crazy, SUPER painful contractions and even felt it in my lower back- is that back labor, stuff?!!!! Had them during dinner and even starting crying it hurt so bad. Poor Matt was giving me the most pathetic faces ever. I don't typically have too many contractions prior to labor, but have had them increase with each child. So I don't think it was anything too out of the ordinary. Other than that- I am fine. Feel like I have for forever till this baby comes.

Well, that is all the 'big' stuff. My parents come next week. While should be fun. Have some fun stuff planned with them. Until then---

My Pride and Joy!

There is a lot of things I should post about that has happened in the last few weeks- 4th of July(which was fun, but wore me out more than Christmas), Family reunion(again fun, but tiring), Matt's new job(which isn't going to be fun for me, but I suppose I will write about that another time), and updates about Carter's arm(looking good- finally), but I would rather right about my pride and joy, My Garden!!!!

I grew my very first garden when we lived in Louisville. It consisted of like 13 tomato plants, 3 pepper plants, green beans and watermelon. It all grew wonderfully, except for the green beans and the watermelon, which did grow great, but the bunnies that lived in my yard ate any of the plants fruit, which left me with just the plant. Anyways, but I rarely watered it and it all grew like crazy. It was wonderful. And I loved it! I would go out morning and evening and fawn over it. I would count all the new tomatoes. I am sure Carter, who I would drag out there with me thought I was nuts. But you get that way about it, or at least I do.

So that was like 3 or 4 summers ago. Mhe summer after my Louisville garden we moved from an apartment in Boise to a house sometime in May and I was pregnant and didn't want to worry about gardening. Then last year, again we moved into our house in May and while I wasn't pregnant I felt like I had enough going on with moving in that I all I did was plant a few tomato plants in a grassless spot in the yard. I didn't stake them and I didn't water them, or at least very little. I did at some point dump some Miracle Grow on them and while the plants did grew tons, they produced very little fruit. This year, I was going to do it and do it right.

So in April, I signed up for a beginning gardening class taught by the extension office here. I felt like if I was going to put a lot of money and time into this garden, I need to know how to grow a garden in Utah, with its lack of water, crappy soil and weird bugs, but no bunnies- at least not in my yard. Anyways..... The class, while not super cheap, lasted 3 weeks and provided me with a wealth of information about how to make my garden grow!!!!

So, I got my wonderful husband to dig up the area in which I wanted the garden to be. Then we removed all the grass by hand, shaking out the soil- that was a nightmare. Next we put fertilizer on the soil and rototillered it to death! (Matt did all that part!) Then to get the soil to the right temperature to plant, we staked plastic over the area for a couple of weeks. We(Matt, with a little bit of my help) dug out trenches, so that I could flood them with water and develop a strong root system in the plants.

Finally, I planted!!!! I researched out all the plants I wanted and what kind would grow best in my cruddy soil. I planted 9 tomato plants- 1 Brandywine, 2 Early Girl, 1 Big Boy, 2 Roma, and 3 Celebrity- 3 red pepper plants, 1 zucchini, 1 cucumber, about 40 pole green beans, which I used my back fence which is rod iron as my poles, which I thought was just ingenious, if I do say so myself. And then I also planted about 40 plants of corn in 4 rows!!!!! The corn is so exciting to watch grow! It is so big, some of it is at my chest. I planted the beans and corn in 2 groups, with plantings 2 weeks apart, so that I wouldn't get a million ears of corn, or a bushel of beans all at the same time.

And tonight I picked my first zucchini! It was soo exciting! I don't know what I am going to do with it yet, honestly, I mean I will eat it, but I don't know how.

What is funny about a garden is that you think you will save money by growing your own food... HA!!! We have spent soo much money on that thing, not including my class, that I think I could buy all the food I am getting plus a bunch more for what I have spent on it. However, it is a good skill to have and now that we are at this point, it is soo exciting to watch it grow. It is a test in patience and trial and error as I am learning how best to water, weed, etc.... Maybe one day I will turn into a real expert of a gardener.