Friday, March 26, 2010

The Circle of Life

It was a sad week at the Baum Farm. We lost a family member of the four legged variety. Choowey, Cameron's teddy bear hamster, died. It was the first time we have ever had to address death with the kids. It just broke my heart to see my boy holding his lifeless friend cupped in his hands, perfectly still, as the realization set in the he was gone. The face of my son who is generally happy, turned to one of total dispair and a sob that I have never heard came pouring forth. After lots of hugs and incomprehendable mutterings from him, we found just the right box for Choowey and placed him inside. The next morning Cameron told me he had thought of just the right place to bury him. He wanted to put him next to the rosebush outside the kitchen window. He said he would be protected from the dogs or anything else getting him because of the thorns. While he was at school, Daddy dug the hole right where Cameron wanted it. When we all got home from school, we gathered around the hole, place the box inside, and all said something nice about Choowey. We filled his grave and then Cameron and Daddy had to head off to soccer. After they returned from soccer, Cameron assured me that he is still only 8 (about to be 9) and that he would recover from this tragedy when he asked immediately if I would take him to the pet store to get another hamster. We went. Now we have CJ. That is short for Choowey Jr. Ah, the circle of life.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Way Too Many Projects Going On . . .

It has been a busy week at the "Baum Farm" this week. The babies arrived on Tuesday and they are as sweet as can be. They are changing already. Wow! And I thought Meg and Cam were growing up too fast! I have gotten two very different reactions from people who know we chickens now: "THAT IS SO COOL!" and "WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU THINKING?" Both said with equal emphasis. There is no in between, no casual "yeah, that's nice." But as for me and the kids, we couldn't be more thrilled! I will post pics as soon as I find my battery charger for my camera.

We also started the garden this weekend and I still have some plantings to finish up this week. We have tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, green beans, canteloup, chives, and Meg wanted to try corn - that one should be interesting! Our peach tree only has 4 blooms on it...I really hope that is not a sign of it not producing much fruit this summer. I think I almost have Larry convinced that we should add a pear tree and a plum tree to the yard too. We will see, our yard isn't that big.

Mom was here today to help paint Meg's room. It has been the same bright yellow with a bunny chair rail border for over 11 years and as her 11th birthday approaches, we thought she should have a room that reflects who she is now. Though I will miss the bunnies, the calming tropical hues of blue, green, beige and brown certainly says "This is Meg's space!" Again, pics to follow once the camera is charged and working.

I also have a garage sale find bookshelf that I was hoping to show off as my first addition to "Metamorphosis Monday" hosted on Between Naps on the Porch but alas, with no camera, there are no pictures to post just yet. Now, even though I don't have my first Meta Monday posting, I already have project no.2 in the works too.

Oh, and did I mention I just finished knitting my first cap and scarf. I think I said something about way too many projects going on. =)