Rest In Peace...Trophy the Rabbit

We had quite the emotional weekend- completely draining.

Our daughters Netherland Dwarf rabbit wasn't looking so hot- not as active and didn't appear to have eaten or drank anything the previous night. We decided the next course of action was to clean the cage out and with a newly cleaned cage be able to tell better if he was going to the bathroom. During the whole day we checked on him, took him out of his cage to access him, made phone calls to other knowledgeable rabbit owners in 4H and researched online at vet websites, bunny sites and forums for any clues. We tried several things the remainder of the day and overnight that we gathered from our 4H friends and recommended websites- he didn't go to the bathroom all day. We syringe fed him so that he wouldn't become dehydrated. We read about GI issues, blockages, hair balls, just all kinds of tummy troubles- we were up every 1 1/2 hours during the night to check his stats, rub his belly and syringe feed him. At 4am, he passed away in my arms with our daughter by my side. We both cried together.

The thing we kept coming back to in reading so much information was that rabbits are animals of prey and hide 'hurting' or something 'wrong' very well....and when you finally do see the signs...most of the time its too late.  In this case I truly feel like it was...it was literally about 24 hours time from the time we saw something was wrong to his death. 

My daughter and I prayed together as she stroked his belly telling him he was a good boy then I picked him up to put him back into his cage and as I sat there for a moment he passed away in my arms.

When we got him he was a year old and had not been worked with or gotten very much attention- Our daughter worked with him everyday, caring for him, giving him the love and attention he deserved and practicing her 4H showmanship with him. She loved this rabbit. She wanted him to be buried but unfortunately we are in a rental so a dear friend told us about one of her friends doing a 'garden memorial'. What a great idea. We had a wonderful talk with both our children about the cycle of life....now Trophy's body will rest in peace and help plants grow and our daughter will forever have a happy memorial for him and the best part she said was that when we move, he can come with us.

Rest In Peace Trophy the Rabbit, you brought much joy and happiness to our girl!

Happy Easter! 4H & 'Private' Library

Easter Weekend- We spent Saturday going with our 4H group to a nursing home and handing out Easter Baskets the kids in the group made.  The boys stayed home, so it was just my daughter and I with the group. I truly get emotional when I see how wonderfully she is growing up- I get a glimpse in between all the pre-teen crazyness of that grown girl she is going to be- so kind and caring with a big heart and so very smart and loving. Just seeing her touch the lives of others with her sweet conversations and care made me be so thankful- this is really what its all about- at the end of the day, its not about how clean her room is or if her laundry got folded and put away- its about the way she cares for others, helps her friends, family and community- I am so very proud of her.

I spent some time putting together mini-sewing boxes for the kids- they both love crafts and art projects. Slowly we are getting more organized to have everything available to them for our journey into homeschooling/unschooling- life. We also worked on our 'Private' Library our daughter calls it- getting our books grouped by Animals, History, Science, Classics- the kids both had fun with this organization- and what did they do right after we were done?? Sat on the couch with a big pile of books and read! Melts my heart to see them immersed in a story!

 A dress my daughter sewed for her American Girl doll.

 Library in progress....it's coming along...

And our own Easter Celebration...egg dying...easter basket fun and of course later a nice meal of cheesy potatoes and yummy veggies and rolls - no ham this year with our meatless journey but we are looking forward to some awesome potatoes and vegetables!!  My sweet husband brought me home my favorite flower in a beautiful purple color! So sweet!

Happy Easter! Blessings to Everyone!

Library trip, Veggie Subs & Pokemon

Feels like summer already- warm,  breezy- makes you want to spend the entire weekend outside! We took a trip to the Library and came home with books on CD, movies, cartoons and more books- I didn't count how many we had in all but the Librarian was kind enough to remind me that the limit is 50 items! I seriously doubt I could check out 50 items....okay maybe! :) But not all on my own!

Here is what our 7yr old son is reading right now...and he checked out math games for the Leapster! The audio books is his new favorite so we may explore 'listening' to a book as a family soon...

 Here is what our 11yr old daughter is reading...she's a girly girl with a love of animals..can you tell!?

 Her and I are both reading Horse Riding- and the last book is for me- I usually also check out recipe books or craft books- but my son choose the craft book this time- for egg carton ideas!

After the Library we went to the near by park...my son was anxious to scooter while my daughter was anxious to start reading her new books- 

I've been so terrible at taking 'meal' pics and usually it's our son who reminds me with 'wait we can't eat we need a picture!' This week included meals like:

Veggie Fried Rice w/Egg Rolls

Spaghetti and Salad

Rice Noodles with Long Green Beans and Mushrooms

Rice and Bean Taco's

and Grilled Cheese (Vegan) w/Tomato Soup

and lastly the one we did take a pic of...Make your own Veggie Sub Sandwich & Sweet Pot/Reg Pot Chips

And lastly our weekend craft time included the kids being so excited about the new little pokemon card books they got, they wanted to make their own favorite card character and this is how they turned out...not too bad! and they had so much fun too!

Yup it was a pretty fun family weekend! 

AND I feel accomplished that I made a huge dent in cleaning out the garage while the kids played and scootered in the driveway this afternoon- Work and Play- the perfect balance!

Scootering and Prayers Answered

What a wonderful weekend last weekend was- beautiful weather, got to spend outside time with the kids and enjoy it and enjoy their company. We spent Saturday supporting our 4H group, stopping by their horse competition to check it out then left and went to the park for the rest of the day so our son could ride his new b-day scooter.

I pray everyday. I pursue to connect with my children on a deep level every time I spend time with them- not only to make memories that will last forever but to build that lasting deep relationship. I had such a wonderful connection moment with my daughter as we spent over an hour just talking on a park bench that day. I feel truly blessed. I love my children. It was a GREAT day.

San Diego Birthday

Quick post...last weekend we took a little vaca to San Diego to see family for our son's 7th birthday (which is really tomorrow!) We headed to the park, the zoo, to see the family and then the rain came and we spent a few days indoors just playing too! I can not believe my baby is 7!

Jordan was the 'camera' man at the zoo!

 Always got to see the polar bears- one of Jordan's fav's!

 My cuties!

 Ready to party with the family!

 Counting the money he got in his new Lego Star Wars wallet.

 He was so proud he decorated the cake all by himself!

It was a fun weekend to see family and get to celebrate with them!

Boys Birthday's, Veggie 'Chicken' & Kids Baking

I love birthday months! Well, and so do my kids of course- our son is turning 7 next week. We are headed out of town this weekend to see family for little party #1 then coming home to have little party #2 on his real birthday.

I love my son!

Jordan is one of a kind and so very special and yes all mom's think that is their kid- and its true :) He is a kid that never has a list for his birthday or christmas- is happy with anything, everything or nothing. You'd think he was shy until he opens up to you- then this singing, break-dancing incredibly smart little boy uncovers. He doesn't like new situations, new people or being the center of attention. He does best when he knows what's happening next. He loves animals and always makes sure his best doggie friend Rusty is taken care of. He loves his sister more than anything and always willing to give her half of whatever he has or give her a turn when its really his turn. He is kind-hearted. He may be 7 but sometimes I swear he's 17- smart and all grown up. He loves Star Wars and anything Lego's so that's the b-day theme he picked.

A few things I am working on for the party....a b-day banner, a star wars pillow (present) and star wars sticks for the brownies...

In our meatless journey we have splurged and let the kids have chicken nuggets a few times- I've been on the lookout for a good 'veggie' substitute that I can make. Over the weekend I tried a stuffing/spinach 'chicken' nugget- but you can use any veggie really and any shape- Balls seemed the easiest- then served with ketchup just like nuggets- they were a hit! Super easy, quick and 15 min to bake and they were done! Served with some mac n cheese and apples and it was a great meatless kids meal!

Although usually it is our son who wants to help cook and is always in the kitchen, our daughter decided to make 'french toast' cupcakes for a treat and let her brother help mix too!

It was nice to see them working hard together! As I snapped pics and supervised! :)

Basketball Pics, Family Breakfast & Greens n beans

It's Friday!! Couldn't come soon enough- this has felt like the longest week!

The kids had basketball picture day- so excited my son and hubbie got their pic taken together and it looked really good- I can't wait to get them back and frame them! I took a few right before the game..

Family Breakfast last Sunday: Chocolate muffins, Blueberry muffins, fruit smoothies and oatmeal!

Dinner of Collard Greens & Beans, mashed potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes. 

 Grilled Eggplant/Mushroom Sandwiches

Every morning the two 'buddies' snuggling!! Melts my heart.

Saturday was perfect weather, we had the best day together, taking the dogs and kids to the park, walking around, playing baseball and just relaxing together- it was a perfect day!!