Vegmom Moments

Veg Meets Animal Haven

Today was one that allowed me to be off work... It is Summer... Which means, A Veg and Mom Adventure  day! 

Wait a Minute... rewind............ Several years ago Veg read this book:

 
In the book, Benji's Dad takes him to an Animal Sanctuary to help him understand why they don't eat meat.....Ever since then he has asked to go to one.

OK Fast Forward ...to a couple weeks ago..  Veg and I were talking and he said "Mom, when can I go to an Animal Sanctuary like Benji? Can I go when your off work?"

<Benji???> 

"Yeah, the book"  Oooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....   then I began my research... The boy wants to go to an Animal Sanctuary, the boy shall go to one!! 

Not to mention he's been asking more questions lately about meat, and I thought this would be a good age to make an impression for his little noggin.

Sooo.. Fast Forward to this day!!  I found an Animal Sanctuary, and the wonderful people said we could come visit.   I surprised my Vegman with the news... and OFF we went!

To Beautiful Asheville North Carolina and Animal Haven... 

 

We spent A LOT of hours in the car... I mean A LOT!   As in single lane, sitting still for hours, A LOT..  But it was totally worth it!  We stopped Down Town, Had a great Vegan Meal, Purchased some re-usable non-plastic lunch gear, and Went to Animal Haven!  

At one point, Veg said... "Mom we are so crazy, to spend this much time in the car for an Adventure, but I'm sure glad we did".  I told him that we probably wouldn't make the trip again in a single day, but he said "Why?"  ha ha...

They had little barns/sheds all over the land, and each decorated as if they were home.  Most of the animals were sleeping due to the heat of the day, but they all looked so peaceful and calm. (As they should)  

All the Animals were rescued from horrid conditions, abuse, Neglect, even near death....  Some escaping factory farms, and Some just dumped on their property. 

Now they are able to roam in huge free spaces with their animal friends...  In and out of the barns/sheds.... The pigs have access to mud pits and clean sleeping quarters.  The goats can roam or sleep in the shade... The ducks and hens can do as they please... All with food and water and shaded spaces.. no chains or ropes or 2x2 cages...(or chopping blocks)

And this DOG!!  Oh my this dog...  She only has one eye, but she could catch a Frisbee... Or try to carry this ball... and try, and try and try.... for like an hour... it was the funniest thing I'd ever seen:

 

Veg was in love with the cats. There were a lot of cats in different spaces.  All cared for in wonderful condition.  Many different cat houses and structures and toys...

 

My favorites were the pigs... Eventually they woke up (but of course I didn't get a picture of that)... I'd never heard a pig snore.  I got such a kick out of being so close to some of them..

These guys/gals were sooo comfortable in there many sleeping spots and could care-a-less that we were in there with them.  Veg talked a lot while visiting the Piggies that he didn't understand how anyone could Eat them or be mean to them....  I think my mission of the Sanctuary Visit was accomplished in the first 5 minutes!  *smile*

 

 

I'm sorry, but HOW cute is this??.. I just wanted to snuggle up next to them and take a nap with these sleepy heads. 

We stood next to them and watched for a bit.  And then came back and watched some more.  Some of them were out in the pits, so I couldn't get their pictures.

The other Animals were just as amazing...  Couldn't get enough of this Cutie:

And you know, it wasn't like a petting zoo where they are begging for food and trying to eat your camera strings. There wasn't the sadness of a real zoo with animals on display behind glass...  There was a Peace... a Happiness....

Or maybe it was just the hot of the day....

They were happy and content, would maybe say Hi and walk away. 

Or just go under the shed with a Hen and Duck and go to sleep.  Or in a barn and find their favorite spot.  I mean there was no pushing, fighting, chewing on our stuff... It was an Amazing Experience.  There were a LOT of goats, and not a care in the world.

"Hey, you looking at me?  OK, Well be sure to get my good side"

 

And these guys, were Soooo Sweet.. They were rescued from a horrible situation.  But are resting in their own little space now.

When they feel like walking around, The door is open,  All this and more is waiting for them outside that fluffy Hay:

This little thing, had a whole lot to tell us... Walked right up and started talking.. and when the chat was over, it just walked away... We laughed and laughed!

If you ever find your self in Asheville North Carolina, be sure to check out Animal Haven.  Or just check out their website.  They do so much with their Outreach programs.  And all non-profit.  They take donations to help care for the animals, but also run a thrift store to help raise funds.

Thank you Animal Haven for making a little man's dream come true, teaching him a bit a long the way, and all you do for the animals.  

What a Wonderful Adventure..and Amazing Place!!!

Family Puzzles

My Vegman is back in to puzzles and especially the kind that we can do together.  So we pulled out a couple 200 and 400 piece puzzles from our closet and spent lots of time together Saturday working on them.

Then later that day, I stopped at Hallmark to pick my friend up this Springbok puzzle.  Their puzzles are the best quality and only the best will do for my friend... Especially their new 2010 editions...  So much to choose.

Anyway, while there I noticed another "FAMILY" Puzzle.  They are sooo great, because not only do they have the Springbok quality but they have different size pieces.  Bigger pieces for the smaller kids, and smaller pieces for the adults.  Allowing everyone to sit and work on them together.

When I saw this, I knew it had to be mine:

 

Vegmom, Vegdad, Vegkid and even our Spunk Dog are represented in the cutest scene ever!! 

Veg and I decided that we couldn't wait until Christmas and began work on this masterpiece Sunday Night. 

We agreed to ONLY work on this puzzle while we are together, as it is a FAMILY puzzle.   But this is actually very hard for me, because if I walk past and see a piece, I SOOO wanna stick it in the spot.   But a promise is a promise!  *smile*

I have a feeling that a 1000 piece puzzle is in our future as we are blowing through the 400's pretty quick.

Which one we will choose next?  Now that is the question!

Last Minute Vegan Pizza

If you haven't figured out by now, what my Vegman wants, he usually gets... Especially since he doesn't ask for much...

Its been a long time since he's asked for Pizza, but first thing this morning I discover it is "Pizza Day" at camp, and he really wants to bring his own pizza so he can have some too....

AHHHHHHH... OK, I have like an hour before we need to leave the house!   What to do?  What to do?.....

I pulled out my handy dandy Vegan Lunch Box Cook Book... Quartered the Biscuit recipe.. Used Mr. Vita-Mix... Some quick Toppings, and the oven...

Voila!  One Vegan Pizza in less then 30 minutes

He was a Happy Camper, and that of course makes me a Happy Vegmom!!

(except for the little moment that the dry batter flew up in my eye, and each time I blinked my eye made its own dough.. yeah, that part I wasn't so happy about... Hey, you win some you lose some)
 
 
 

Beverage of Choice

A friend sent her little one off to a wonderful day camp.. It was her first time at having a choice of food, beverages, etc. in a food bar type setting.  And she chose a Green Colored Pop as her beverage of choice.

Of course my Friend freaked a tad as her little one has never had Sodas...  My young one hasn't either.  (well he has had sips of natural sodas or spritzer type things)  But never the real commercial, high fructose, dye, caffeine and sugar filled ones.

Sooooo I thought I'd quiz him tonight....

<Lets pretend you were out to eat and we parents weren't there... you could have ANYTHING you wanted to drink and could pick it yourself....This fancy place would have Water, Juice, and Pop Machines, which would you choose>

Without even thinking about it, he says:

"First I'd look for water, but if they didn't have that, then I'd look to see if the have the kind of juice I like.  You know the real kind, not the fake stuff"

<So you wouldn't even be curious to try to the soda?>

"NOooooooooooooooooooo!"  he squeals..  "Did you know one can of soda has more sugar then I need in an entire day, and it has high fructose, and chemicals, and dyes, that is just disgusting"

Hubby looked at me and just shook his head.... and then he said.. You need to put that on your blog...

And so I did!  *smile*

Signed,

One Happy Vegmom

Electrons, Neutrons and a Tooth

Phone Call I received at work today from my 7 year old:

"Mom Mom, guess what, guess what"  (you know he is excited when he is talking in doubles)

"I pulled my tooth out, it was bothering me so I just pulled it...  if you happen to find something little and white on my desk you will know what it is"

<That is wonderful news, I will look for it as soon as I get home!  So how was camp today?>

"It was really good, we studied Protons, Neutrons and Electrons, ya no, just the normal stuff"

HA, Yeah, just the normal stuff for A COLLEGE STUDENT maybe!!!  Oh My Word!!!

Seriously WHERE did he come from?  Tooth Falling out and Electrons on the same day.......  It sure is a good thing he never left my side with a midwife delivery, or I would think he was switched in the nursery.

Fun Day on the Town

This actually happened today (Saturday), but I'm scheduling this post to hit on Tuesday because I'm pretty sure it is going to be a busy week and I happen to have time right now to spread out some posts.

SO... I must tell you about this wonderful day and the kindness of a Stranger...

It was a Mom and Kid day, and my little love bug did as he always does at 7ish AM...  "SWAK" Kiss right on the cheek, Good morning Mom.... And that is how it started!  

We hit the Farmer's market and got there early enough for some wonderful finds.... Home to drop them off.

We played a little bit, did some bathroom business, and then hit a Restaurant for Soup(him) and Salad(me) Lunch... Then drove a long way to Veg's Favorite Putt Putt place.... I didn't want to go because of traffic, crowds, and money.  I told him he would have to play by himself but I would walk... and he wasn't happy about that....

So he said a little prayer.. one for no traffic, no crowds, protection and fun.

Food Prep Sunday

Today's food prep was every thing from Avocado Sandwich Spread, to cut melons, to Raw Cookie Dough and non-raw krispie treats......Salads of all kinds, some Hemp Seed "Milk" and so much more!! 

Look at this Fridge (only partially complete)

Salsa, Guac, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Breakfast Oat Cookies, Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad..  I was busy beaver...

 

More Freezer Goodness, cut bagged and ready to go on a moments notice:

 

When you have a little hands helper in the Kitchen, things go Much Faster:

 

 

Love little hands helpers... Especially when they are so careful with sharp objects.

But things also go a lot faster when you make them fun... Take this watermelon for example:

 

That is A LOT of watermelon... And Veg was being so patient while I cut and cut and cut...so when My little helper started to get a little tired, I suggested he go get his microscope.  There are LOTS of things to see when cutting fruit....

And so he did!

 

The watermelon looked really cool.... LOOK, I made my camera do a trick through the lens of the Microscope... Now you get to see what a piece of Watermelon looks like all magnified.

Because I know you wanna!  *smile*

 

More food prep posts through out the week... Stay tuned....

I'm going to eat something good now...So many choices!!

He Had Some Questions

If there are any Members of the Male Species that read this blog...... Don't read this post......

If you are not a member of the male species and are only here to check on my food journey... this one may not be for you either...

OK, now that we have that settled...Females, you may continue:

When Veg was little, he had the cutest questions about his parts and girls, life in general, while he was trying to figure out how he got here..... What chemical makes Lightening Bugs light up and why birds can sit on electric wires with out getting shocked.  You know all things that a 2 or 3 year old would ponder.  (or just mine) 

Anyway:

We had some great toddler size conversations that turned in to humorous blog posts.  But as he has grown up and his questions more serious and life becomes real all around him. I try not to post too much of what he says.  As I wouldn't necessarily want someone doing that to me.  AND... I wouldn't want anything to come back and bite him on the Web 20 years from now.... Not to mention his trust and privacy should be respected as he grows.

BUT... On this day he learned about the eggs that we Human Ladies Lay... and all that goes along with it during our Monthly visits.  Then he tries to put all the info together... and it is a MUST SHARE...

In case any of you have kids that randomly ask some thing like this:

"So if I started out as an egg, did my hands pop through the shell and grab the umbilical cord so that I didn't fall out during your monthly problem?"

A Week of Growing

First we noticed the bigger shorts/pants were fitting... Then the two top teeth started wiggling jiggling even more (as in hanging out of his face but won't fall out)....  Then he could reach something that he used to not be able too...  Then he needed a big kid bike...Next thing we know, his shoes don't fit....

It has been a week of growing for my Young mostly Veggie Lad..... And this all Veggie Mama couldn't be prouder....

But the things that come out of this growing boys mouth.......

When his Dad mentioned a hurt finger, the boy said "I feel your pain Dad, really I do"

When we went shoe shopping and passed the "feminine" area, he said "WOW, I didn't know they made underpants like that"

And While discussing the good deal we got for the shoes, he looks at me and says "Did you know that is 15% Off of the total cost..."

<really, you know percents?>

"Of Course, 100% = a Whole so that is like a fraction of 10/10 or like a $1.00... But if you take 50%, that is like a 1/2 or .50 cents. and if you take 25%, that is like 1/4 or .25 cents."

He Continues....and summarizes with this...

"So if the shoes are going to cost $40 and they are $6 off, that means they gave us %15 off the total price"

I just shook my head and said to my self.... HE IS ALL GROWN UP!!!!!!!!!!!

Day of Surprises

Well today was just one of Surprises...

• Found out my in-laws may be coming TWICE in one month
• Hubby made decisions that will alter our summer plans (see post before this one)
• My Favorite Veggie Restaurant gave me the wrong dressing today, and I didn't realize until I poured it all over my salad (it looked the same as I normally get but did NOT taste the same),,,, I'll just have to go back tomorrow since my craving is not solved... Simple as that! 
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• Hubby got a red-light camera ticket in the mail, which he denied UP AND DOWN, until we played the video..

I'm not sure why, but that was actually pretty funny.   Especially when he said "That's not mine"...

<Ummm, well then someone else must be driving your car Bud.....Here are the pictures.....>

"Yeah well, the pictures show my brakes... I stopped before turning right"....

<Yes, but the video shows you didn't stop long enough>...

"There's a Video"...

<YUP, let me show it to you!!!>

Can you tell I'm anti-butterfly today?

• The Vegman is good at "Multi-Tasking"......... So he said while brushing his teeth and walking at the same time... (Did we even know that phrase when we were kids????)
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• We opened up the Newspaper to find an article of my little love bug... He was Soooo proud!

And...... I came home to little baby tomatoes growing in my basement. They finally popped out of the flowers and are soooooooooooo Cute!  Can a tomato be cute?  Not Bob the Tomato, but just a regular one?

Maybe I should call him Bob...

And this little Pepper just gets cuter every day.  I'm not sure I will be able to eat it... It is just so darn cute!  It has a lot of siblings today too.  They all poked their little heads out!  This one is by far the leader of the pack.  It even points like an arrow straight to my kitchen! 

A Day of Surprises Alright!  Some good, Some not so good, and Some that I WILL MAKE GOOD!

Because when life gives you Lemons... Make a Sweet Green Smoothie!

Good Night!  *smile*

Down to the Garden

We had an unexpected kid sized visitor today, and she was such a Joy.  The Vegman had a blast and I think she enjoyed her self to.

But when she started talking about "movies" I knew I had to redirect.... They haven't seen eachother in a month, I'm not going to stick them in front of a movie... So I opend the closet that had old toy instruments...

Next thing I know there is a band forming... their imagination turned the band in to a parade.  And my once quiet home turned in to a masterful place of music splendor.  Even the dog joined the parade and followed them through the house, up and down the stairs... up and down the hallway....Over and Over and OVER again...  Eventually they were done.

So I Took little Miss thing around to all our plants.. She smelled the basil, looked intently at our little baby pepper and tomato and then we went down to the Garden to look for potatoes.  It was like a treasure hunt...And she was laughing and laughing.... found her 3 nice size red potatoes to take home.

They had some water play in the yard, a Vegan Raw Banana Ice Cream Picnic on the deck and a nice lunch.

All the things she would have missed doing if we popped in a movie....  Never thought I would say "Lets go down to the Garden"  But it sure is nice to be able to say!

Maybe some day, I'll get something to grow besides potatoes. *smile*

Let the Kid Read (Ingredients?)

This week's worth of camp is over and my Kiddo had a GREAT Time!  But this is the first time he's really been away from us or his Montessori Teachers.  Or family and friends that know his food issues... So it was the first time I felt like I was sending him off each morning, not knowing.....

Will he rebel against his awesome diet after so long of feeling good and take a bite of something forbidden?

He could have....  After all, we weren't there!  But he DIDN'T.... NOPE, not a single nibble.... We packed his lunch full with enough snacks and lunch to get him through each day....  And he chose our food or their fruit over anything else that was offered.

I expect him to have to deal with kids not understanding, but did NOT expect him needing to stand up for himself to the Teacher....

He asked if her food had high fructose, milk or artificial ingredients. She said she didn't know and, put the food down in front of him and told him to just eat it.

He asked her if he could read the ingredients first. And she didn't allow it. She even went so far as to say that I told them he could eat anything.... Hmmmm now do any of you believe that one????  (To her defense, she was not the person I talked to when I dropped him off the first day.)

Knowing better, My little man left the snacks to the side, and ate his own yummy goodness from his lunch box.  I can't even tell you how proud I am of that kid.... Taking his own health, in to his own hands no matter what kids or adults said around him for 5 whole days.

And I mean really... What 7 year old kid asks to read the ingredients... how hard would it have been to humor the boy?

Needless to say, I'll be sure to have a longer conversation with anyone that "teaches" him going forward so that he has an easier time.

But at least I know that I don't have to worry about what he puts in his Bod when we aren't around. 

(at least for now.... I don't even want to think about the teenage years)

Fruit Vs. Cookies

My Young Lad chose Fruit over Cookies today at Camp.. And when a kid offered him some fruit flavored candy, he said "NO Thanks, I'm probably allergic"  HA!

We discussed that he may not be allergic, but that doesn't mean it is good for him and how he made such great food choices today.  He said, he'd rather have real fruit then the fake stuff anyway and thanked me for what I had put in his lunch!  

AH SUCCESS!!!!  These are the moments that I know my food choices are great ones!!

Here is what was in his lunch & snack bag (sorry, no pics)

PB&J Natural Sandwich (not very original), a Whole organic Plum, a couple chunks from our coconut, an Oganic Banana, Some natural/organic Crackers and Dark Choco covered Goji berries.  And of course a reusable bottle of water for drink....

He said it was PERFECT, and asked for more of the same tomorrow!

That I can do!!!

No Excuses

Over 6 years ago, I met a girl with a Human Udder pump in an elevator at my new job.  She was returning to work after her maternity leave, and I had just come back.  So we both had our familiar Milking bags with us, and it was an immediate conversation starter.  Up to that point, I didn't know anyone else that was Nursing.

Both of us not being the most sociable when meeting new people.. We were able to talk... Baby talk, Birthing stories and then I found out she was a tad crafty... as in the most crafty person I've ever met...  We talked Scrapbooking, eventually card making and kids crafts.... the list goes on...

At the same time we are different as night and day.  Parenting styles, Where we came from (Her parents have been married longer then my Dad's 3 marriages put together.) and how we handle life situations.  She irons, I wear wrinkles.  She Plans and researches... I just jump in when the feeling is right...  her house is spotless, mine has many spots.   I have to have Canine family members, she is OK with out.

5 Fun Uses for Plastic Water Bottles

We had lots to do today around the house, and that means Veg is on his own to find entertainment...

But then he made up so much fun from the recycle bin, that I had to stop what I was doing to play too...

Here is what he came up with:

Set up 10 water bottles at the end of a hallway, and make a bowling Alley with Nerf Balls...

Set up 4 in a diamond area and make Baseball Bases... using Nerf ball and arm as bat.

Spin Two on the Kitchen floor and see which one spins the longest. (no kissing involved) 

Pop holes in the top of a Water bottle then fill 1/2 way with water, take out side and use to water the herb garden.

Last but Certainly NOT least:

Cut the top off of a Water bottle and try to flick marbles in to the "target"

Now I'm off to have more fun... I mean clean, I mean get stuff done....

Ice Tray Lunch

Think Muffin Tin Lunch but replace with Ice Tray... *smile*  Was trying something different for the Vegman.  He was pulling weeds in the flower beds today, and needed some thing light for his break....

Thought this would do the trick...

When he gave me the "Thanks Mom, this is Awesome" nod of approval!  I knew it was a keeper idea...

Left to Right... We have Tofurkey Rolls, Barbecue Chips, Celery with Peanut Butter and carob chips... Carrots, Yellow Peppers, Apple slices, Avocado Slices and Dried Cherries.

He ate every last bit... except one piece of pepper... And then chowed down a Banana for dessert...

When a Zipper Gets Stuck...

ON YOUR BELLY..... You know you've had a baby....

Seriously, you know you've had a baby in your life, when a zipper pull gets your belly skin caught....And you DON'T even feel it for like a second.....

But when you do feel it..... YOUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not saying this happened to me or anything (today) while trying on an old pull over dress thing... (not frilly, just overall type)... nor would I tell you if it really did happen (today) and I have a scar to prove it.. Because you can't see the scar amongst all the stretch marks... Even if it did happen (today).....

Oh NEVER MIND!

Tomatoes, A New Camera And Other Updates

I have Tomato Plants growing in my basement.... We finally retired the Lettuce plants as they reached maturity.  We had lettuce for about 5 months though.  That Aerogarden thing-a-majig is quite cool.

 

And that picture was taken with my new camera.... WHY do I have a new camera???? 

Because we were at Veg's last day of school performance.....  I turned on my camera, and nothing... Nada... ZIP!!!  Showed up in the screen.  It seemed to take pictures but the screen was fried.  I couldn't adjust settings, didn't know if I was zoomed, didn't know if the pictures took... I was in camera crisis mode!

I can't complain really... This camera has been used just about every day for several years.  It has been a good little friend and helped record every event in Veg's young life... Alas, it died!  

RIP little camera buddy:

So now I have a new camera....like this one.... For some reason, getting a new camera should excite me, but I guess, I'm just kind of blah about the whole thing.  It wasn't something I planned to spend money on.  At the same time, I'm not sure I can go a day without a camera....

As I told my oldest friend once... if there is not a picture in my album, then it DID NOT happen!  haha...

Speaking of Money, I took the Pup to Vet today for his check up and they said he was Fine....  No damage from the toxic foods.  His ear Hematoma will go away on its own and they will grant my wishes of no surgery.....

They also checked all his lumps and bumps, and they are all fatty deposits or tags that don't need to be removed.  The new big one was a concern, so they did a little investigative thing with syringe and microscope.  But said all was fine....  Thankfully they didn't charge us for this part... I do like our Vet.

Sadly, I realized my best canine companion EVER is 11 years old.... when did he get that old?  I can't believe that.

As for the Vegman...... School is over, his "production" was grand.  (except for at 7:30 this morning when he said... "OH MOM, I need green pants for the show today"....... Ummmm, could you have told me that yesterday, last week, maybe?  Just sayin???

The kids all did so great (even without green pants)!  And then school was over...He was fine when we left.... NO TEARS!  He was really OK.... We had a great day, granting all his wishes for his last day of school.  We went to eat, he got a book.... the list goes on...

And then about 9:30 tonight, he just started the waterworks.... realizing he wouldn't be going to school in the morning.  I mean he was BooHooing!!   This is the first year that he really "gets" how long 2 1/2 months can be.  And that when some kids leave the school, they don't come back, etc.  

He also did sooooo much this year academically and didn't want to stop the things he was working on.  Told me that he loves his school, and would go every day if he could.

A little part of me was really happy to hear that.  But another part of me ached for him.  Even a Green Smoothie can't fix this little heart...  The girl he plans to marry won't be back next year.  And we also found his best school male friend won't be back either....  Of course he didn't want to talk about it all day.

But at 9:30 it all came out..... (not sure where he gets that from Mom..ha!)  

Anyway... we have lots of fun things planned this summer.  And he'll get to see his friends as well.  Everything will work out in a good way... I know that, as it always does!

Wow... another long post... busy day!  *smile*

Cute but Old

Real words this morning:

"Good Morning Mom.." he says to me with a kiss on the forehead...."Good Morning Spunk" he says to dog with pat on the forehead....

"Awww... Spunk, your so cute" he says to dog...

"Mom, Your cute too, even if your old!"

Hmmm... Compliment?  Maybe?.....

Things I've Learned This Week

A day shouldn't go by that something isn't learned.  Whether that is what to do, or what not to do, I feel like I learn something from every experience.  The past 7 days I learned more then normal.... Seee......

• Anne Frank was a Montessori Student.. (who knew?)

• My broken toe foot will get sore when the rain is coming

• Bringing an outside plant to the inside is a BAD idea if you don't want bugs taking over all your inside plants.

• When Veg says "I was giving a tour of my class" you can't say "Did you show them the ropes?"  Because he will ask 100 times "What ropes?"

• A Dog really can eat toxic food.....

• I can really have an upset stomach after seeing said dog upchuck toxic food...

• This stuff is a MUST have in my house... When I get upset stomach from watching said dog...

 

• Hubby gets Poison Ivy... and it spreads... ALL OVER his arms and legs....

• This stuff is a must have in my house when Hubby gets Poison Ivy... 
• This stuff will make said hubby burn, but Ivy goes away, and the Hubby can stop itching

• I can discover while stopped at a Grocery store, on my way for a 70 minute sweaty walk, that I forgot to put my Deodorant on that morning..

• That Aluminum Free Baking Soda is a cheap quick fix to the no Deo Problem...

• Patting Aluminum free baking soda on said pits, really does keep the smell away

• That I can sit in a room and watch 20+ people eat some absolutely disgusting things then talk about their health problems and me NOT SAY A WORD....Really, I can.... its true!!! 

• That I have one Amazingly Strong Willed Child, who has decided, he wants to start earning more money so he can pay for his own food when we go out to eat...(as soon as he pays back his part of the Vet bill, he says)

• This same Child will make his own dinner when brought with a choice of "If you don't like what we have tonight, you can make your own".... And he does....

• I can go a day without a Green Smoothie, but I DON'T LIKE IT!!!!

• I will be going to Las Vegas soon.... 

• There is a Raw Vegan Food place in Las Vegas

And lastly, I have learned that no matter how many times people question my food choices, those said choices will not change......  Really....

Tinker Tops

My Vegman is always inventing things, which is why I don't get rid of his old stuff until he is ready to rid himself of it.... You never know what he will come up with, or new way he will find to use something.  

Also why, I agree with his Montessori teachers, that it is OK to be bored sometimes.  They don't need activities planned every second, nor a television on, when they have an imagination!

His latest "Invention" ....  Tinker Tops :-)  He took all his old Tinker Toys and turned them in to Tops... Man can those things spin.

Here are a few of his designs:

 

Some Spinning in Action:

 

It was cool stuff!!!  His Dad got in on the action too... sometimes had to help with the spinning with his stronger fingers. 

So fun to watch!

The Dog is back to Normal

Thanks to everyone that was concerned about our Pup and his Poison eating Escapade....  It was touch and go yesterday as his body didn't seem to be working very well, but finally at 9:30ish, he did both #1 and #2...

We all cheered.... as that meant everything was working...  And from then on, he's been his Spunky Ol' self....

As for how he got in to the Trail Mix?  Well my sweet Lil'Veg left it where he shouldn't and the rest is history.

My Vegman felt HORRIBLE.... and was sooo upset... He immediately said prayers for Spunky to get well and yesterday morning he agreed to do extra work around the house to help pay part of the Emergency Bill.

By 1pm he counted 8 chores.  And said next week, he will beat that by doing 10.  I mentioned that he didn't have to plan 10 for next week, as the 8 he did this week were hard enough... And he said... with his little smart self:

"Mom, I set my goals in life extra high, to see if I can make them.  But if I can't, I know I tried my hardest, and will make it the next time.  If I don't make it to 10 next week, but make it to 9, that is still one more then this week, right?"

Ah... can learn so much from our kids when we take the time to listen!  *smile*

Hard Learning Week

Veg had a very hard week of learning Physics, Science and Math... Some language, reading and Collaboration with peers also.

(I was joking on the hard part)  And Sooo wish I went to his school growing up.

Like my "cut" and "Paste" Photo shop work?  Nice huh?. Add insult to injury it is a phone pic.  But you get the idea.

Alas, it is a very cool Hand Crank Roller Coaster that the kids have been working on.  Veg didn't tell me he was working on this though.  Today upon arrival he was quite excited to share.   The thing is HUGE!  As in really really really big!

They built the Cars, that they crank up to the top and then down and loops.... Even more awesome is that each kid or team of kids built sections.   Then brought them all together to complete the final product. 

If you have ever worked with K'nex, this is very very hard to do... One little thing pointed the wrong way... and nothing fits.

I do love how they learn by doing....  And sometimes they don't even know they are learning. 

Such Fun for a hard week of learning!

Who's Coming Over?

"Mom, Whose coming over?"

<No One, why do you ask?>

"Because your cleaning and you only do that when someone is coming over"

Thanks Bud, why don't you tell me how you really feel!!  *smile*

May 1st Day

Well its the first of May and that means three things...

1. A Dance that involves a bunch of kids, music, ribbon, a pole and some flowers
2. Cookies
3. Rain...

Thankfully the part with the children was yesterday at school and No Rain...

They made these beautiful baskets:

And coordinated a wonderful dance with ribbon and a center pole, which ends with a weaved ribbon around the pole if done correctly.

They did it correctly!

 

And is always awesome to watch.  Then today, I promised him a Vegan Cookie, because he said:

"We have to have cookies on May Day"  Rather then making a whole batch, we went to our favorite place for lunch.  And they happen to have Vegan Cookies... Perfect!

Then home just in time for the rain!  But it is May... And that is expected in our parts... The Garden will be happy at least!

Hope your 1st Day of May is a great one! 

Wouldn't Have Nothing.....

Veg was talking about his special girl today, and I said "Yes she is wonderful, isn't she?"

He says to me..."Yes, But I wouldn't have Nothing if I didn't have you"

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.... "How Sweet Is that?" I say out loud...  To which he says:

"No, Not really, I was just singing a song".....

Alrighty Then!

He's Going to be a Teenager

I'm not sure what is worse, the boy talking about marriage or talking about becoming a teenager.

Today, when we got home he says to the world (or at least it was loud enough to be for the world)...

"Guess What, Guess What???"  He was so excited that I thought there would be huge news.... "WHAT?" I ask..

"I'm going to be a Teenager in 6 years... 6 years, can you believe that???" 

Yes...Yes I can... but can we wait at least 5 years to talk about that please???

He's Engaged Again

My Vegman announced officially that his little 7 year old self had a girlfriend, and they would be married.

It is the same girl that he was going to marry at 4 years old... but somewhere between age 5 and 6 they decided to part ways.  And now they are back together.  Seriously, aren't kids supposed to be pulling pony tails and running from each other at this age?  Mine has been talking marriage since he was 3.  Of course then he wanted to marry me.

He announced, that he Loved her and she loved him and they are boyfriend and girlfriend now!  They would be married, he says...

"Mom, I have loved her for 4 yrs, that is FOREVER" he says with his exhageration and that look like "Duh, Mom, don't you know"...

This was all a couple weeks ago... Well tonight, he announces that I am mean... his Daddy is Mean... his teachers are mean... So I Said... "Just because people don't agree with your choice, doesn't mean they are all mean"

He replies with... "Yes it does" and goes on to say, that the only person he will argue with and still love is his girlfriend.  Because THEY love each other...

It seems, I've been officially pushed to the side like an old rag.....Until he needed me to help find his music, make his dinner, listen to his book reading, get his bed ready.......... I may be the "Mean One", but I'm still needed.  FOR NOW!  ha ha

A Festival Kind of Day

We left Hubby at home this morning to work on our soon to be Home Made Compost Tumbler:

At this point the door was being cut and the holes in the side's were already drilled. 

Veg and I took off to An Earth Festival... which was HUGE fun, we were there for Several hours. 
We learned bunches, got some free goodies, and some not so free goodies...  And of course the Kid Activities which are always educational and fun.

After an outdoor Veggie lunch, we came home to use the "facilities" save hubby from his Compost Tumbler building, and dragged him to another festival with us... This one was all about Chalk... On the side walk kind of chalk...

It was Very Very Very Cool....

 

 

We walked around for quite a while, had more Veggie food, and then came home to play in the yard.

Should I say.. Veg and I played in the yard, while Hubby got back to his Tumbler... he was on a mission!!  (no pressure from me... nope...none....)  *wink*

After a while, I decided to leave them both in the yard and go for run... Sometimes these days I just want to RUN!!!  So I put on my Happy Shoes... And got in a quick 2 miles...  When I came home, Veg said....

"Oh Mom, when you got out of my site I thought I would cry forever"  Awwwwww.....  Such a Love bug... At least when he likes me... that doesn't happen all the time these days.   *smile*

Needless to say, it was a day of Festivals and one of being outside!    A Wonderful Day!!!

PS.. it is 8:16 and Hubs is still working on the Tumbler...  Stay tuned... There will be a completion photo soon.. I can feel it!!!

Recycle Reuse Fort

I posted Here about getting a Screen/Glass Door...  Well that night, Hubby mentioned the box for Said door would make an awesome Fort...

The Vegman Agreed...  I had no idea what those two had been plotting... Yes the box was big... But really DID NOT realize HOW big!!

Until I came home to this:

Veg, came up with the Supply list.. Hubby drew what ever was asked of him, and Veg colored in the pictures.  The thing is pretty Awesome if I must say so myself.

They used Veg's Plastic Nuts and Bolts to hold everything together and enforce the frame.

The "Door Bell" is some jingly bells that my crafty friend may remember from a few years ago.

The Roof is an old Fitted Crib Sheet

The Door Handles are old tires from a building set....

It even has a Peep Hole...to check for Parents:

I see you in there!!

The Side is decorated with everything he wants in our garden but can't have:

Window boxes with flowers, Bird Bath, Bumble bees, Mountains in the distance, Lattice up the side...

You can click the picture to see their handy work.

But Even the windows open.. and my Pup loves to look out the windows:

Yes, that little blue bolt is holding the "Lock" because all windows and doors need locks.

We have to knock and get permission before we can enter, because this is VEG's Spot!   All Seven year old boys need a "spot" right?  Or maybe just mine... I dunno!

Recycling and Reusing at its finest!! 

Sometimes the Hubby can drive me to drink (Coffee and tea) but times like this... He AMAZES me!!  :-)