Summer's almost here!

First things first, I have to brag about Jamie's enrollment in preschool. There's a methodist church up the road that accepts children as young as 16 months, up to pre-k. We're going to try a MMO (Mother's Morning Out) program for 2 year olds, that works as a co-op. Every 6 weeks, I'll volunteer in his classroom, and as a result, it's a very affordable way for Jamie to break into the exciting world of school. I've driven by this church multiple times, and have always noted how beautiful it is, and after being inside...I've decided that we're going to attend a few services. Just to see if we like it. I was raised Methodist. It would be nice to give Jamie the experience of going to church.

In other news, I have a whole bag of experiements that I'm working on. Weeks ago, I went to our local Whole Foods Market for a mom's event. One of the employees gave a talk about green living, and a lightbulb went off in my head. I felt like I could make just a few changes to our lifestyle, to reduce our waste. It certainly wouldn't be that hard.

For starters, we switched to cloth napkins and dish towels instead of paper towels. That's been fairly easy. I'm researching backyard composting, easy ways to line dry our laundry, and trying to get back into recycling.

Here's where it gets tricky. Our HOA doesn't allow clotheslines. Isn't that ridiculous? Scott bought a retractable clothesline on Amazon, so it won't be visible on non-laundry days. On the flip side, our HOA also doesn't allow solicitors, but salesmen are always showing up at our door. If they can let that slide, I'm sure I can get away with a retractable clothesline!

The other thing...recycling. I've tried recycling twice since we've lived in this house. We do not have curb pickup, which means we have to drive to drop it off. The first time, I gave up halfway through my pregnancy with Jamie, because it was too hard to haul everything to the center. The second time, we had recycled for about 2 weeks and then I had my miscarriage and I quit. Third time's the charm? We shall see, but I'd really love to reduce our trash output.

I'm hoping that Jamie and I can work on potty training this summer, thus ending our use of disposable diapers and wipes. When the next child comes around, I'd really like to do cloth diapers and cloth wipes. There are some really cute diapers out there! Etsy would break my budget for sure, but I'm already feeling that this is what I want to do.

It would be ideal if more things were sold in bulk, or bulk bins, rather than buying small quantities that come with extra packagaing. Perhaps if our compost project becomes a reality, we could have a few vegetables growing next summer. That is, if our black thumbs somehow turn green. We're not the best gardeners, sadly.

Ma. Maaaaa. Mama. Ma?

No less than 1,000 times per day, we have the following conversation.

"ma?"
"yes, honey?"
"what are you Dooooing?"
"I'm [insert current activity]."

Pause.

"ma?"
"yes, honey?"
"what are you DOOOOING?"
"sigh."

It IS cute, but sheesh if if he doesn't always ask when we're in a hurry.

I think he's ready for chores.

Gift

I was sick last week and my dad sent me a get well present.

An authentic "happi" jacket from Okinawa, purchased approximately 25 years ago. I guess he knew I would grow into it. Thanks, Dad!

Sea of Love by Cat Power

And while I'm adding songs, I've been in love with this one for a few years.

This Woman's Work by Kate Bush

I've been listening to this song lately. Beautifully written and emotionally touching.