Doing What Works

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter

We have been enjoying the spring festivities for about a week. Last Sunday the kids and headed down south to see my best friend and celebrate with her family. They had ponies, ducks and rabbits. They even host a Easter egg hunt for over 30 kids. They are so kind to have us over the kids have the best time. This week the kids have been on spring break from school and we were able to hit up Disneyland twice, but then I caught a little head cold so we stayed in the rest of the week. Yesterday we attended my side of the family's Easter celebration and had a fantastic time. We enjoyed great company and many smiles. The kids went on a little egg hunt and enjoyed a good game of basketball. Our family likes to play almost any sport at family gatherings!! We then went to San Clemente state beach for a beautiful sunset, fire, cigars for the big boys and pure fun for the kids as always!! Darin and I were driving home while all three kids were crashed out asleep in the back and agreed that although things are not perfect, we are blessed to have what we have...family who love us unconditionally, kids who are may not always be angels, but are HEALTHY and generally kind hearted, a roof over our head and love in our hearts for one another.

I am one thankful girl, thank you lord for all your blessings. Happy Easter!!!

Aaron and Abby loved the pond.

Abby's new best friend

My sweet little guy

Abby riding the big pony

Abby walking her new best friend

Just love this face...

All the kids waiting to go after the eggs

My favorite peeps!!

The cutest baby ducks

Disneyland

Kids waiting in line for Matterhorn and enjoying a sucker

Tia and her favorite kiddos

My sis and I with my surly bunch

My wonderful cousin Ryan with my kiddos

Abby was walking around and handcuffing everyone to the chair and then letting them go. She loved it and it kept her busy for about and hour. She was so cute laughing every time.

Aaron, Max and Eric.

Let the hunting begin!!!

Aaron and Isabella

My beautiful sis with her amazing boyfriend!!

After the hunt posing for pictures. :)

Let the trading begin....

The girls are competitive in this family too. Abby and Sophia hitting a few balls

Boys playing basketball.

Yaya gets in on the action too

The big cousins

All the cousins and their beautiful blessings

Abby's best buddy, Pete

San Clemente beach, the big kids found a steep hill and were in heaven

Grandma and Tia with the kids waiting for the sunset

Happy Easter, many blessings.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Dabalack Garden

Well I began in mid March prepping the weed infested side yard for a garden. It has been interesting. I thought growing veggies with the kids would be educational, fun and cost effective. All three kids like to dig in the dirt, but when it's time to go and water daily or pull the weeds, Abby is the only one interested in helping. Don't get me wrong I love that she enjoys to help, but of course she typically makes it more work, but all in all I love it!! Isabella enjoyed planting the seeds, too. So here are some of the pictures from our progress.

We have three beds and we planted the following veggies:

Bed 1: Corn and Summer Squash, planted on 3/31

Bed 2: Carrots and Brussels Sprouts, planted on 4/8

Bed 3: Bell peppers, planted on 4/8 (still need one more thing... any suggestions??)

You will see we recently added some stepping stones to get between the beds and some princesses to the garden to help watch over....

Day 1: Planted Corn and Summer Squash and then I was pooped.

I knew I needed some space so I cleared out about 16 feet. What was I thinking???

Day 8 and we have Cinderella watching over the corn and Belle watching over the Summer Squash. You can see little sprouts from both the corn and summer squash. I admit I was pretty excited.

This is bed 2 and day 1 fot them. Herewe have Snow White keeping the Brussels sprouts safe and Sleeping Beauty and Tiana watching over the Corn. Bed 3 in the back is Jasmine keeping a close eye on the Bell Peppers.

An overview of all three. Including my shadow, sorry I always seem to take pictures in the late afternoon.

Here is my inside project... tomatoes. I should be transplanting these soon either to the garden or I might try the Topsy Turvey. Not to sure, but just so excited to see things growing.

So that is the Dabalack Garden in a nutshell. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how to keep the garden growing or useful tips, please share I love helpful hints!!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Ten Things MARCH

March has been a busy month for us. Baseball, soccer, family gatherings so many great memories. Appreciate all you have every day, life passes by so quickly. It was rainy here and there this last month, but we are ready for spring.

Aaron receiving an award at school

His biggest fan... she was so proud.

St. Patricks Day and funny faces

Starting my garden

My two brave girls riding with Grandpa on the Harley

Have a sister who is just amazing with my kids

Watching these two cousins grow up together

Watching Isabella play and protect the little cousins so well.

Celebrating the birth of Charlotte and her amazing mom.

Spending late nights just up talking and listening with some of the best ladies I know.

Getting together with Darin's family for dinner and having both his sisters join us.

Be sure to check out Emmy and her wonderful list this month!!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Ten Things To Smile About

I love reading blogs, it gives me such inspiration and motivation as a mother, wife and woman. Although I admit I do not comment too often, please know I am so thankful you write. So thank you again Emmy for reminding me to look back and smile on the some great times I had this last month!!

1. Finally taking my son motorcycling riding. He liked the quad 100% better.