First Rabbit Show

Despite the fact that the girls studied rabbits in 4h last year, we didn't make it to any shows. There aren't many where we are and breaking my foot meant we missed them all.

We're in the process of getting our new group together but I saw an ad for a 4h rabbit show within an hour's drive and thought we'd try. 

The girls have so much going on that their interest in the rabbits has been waning. I thought this show might push them in one direction or the other; give it up or pursue it more excitedly.

I am so proud of how they did today! We went having watched s lot of shows but never participating. The real issue was we didn't know how to flip the rabbits which is required when showing.

Soon after we got there, I asked a couple of older 4hers to show my girls. They were happy to do so and within 15 minutes, my girls had it figured out.

Harper was up first. I signed her up for the regular intermediate class rather than novice. She wanted to try it out and she did great. As you can imagine she was nervous and missed a few simple questions because if it but loved it.

What happened to that shy girl I used to have?

Lilly did the Cloverbud group and it was adorable. She beamed the whole time.

Quincey was supposed to be away at a soccer game so I hadn't registered her.  I think being there and able to watch the first time was probably great for her. 

They can't wait to do it again! I'm so proud of them, well really Harper, for stepping into a situation acknowledging that she didn't have all the skills but ready to try it to learn anyway.

Happy, long day.

The little greenhouse that could

I think it's very funny that in all the years we lived in an agricultural valley, we barely used the greenhouse. And now, the greenhouse is the epicenter of our universe or so it seems. 

We are having so much fun with it! And it's tiny but that's half the fun. Engineering new shelving configurations to maximize capacity is a constant conversation. Sounds like a more fun way of learning math than a worksheet. 

We need to actualize one of those plans because we are out of space.

The girls were thrilled to discover the carrots, beets & scallions have emerged.

The sunflowers are exploding & needed to be potted up. With no pots around,Quincey reminded me about newspaper pots. You use a soup can for a form, roll, tape and voila. I'm not sure how much strength they'll have when wet but if we keep them in the tray, they should work out great.

My goal for the backyard this year is "private sanctuary." As in, I can garden in my pjs without the world seeing; I can sip a cup of coffee on the backporch looking at the mountains without watching cars drive by. My plan relies on filling in the borders with Indian corn, mammoth sunflowers and hops vines. If I can get the irrigation right, it should work much more cheaply than fencing the whole 1/2 acre. Now, I just have to figure out how to keep the dogs from stepping on them. 

This weekend was wonderful but exhausting. Quin had great games with her traveling soccer team. Harper competed on her first 4h dog match and placed 1st in showmanship and 3rd in obedience. And Lilly was thrilled to get 2 goals in her soccer game. And that was just Saturday. Sunday was more soccer games and 4h meetings- the girls went to their 4h sewing while I led a cloverbud meeting about bees. I'll try to write a post about that cloverbud meeting so I have the resources for another day. Fun! 

It's been nice to spend the past 2 days relaxing, planting and making. 

 

One big pompom

All the pretty lacy hats I made this fall are proving pretty but not very warm.

I was excited to see this pattern from Purl Soho for a classic hat with a pompom.

It was quick & easy. I bought a pompom maker to make this enormous one. My daughter absolutely loves the pompom. You can see the size compared to the rest of the hat. Adorable!

Here's a link to my project notes on Ravelry.

But earlier this week, my 4h knitting group and I tried making them with forks & paper tubes. 

Here is a link. They turned out pretty well too. My one recommendation is to make sure that the kids don't wrap so much yarn around that it's too difficult to cinch. Also, make it easy on yourself and use a fork with 4 tines so there is a center to tie the yarn around. You'll understand what that means when you do it.

For reading, we've just started Planting Seeds - Practicing Mindfulness with Children. I have experienced great health & relaxation benefits from meditation this past year. I thought it might be a good idea to try to make it a habit for the kids while they are young. It comes with a cd with lots of different meditation and breathing techniques to try. 

I'm joining in the Yarn Along with Ginny. Here's a link to see many more inspirational projects.