Still Around....

Hi Everyone. I have been a TERRIBLE blogging friend as of lately.

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for the congratulations on my pregnancy. Though my original post didn't come off oozing excitement we are excited and looking forward to becoming a family of 5. The pregnancy thus far has completed knocked me on my ass. I am exhausted, what feels like ALL THE TIME. By the time the girls are in bed I can barely pull myself off the couch. I have spent many full nights on the couch just because I have fallen asleep to the TV. I have been getting up and riding my bike for half an hour every morning which seems to help until late afternoon. The girls have been good at allowing me a nap for half hour to 45 minutes. I have been getting nausea off and on but nothing further than that. Even as I type now, my eyes could close for the remainder of the night. I remember feeling this with Natasha but not with Ashley. I know this will pass (hopefully) come the second trimester but its seems so far away.

We have been busy outside. The chickens are doing well and I am just waiting for my first eggs. My layers and broilers are now socializing together which makes things little easier. I want to build a big enclosure for them outside so they can graze. Maybe we will get that done with Adam home. The girls still love the chickens and remind me its time to check on them. It looks as though we will have 3 more cockerels in addition to the two we have now. Now I like roosters but not 5 so we will try and give 2-3 away.

The garden is ready to be planted. I rented a tiller and it went quite well. I have some stakes measured out and now it is just the time to plant. I went to the greenhouse yesterday and bought a couple of perennials and many annuals. The annuals will be placed mainly in big wooden barrels I have yet to purchase. I will either leave them on our deck or at the front door. I have to plant my front flower garden which will consist of mostly perennials. I love the idea of planting one year and having it year after year. A lot of my plants in the back are coming up along with my asparagus (I thought of you Jane). I have tulips everywhere which are just starting to open up. I am torn as to whether let them bloom outside or cut them for flowers inside. To be honest...I think I will leave them be outside. My lillies are coming up nicely and should also be blooming shortly. I am so thankful for two Lois Hole Books...The Vegetable Garden and Perennial Favorites. My pumpkins are up as well as my watermelons. My cantaloupes are taking their time. I will plant the pumpkins outside soon but will wait a little longer for the watermelons. I am hoping I can grow a successful watermelon...that would be so cool. I broke down and bought some tomato plants at the greenhouse. Mine are coming up but slowly and I want tomatoes before next season. I will have to try something new next year.

We had Daylan's grad on the weekend and it was lovely. I was out and about taking pictures and I think I was successful at capturing some special moments. I find my eye for photography developing but still lacking in areas. I have a wedding coming up here in May which should be interesting. I am very nervous. Anyway back to Daylan. His grad was lovely. The ceremony was long and I found the speakers weren't very good. The students actually spoke better than most of the adults. The girls were lovely and the boys handsome. Natasha and Ashley LOVED seeing all the girls dressed like princesses. Daylan, I think, was proudest when he came down from the stands after throwing up his cap. He was beaming and proud to see my mom and myself standing there for him. There is some much I remember of Daylan growing up as I was nearly 10 when he was born. I remember changing diapers, feeding, bathing. I remember dressing him up and him running to me for a hug when Dana hurt his ferlings (feelings). I remember him needing help with something or wanting to share something he did at school. Now I look at Daylan and see a man. A man standing tall with everything at his grasp. I see a well rounded individual that has made good choices and done very little in the way of stupidity. Sometimes it bothers me that he doesn't want to talk to me or spend time with me. I realize he is grown and can deal with things on his own and he has his own life. I hope one day our relationship will grow into friendship. Until that day...I am still and will always be proud to call him my brother.

There were several people out for Daylan's grad. Daryl and Lori brought a bunch of stuff for the girls which they are thrilled about. They also figured my female cat, Moony, may be pregnant. While I would like to make myself believe she is not...her stomach is big and tight. I think it will only be a matter of time. Anyone want a kitten??

Adam is home now for a week. We are going the Tyrell Musuem on Friday and we may also it the Calgary Zoo. I think the two in one day will be two much for the girls but we will see. I also have somethings around here that I want help with so it may be best if it was only a day trip. I am so glad to have Adam home.

Well I am utterly exhausted now and am going to lay down on the couch.