Monday, March 3, 2008

Welcome March!

Never mind, March, we know
When you blow
You're not really mad
Or angry or bad;
You're only blowing the winter away,
To get the world ready for April and May.
-unknown

I took a short walk around the yard yesterday, to assess the state of my garden's soil and visualize changes to my flower beds, and was delighted to see the very first tips of crocuses and daffodils showing through the soil and buds fattening on tree branches. That, and the change in calendar to March, has really gotten me so enthused to be outside in the garden again. I am really looking forward to this month and trying to accomplish quite a few things. I've been mentally making a list of them, and decided if I write them I will be less likely to forget them:

Cyrus:
I have a party to plan! His birthday is coming up on the 13th. I can't believe he is turning one already! He just started walking this past week and learned to say "dog" in sign and English at the same time. He already thinks he's a toddler, I guess. I'm also working on sleep training with him. I know, I know, I'm very slow starting. You'd think by my 5th I would have known better and done it months ago. But, I'm a tired, lazy, wuss. So, there. This will probably take all month to do, because I don't do "cry it out". (Not that I think those who do are making the wrong choice, it's just the wrong choice for me. See previous wuss remark.)

Elsie: I am working on doing better routines with her for meals (the girl would snack all day long if I let her), and other activities like reading time and art time.

The Girls: Why is it that these two so often get lumped together? We just finished reading another book together, and are starting a new one tomorrow night.

Marvin:
We need to get him progressing more on scout and Duty to God stuff. He's also starting track up again, which means lots more driving, but also visiting time.

Family Scripture Study: I am hoping by the end of the month this has become part of our regular evening routine.


Holidays:
St. Patrick's Day, first, then Easter. The basket stuff is ready, but I need to think about clothing and Easter dinner. Saved items already on hand? Buy? Sew dresses again? I'm hoping I will find the first in my clothing boxes. We are also planning on an Easter Primary Activity that I have been mulling ideas on. We want it to be fun, but also help the children focus on the true reason for the holiday. Any ideas?

Garden work: I traditionally plant peas for St.Patrick's day, quickly followed by other early cold hardy veggies. I turned the soil already in preparation, but I would love another crack at it, to turn in some composted manure. Have I ever mentioned I love digging in the dirt? I also need to start the pruning: butterfly bush, perenials, and raspberry canes. I also have plans for my front and back foundation beds. I'm still formulating plans, but there will be tearing out and transplanting shrubs and widening beds most likely involved. So, I am sure to get some digging in one way or another!

Spring Break:
I want to make sure our break isn't full of boredom and sibling rivalry. We used to go camping at Zion's National Park every Spring break. We have yet to develop a spring break tradition here. Although we have enjoyed visiting the zoo. Any suggestions?

In addition we have Spanish class, Photography class, Wednesday night activities, dentist apts, my educational coursework, replacing the winter decor with spring decor and I'm hoping to get my kitchen painted. It should be a fun and busy month!

UPDATE! We have had a sunny warm day, with temps in the 70's. And purple crocuses are opening. Yay!

14 comments:

  1. WOW what a busy month you have planned. For spring break you could always hope on a plane and make a quick visit here. Just kidding. I am looking forward to spring here and have alot of things planned too. Loves to all.

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  2. Wow! What a fun and busy month you have ahead of you! I love this time of year though---so many fun things to look forward to.
    Your mentioning Zions made me homesick--I grew up near there, and went there all the time---love it!!

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  3. Sounds like you've got yourself a busy month, but it should be a fun one.

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  4. Nettie, your month makes me tired. How do you stay so motivated? Especially with 5 busy kids and a busy husband. I have good intentions then my motivation dies within the first week.
    You Rock!

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  5. Your post makes me tired too, just thinking of all I need to do in our yard this spring. I guess I am lucky though. The garden is still under two feet of snow, with more predicted for today. Maybe April? Love to all!

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  6. You are a busy woman! Are you taking Spanish? Or one of your kids?

    Pedro isn't walking yet-I think in the next couple of weeks. I can't believe they turning one. I'm a wuss now too- I just can't let him cry it out even though I did with Margarita and it worked. Could you post on what your "sleep training" entails? (only of course if you have time, which it doesn't look lie you will with your busy month :) )

    Spring break. Hmmmmmm. Maybe an overnighter somewhere fun?

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  7. Gabriela,

    My daughter is taking the Spanish class.

    Cyrus just started walking last week. I thought we had awhile longer, but one day he just decided to do it. He's still primarily a crawler, though.

    Maybe the sleep training thing would make for a good post?

    And I like the overnighter idea. I'll have to think on where...

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  8. That does sound like a busy month, but it sounds like a fun month too. Sorry I am fresh out of ideas for the month. I just turned my calendar and thought hhmmm...what am I going to do? I have way too much on my mind. I need to start planning some fun stuff.

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  9. Thanks for all your great information on my blogging questions!! I'm going to try blurb - maybe print once a year. . . and this post has motivated me to start planning my gardens!! I also like how you break down what you'd like to work on with each child over the month. Thanks again!

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  10. wow, sounds a lot warmer there than here! I don't feel so guilty about my not sleep training Joshua yet too. You'll have to expand on how you do it, because I'm so stressed on figuring out how to put two to bed in the same room!Especially when one is a baby.
    We'll be down close to Zion on our spring break (Cedar) so we'll be thinking of you!

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  11. Yay for spring!! It's about time--we're sick of snow and cold here, and we want to get our baby out into warm weather and Summer fun!

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  12. Good idea to write your goals down. I need to be better at that. I tend to keep them tucked away in my brain so if I don't do them, no one will know . . . ha ha. Oh, and my family used to go camping at Zion's every spring break too. What a fun tradition! Too bad we live to far away now. Good luck with everything!

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  13. I just love your bird picture at the top.

    Happy Birthday to little Cyrus. I cannot believe he's one already!

    Good luck with your plans. You are a motivate me.

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  14. You are a busy bee and seem like a goal oriented person, WTG - you are an inspiration!

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