Stawberry Fields Forever

We picked strawberries at the farm last Saturday. We've been going to this farm every year since we moved to Florence. And we look forward to this day all year long. These strawberries put all grocery store berries to shame. Texture, size and taste make these the best strawberries you'll ever eat. And boy did we eat a lot of them!

We picked two buckets full ourselves, and purchased two flats more. Needless to say, I've been in the kitchen all weekend. I made SEVEN batches of strawberry jam. We danced in our living room, singing to the Beatles' "Stawberry Fields Forever". I love days like this...when you know you're making a memory.

Our strawberry fest this week will include strawberry smoothies, strawberry and spinach salad, strawberry & mango salsa, strawberry cheesecake, crescent rolls smothered in jam and, of course, peanut butter and jam sandwiches. We've also given many strawberries away. We love to share them with everyone, especially if people have never tasted a fresh-picked strawberry before. I've shared them with those I visit teach, with neighbors, and even the grumpy old man who lives across the street.

Yesterday, Collin was out riding his bike in the circle and the old man apparently told Collin to go home. Collin was in tears. I had to go and talk to him and explain that Collin is allowed to ride his bike in the circle. He was extremely rude to me. His opinion was basically that kids should stay in their own backyards where he can't see them. But after some smooth talking on my part, he finally started to be somewhat agreeable. The problem appeared to be resolved, at least temporarily.

We went back into the house and decided to take him some fresh strawberries. He was still out in his yard when we brought them over. He finally began to speak kindly to us, and we could tell the gesture softened his heart. We definitely put beans in our peacemaker jar after that one! I shed a few tears later that day because it had been so stressful to me. But alls well that ends well. At least it was a good opportunity to teach Collin that "kindness begins with me".

What is C.A.L.M?

After much pleading on the part of the grandparents, I'm starting a blog for our family. My clever title includes the initials of our first names (Collin, April, Luke and Merritt). And thus we begin to leave our mark on cyberspace.

Preschool Graduation

Today was Collin's last day of preschool. I attended his graduation tonight. (Merritt stayed home with Luke who was sick...and the NBA finals game just happened to be on.) I know many may think preschoolers don't need graduations, but I decided tonight that they do. It helped me realize how fast time flies. I began to imagine Collin receiving a more legitimate diploma someday, and I admit the thought caused me to get a little teary-eyed. I just want to cherish every minute between now and then.

I love my boys so much.

Collin's glowing report card indicated that his strengths were his social skills. He is courteous, a good friend, a good listener, and works well independently. Miss Kristi said she appreciates most his sense of humor. Collin is always quick to smile and laugh, or do something silly that makes others smile and laugh. Over the summer, she encouraged us to practice naming letters, cutting with scissors, and fastening snaps, buttons and zippers.

It's true. Collin is too lazy to snap, button or zip. And to make matters worse, he is afraid to flush the toilet. Our toilet flooded one day when Collin used it and he hasn't flushed a toilet since! He's also afraid of bumble bees. (This is a fear we share.)

Collin and I are now looking forward to summer. We are excited to spend our days gardening, riding bikes, catching bugs, playing baseball, swimming at the lake, and camping under the stars.

The Birthday Bug

Collin's birthday party featured bugs, bugs and more bugs. Because Collin's favorite thing to do right now is catch bugs, it wasn't hard for him to choose what he wanted to do for his birthday.

While waiting for the guests to arrive, we painted with balloons to make big green caterpillars. The games began with "I have a little ant and he won't bite you...", a spider crawl relay, and a hunt for "bugs" hidden all over the living room. After an indoor ladybug picnic (it was raining), we made snail slime to play with. Oooooh! And finally, we dug into a dirt cake that was rich and DEE-licious. (Think Oreo meets cream cheese and chocolate pudding.) Hey, how did these worms get in here?

Birthday Wishes

As for Collin's birthday wishes...he had three. He wanted a two-wheel bike. He wanted to go camping. And he wanted to plant a garden. Collin has been saving seeds from every fruit he eats, impatiently waiting to plant them.

Dad had the great idea of giving Collin his first sleeping bag. We added some marshmallows and promised to take him camping as soon as possible. Mom gifted some gardening tools, gloves, a watering can, and a plethora of seeds. And thanks to Dad, three raised garden beds appeared in our backyard that very morning much to Collin's surprise. We planted seeds that afternoon.

Collin's gift to himself was a two-wheel bike. It took him four years to save $23.35, but he made his first purchase and hasn't regretted it. He rides that bike every day.

But probably the best birthday present of all, was a visit from Collin's grandparents. He loves them very much and misses them already. Thanks to all for making this a fun and memorable day for Collin!