Worm Bin Composting

Many years ago, we used to have an indoor worm bin. TJ had wanted one so that he would have instant access to fishing worms! Well, for one reason or anther, those worms didn't last very long. I think the neglect killed them off. Lately, though, worms have been on my mind again.

When I planted my potted-herb garden this spring, I was able to use left over soil from last year...but it got me thinking about next year. Morally, I never want to buy Monsanto's fertilizers again, and if I'm not ever going to buy artificial fertilizers, then I need to have a plan. Well, the real-deal fertilizing process takes time--it certainly doesn't happen overnight!  Those worms have to work long and hard hours to process all the scraps, paper, etc. in order for me to have great fertilized soil (castings)...so NOW is the time to get started!

I researched INDOOR worm bin composting, and came across some great teaching materials from BIG TEX WORMS.  I decided that I was going to give it a try.  In mid May, I got the worm starter kit (which includes the bedding so the worms are happy and ready to go when you place them in the new bin), and now we had WORMS!  Liz warns you right up front not to neglect your worms, but also not to harass them too much either!  I peek at my worms about once a week, and this week was the best week so far!  Not only are the worms fat and plump and happy looking, but I am not killing them off!  I am thrilled!  I tried to take a picture of the worms, but they burrow down so fast, that I can not get my soiled hand wiped clean to snap the picture in time. 

I haven't decided yet what I am going to do when this bin gets full.  I could move them to a larger bin, or I could build a double-decker deluxe bin which, would sort of be like a 2-story home.  For now, the worms are kept in my little closet sewing room.  In a strange sort of way, it feels cozy to be sewing in the same area as the worms.  While I'm working on a sewing project, my worms are working on next years garden.  Kind of heart warming, really. 

Expo House Party

Recently, I was privileged to be selected to host an Expo Washable Markers House Party.  This was my very first House Party, and WE were excited!  We got THE BOX a few weeks before the party, and the kids were very anxious to explore all the things that were inside that box.  I had to keep reminding them to leave the box alone...we would get to dig in the box on party day.

We had several out-of-state party attenders, so the kids and I got their packages ready to send off to them so that our out-of-staters could enjoy the party, too!  My kids enjoyed participating in all the prep work...mostly because it gave them an opportunity to peek inside the box!

So...today (the Big Party Day) finally arrived!   My kids helped get everything cleaned and ready for the party.  Every guest had their own party pack with their Expo goodies.  Aliya and Kiahna made sure that I didn't forget anyone!

The guests began arriving.  After visiting a while and having some snacks, it was time to get on with the fun stuff!  First we practiced drawing our favorite things.  Then we had an art contest.  Everyone was instructed to draw their best picture on their marker board.  Every one who participated got to have their name added in the "hat" for a prize drawing.  Olivia was the first prize winner!

Then we played a progressive story game.  I started off the story theme and then drew a coordinating picture.  After that, each person had a chance to add their portion of the story and draw their picture.  By the time we got to the end, we had a very unusual story!  The kids had fun with that, and so they played it again.  Everyone who participated in this event, also had their name in the "hat".  We had another prize drawing, and this time Kiahna won!

All-in-all, the party was a hit!  We had a blast, and the kids loved their new boards and markers.  It's been several hours now since the party has been over... but for us, the fun continues!  The kids still haven't put down their boards and markers yet--they even took them with us when we ran some errands this evening!  This was a perfect party for a bunch of homeschooling families.  Thank you, Expo!  Thank you House Party!

Sink Baths

Lately, I have started giving Isaiah sink baths when he needs a little extra washing. Sometimes it might be because he got into something he shouldn't have...or maybe he had a messy potty situation. Whatever the reason, a sink bath not only helps save water, but it also keeps Isaiah from soaking too long in the water--something NOT recommended for his skin. Isaiah loves the sink baths, and it reminds me of a little girl years ago who gave HERSELF her very own sink bath.

Royal Princess

On Friday, April 29, 2011 (same day as the royal wedding), Niah attended a Homeschool Royal Banquet Formal. She was escorted to the event by her Daddy, but before we go there, let's start back at the beginning.

Last spring, Niah was given a blue formal dress, and we saved it for this year. Kiahna didn't understand why Niah didn't wear the dress EVERY DAY.  Even though she might not have worn the dress, Niah was thinking and planning the types of accessories she wanted to go with it.  A week before the formal, Niah went with Daddy to pick out her shoes and earrings. Then I went with her to get a necklace, bracelet, and ring, along with the material to make her shawl. On Friday (the day of the formal), I was working non-stop...up to the very last minute...sewing the shawl. She also wanted a bow...and I'm not good with those...so I struggled getting it just right.

An hour before it was time to leave, I had Niah put on the dress so we could finish her hair and makeup. She had put the dress on, and walked in to her room where her younger sisters were playing. I heard Kiahna say in amazement, "Niah, you are a PRINCESS!" That choked me up...it really did. My life flashed forward a few years to the day Niah will be putting on a white dress. I couldn't keep the tears from spilling over, so I just lowered my head and continued ironing. I didn't want to ruin her special day, but it was also very hard. Even as I write this now, tears come to my eyes again.

I had to pull it together and continue on...time was closing in. We added glitter sparkles to her hair and makeup, finished off with hairspray, and it was time to step outside for pictures. We had spent all our time indoors, so I hadn't realized how windy it was. We didn't have time to look for another place to take pictures, so we took what we could, and then they drove off. They were rushing because they were about 5-10 minutes late.

Since I didn't have to hold back my tears any more, I didn't. I went in the house and cried some more. I was happy for her, but I was also deeply aware that OUR time with her is closing in. When I say THAT, people tend to think that I'm just trying to marry her off or get rid of her. While I am DEFINITELY not rushing the process, I am also not in denial that THAT day will come whether I like it or not, and it will be sooner than later because time is already rushing by.

I know every parent believes their child is the most beautiful, but I really believe Niah was! She definitely was the fanciest, and she could have won top prize in the glitter department! Niah, you are and always will be our beautiful princess. We love you, Niah!!!