today, i bought some candytuft and lemon thyme to put in front of the tree out by the driveway. i've been trying to think of something to make the flower gardens look a bit more 'done', but evidentally, after talking to some knowledgable people, i have what would termed a 'country garden', which from the looks of it, means a variety of perrineals that follow each other in close succession and are very fertile and propagating. and redundant.

in similar news, our garden is producing! enough beans for a dinner side dish every few nights, and enough squash that i'm trying to come up with ways to actually use it beyond dinner side dish. there is also talk between mike and i concerning a possible widening of our garden plot in the foreseeable future. stay tuned.

ben has taken his first few steps, although he is not near walking consistently yet. he stands up without support and will walk between two targets when they're close enough, but that's it for now. he likes to throw himself into people, in order to get his hugs. he's even starting giving open mouth kisses. i remember when adam first starting doing that.

andrew today insisted on wearing his 'cape' a very specific way, that is, taking the yarn blanket over his shoulders and drawing his fingers through the loops underneath. he'd get very frustrated if it came off, and i'd have to help him with it all over again. cole is king of the sprayer hose this summer, but recently, has refused to go outside unless i go out to 'play' with him. he likes to pick up the insects and spray them with said hose. adam starts school tuesday! 1st grade! we have all his supplies picked up, a few new outfits, new shoes. i think it's going to be okay. seems harder for me sometimes than it is for him, but what can you do?

today, i cleared off the piano, which is now officially up for grabs, if there's anyone out there who actually reads this and is in need of a converted player upright piano, it is now available. all i can say is, get in line. act quickly. i also picked up a box of peaches and some plants for the front this morning. i did a load of laundry, vacuumed a bit, kept the kitchen reasonably clean, took out some recyling, fed my boys three meals, and cleared out the paper clutter in front of the microwave. oh! and i cleared off the back porch shelf, swept said back porch, and brought in the garbage can. and in between, took care of my boys (laid on the floor and let them climb on me). but, it's something.