Monday, April 20, 2009

Square Foot Gardening

I (Jen) took a class on square foot gardening a few weeks ago at our church. I will be honest, I was a little skeptical at first, and was not thrilled to be taking a gardening class. Joel is the gardener, but he was not able to attend, so I went and took notes. The class was actually really interesting and taught me quite a bit. I was excited to tell Joel how we could eliminate the majority of our weeds and produce 50 – 80% more produce in our small garden. When I got home I got online and had Joel watch a ten minute tutorial that we watched in our class, and he was hooked too. This last week we had great weather, so we got the garden ready, and made our square foot grid.

My grandmother came over a week ago and brought some broccoli plants. She stated that they are a cold weather crop and can be planted this early, so we put them in the garden. Joel got a little excited and planted a few onions too. We are not planting the rest of our produce until mid-may, due to the crazy weather that we have around here in the springtime. I told Joel that the onions would die from any frost that we might have, but he wanted to try it out anyway.

(The broccoli plants)

Low and behold… Joel was excited to have me come look at the garden this weekend -- “Yes” there was an onion sprout. Hopefully it lives through the cold mornings we are supposed to get later this week.

I have to admit…it is fun to see things start growing around here. Maybe summer will come sometime soon!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Day Trip to Bonnie Lake


The weather was so nice today, so Joel and I decided to take a day hike around Bonnie Lake. Bonnie Lake is outside of Cheney, but you can only get to the lake by hiking or by taking a canoe or kayak down a small stream. The lake is settled in a huge canyon. It is really a beautiful place to hike around. This is the first time that we have ever been to the lake, when the water has been so high. The creek or stream that you have to take by canoe down was completely flooded. It did not bother us at all because we were just hiking. It is so pretty this time of year.


Joel went exploring, and found a pond. I decided to name it Anderotta Landing.


We had to rock climb a little, but that was my favorite part. Thanks to Joel for taking this lovely picture of my huge butt.


We took a new trail this time, and came upon this old cabin. It was fun to see it still standing.


I was not able to get close to the waterfall, and get a good picture. Therefore this one will have to do.


Yea!!! Finally a sign of Spring! I hope that we have more nice sunny days like this in the future. It was great to get outside and enjoy the wildlife.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Quality Time Together


For the last few weeks Joel and I have been trying to get all the drywall up in our basement so that we can start the mudding and taping. And with Joel working full-time and taking night classes, we just do what we can when we have some free time. Last week Joel had spring break from school which allowed us to have more free time in the evenings, and we finally finished putting up the drywall on the rooms downstairs. Even though I can honestly say that putting up drywall, especially the ceiling, is one of my least favorite things to do...it was nice to spend so much time with Joel.


I know that I give him a hard time about projects dragging out and taking long to complete, but I am honestly amazed at all he is doing right now. He is so extremely busy providing for us and bettering his education, and still finds time to spend with me and finish our home. I am truly blessed to be married to such an amazing man.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Look at who we got to spend time with...


Today Joel and I got to watch Joel's nephew Gage. Gage is Joel's little sister Jill's son. Joel came home from work early to watch Gage while I taught piano lessons. Gage is growing up so quick and is such a little man. We sure had a great time with him.


(Uncle Joel and Gage - right before naptime)


(Aunt Jen and Gage)


Such a happy little guy. Gage is 6 months old and loads of smiles.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

There is a Birthday Boy in the House...


Today is Joel's Birthday!! He is not too excited about being a year older, but I think that he still looks very young. In fact, most people who do not know us well, think that Joel and I are about 5 - 7 years younger than we are.
Joel is the most amazing person I know. I truly do feel like I am the luckiest person alive, because I get to spend my life with him. He is the best husband, and my very best friend.
I love you Joel more than anything, and hope that you have a great Birthday!