My planner pages for May are so full that they’ve become confusing, and sort of make my mind feel like it’s melting. The days are flying faster and faster, and I’m finding that I can do it. My introverted, longs for home self is keeping up and doing all the things. It’s interesting to think that as we help our children learn to spread their wings, they are doing the same for us. I spent twenty minutes today with a friend just planning and recording more events, drop-offs, and lesson times. Keats’ organ teacher needed to reschedule his lesson for next week and it took me five minutes to figure out how to move it to another time without interfering with something else. I was a little embarrassed and tried to explain the state of scheduling overload my brain is in.
Silas receives First Holy Communion this weekend, and Larkspur will be Confirmed the following. I want to make sure that those events don’t get lost amidst the busyness of our days. Later this month Keats and Larkspur will perform in a concert with our homeschool band and orchestra, and then a few days later they will be in a musical along with Gabe, who has a lead role. He’s stepping way outside his comfort zone, and I’m really proud of him. Gabe turned sixteen last week and had a group of teenage boys over. They shot empty cans, ate burgers, and took Pippi on a long walk in the woods. I still haven’t bought him a proper gift because all he could think of that he wants is a new fan, and that didn’t feel like much of a gift. I made him cheesecake as I always do. Every year he considers a fruit topping, and then always settles back on chocolate.
Seth is graduating from high school in a few weeks. We met with an advisor at our local community college and got him registered for fall classes. How can that be? I was in college when he was born…
For some reason, feeling the need to be intentional about strengthening my skills in something that I’ve done for many years, but on a very candid, mostly hobby level, I just started another online photography course. Someone asked recently which courses I have been taking, and I think I forgot to answer. They are Katelyn James courses, and they are expensive, but I am learning so much. I signed up for both after watching free webinars which gave big discounts for the corresponding paid courses. I guess it’s possible I’m contemplating a little mid-life career shift, though I haven’t fully admitted that to myself. The thought terrifies me, so I’m still telling myself that this is just about learning. My friend Lori who has taught me a lot of what I know (we’ve photographed several weddings together) calls it my continuing education. I like looking at it that way. I like learning.
Pippi is awfully feisty! I think we are moving out of the, “we can wing this,” phase and into the, “we need to watch some Youtube videos on puppy training,” phase. My sister Abby ended up taking a puppy from the litter, and Angie, the sister whose rescue dog the puppies originated from, kept one too. So three sisters each have a puppy from the same litter and we are happy about that. We are also doing a bit of commiserating about how much work this actually is. Someone at the hardware store mentioned a (affiliate link) potty training bell to Abby, and she and I are both thinking about trying one. If you have experience with these, please share!
I finally found time to squeeze in a new cast-on, a little cardigan for Mabel with some yarn I dyed a soft shade of yellow-beige using pomegranate extract. I was trying to mimic the color in the designer’s photos. I came close, but I think my yarn is a warmer shade.
There are several flats of flower seedlings lining my driveway that will be ready to plant soon. There are zinnias in all sorts of interesting shades, cosmos, and a few other things. There’s one flat full of Oklahoma Salmon zinnias for my girls to sell at children’s market next month. I’m starting more black hollyhocks too. If you got seeds from me last year, now might be a good time to start them. My plants from last year will be blooming soon and I’m really excited!
p.s. I’m sorry this (too long) post is all over the place. But if I waited for cohesive thoughts these days, I might never write a thing!
Amey says
Take the puppy out every two hours to the same pee spot, and say, It’s time to pee now. Stay 10 minutes or until she pees, then give her a treat on the spot. Cut up chicken weenies are dog crack, even just a quarter of a 1/4″ slice. She’ll be trained in two days.
Laura says
I have a son receiving his First Holy Communion this year as well! Being in the service, we’ve been all over the place, but crazily enough all of our children have been baptized in the same church. Two of our three oldest also received their FHC there as well. So, we have decided to go back to that parish this summer after the baby is born and do a joint baptism/FHC. We are very excited about it! Hope the FHC went well this weekend!
We got a puppy last fall and tried the bell (though we got a different one). The idea is great and I have friends who it worked really well for. I have to admit we gave up. She got it, but she got it a little too well. She was ringing it ALL the time to go outside and play. After a while I couldn’t take the constant ringing of the bell while trying to do schoolwork with the kids. A friend told me to hang in there that they eventually get it, but at that point we were so close to having the training done. Good luck! Puppy training is a ton of work!
Alice R. says
I would like to recommend two book/booklets from Patricia McDonnell: Puppy Primer and Family Friendly Dog Training. These are available as ebooks or physical books, and are quick easy to understand reads. Just google her. You may be able to get the kids interested in training through these wonderful books. It makes such a life long difference to start early.
Erin says
love all your tied together thoughts
Kerry says
That’s so neat about the o line course! Your photos are always amazing— and bound to get even better!! Hoping you are thinking of making that children’s book of animal photos!!!! (I request it again!). Hugs!
Andrea says
The bell works if you don’t mind her also ringing it for squirrel sightings, ha.
Beth says
Yes! The bell. Works like magic. Also, then everyone can hear it and more people are available to let him out?
Julie says
Our puppy did really well with a bell on the door. We had a little bell attached to a ribbon which we hung on the back door. We would lift her paw to ring the bell when she was just beginning to learn but she caught on really quickly and would ring the bell when she had to go out. We didn’t purchase anything special. Had a little bell at home and plenty of ribbon! Visitors were very impressed with her when she rang the bell!!
karen says
I have no kids at home and I’m overwhelmed with my schedule! See you are not crazy you are over the top busy. I cannot believe that Holy Communion, Confirmation and a graduation are all at the same time same year. Savor the moments and hang in there!
Susan says
cute puppy! We use Poochie Bells. You can find them on Amazon. The bells are attached to a strong ribbon that hangs from the doorknob. Our Goldens learned to use them quickly! Or you can make some that are similar if you have a way to attach bells to a strong ribbon or rope. 🙂
Laura M says
The pics of Pippi are adorable 🙂 good luck with training!
Bee says
Wow, so many things in this post that underscore how fast time is going by: 1. How is Mabel suddenly looking like a full-on three year-old? So grown up, and so adorable! 2. How is Gabe 16 already? (Happy belated birthday to him! The musical sounds so exciting!) 3. How is Seth going to college already (and how is he smiling in his picture? Just kidding! 😉 ) I’m excited for him! 4. When did Larkspur get old enough to be confirmed, and when did Silas stop being tiny?
Sorry for being so baffled – I started reading your blog when Larkspur was 8 or so…so it’s kind of amazing to suddenly see how much time has passed :)!
Good for you for taking more photography courses. I think a career shift is possible at any point in life…I’ve seen many people near me do it! It’s a bit scary, but mostly invigorating. All the best to you!
Marilyn says
Mabel is getting so big. She looks adorable in the photos. Glad that Gabe had a nice birthday with his friends. I always enjoy hearing about the children and all their activities. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABE. May you have a year of happiness and blessings. God Bless you, Gabe.
Marilyn
Joan says
Glad that your seeds are staring to come up. Your children sure are busy. That cheesecake looks delicious. Happy belated birthday Gabe. God Bless.
Joan
Marion says
Ginny, you have once again written an interesting post. I look forward to your posts each week. Wishing Gabe a belated happy birthday. Blessings to Gabe throughout the year.
Marion
Lisa says
Ginny,
First of all, I got my scarf and love it. So comfy and light.
And, as far as the pup goes, I can’t say enough about Robert Cabral’s training videos on YouTube. We have a Dobie puppy, and she has completed her AKC Canine Good Citizen and Advanced, but I have learned so much from him also. I get so excited when I see he has uploaded another video. Check him out, and good luck!
Suzy says
As the children get older I’m also forced more and more out of my default introverted ways. Life is so full sometimes! I relate to brain melting schedules! The photography course sounds great. I always love the images on your posts. Our puppy is quite the handful right now too ☺️
Kim Kuneli says
We used a plain old sleigh bell for our weimaraner Mattie. As a puppy, she learned to use the bell in about 2 days. Precious one learned that we would come running to let her out to potty each time she rang it.Eventually, she began ringing the bell just for her humans to come running….to fill her food dish or water, to play with a toy, or even just to give her some love! What a wonderful dog she was!
Thank you for being my guilty pleasure each week. I love hearing your family goings-on and pursuing the beautiful pictures that accompany.
Nicole Cox says
Which musical is Gabe in? (From a former musical theatre junkie!)
Also, I’d LOVE a post sometime on how you start your flower garden from seed! I’ve been working at my flowers for the past two years, very trial and error, and still have so much to learn. Can I still get Hollyhock seeds in the ground? I was afraid it would be too late and they’d not flower this summer.
Cindy Buchite says
Our shiba Inu puppy learned to ring the bells! Now she has taught her little brother how to use them also!
Victoria Ter Morshuizen says
Dear Ginny,
In the midst of all you do, would you be prepared to share your chocolate-topped cheescake recipe with me?
With love from South Africa on voting day,
Victoria
xx
Martha says
My head is spinning most days just keeping up with four children, I can’t imagine adding four more and a puppy to boot! Puppies are so much work. You’re brave. 🙂 Also, that can’t be Mabel in the first two photos! I thought it was Beatrice at first. Truly, the days are going by faster and faster.
Ronda Mayos says
We had a busy household as well and we did the bells on a ribbon by the door for our 7 year old Yorkie-Shitzu. He caught on quickly as a puppy and still uses it. It is great.
Emily says
I love a rambling post! I love Katelyn James as well, she’s so sweet. Your photographs are always gorgeous, and if you sold them, I’d buy them in a heartbeat!!!!
What’s the musical?
Grace says
Ginny, I laughed out loud when I got to the part about Pippi’s rambunctious ways! We have a 4 month old Yorkie who is a bundle of energy as well. House breaking has been a little challenging, mostly because when he has to go outside he doesn’t bark or pace; he simply quietly goes to the back door and, if I am unaware that he has moved, he will just pee right there. I immediately clicked on your link and have ordered the bell. My fingers are crossed that he will quickly learn how to use it! : )
Bekah says
We used a bell for potty training our puppy as well (she is three now), and it worked quite well. Even one of our kitties figured it out 🙂
Training a pup is a lot of work, but it is so worth it. A few short training sessions throughout each day makes training feel more manageable. I am sure your kids will love helping train your cute pup too!
Best of luck (and patience)!
Sara says
We used a bell with our now two year old when he was a tiny puppy and he caught on super quickly, too, although we did go through a phase of him just ringing the bell because he wanted to go out and play, not necessarily to go potty. It has made things so much easier, though, and avoided so many accidents. And even though he needs to go out to go potty much less frequently now, he still uses it. I definitely recommend it.
Our kitties figured it out, too, and they ring the bell when they want to go out and chase bunnies. Sadly for them, we just ignore them! Ha!
Laura M says
LOL poor cats 🙁
Sheila says
Oh puppies! We had 11 a year ago. The two still in our family are using training collars for learning their boundaries and to come without calling them (for future hunting training) They learn quickly to respond to the beep or vibrate setting…although I quickly change it to the nip setting if they wander onto the road. Because we have an older Golden Retriever and the mother Small Munsterlander, learning where to potty just happened….thankfully.
Do you have anymore black hollyhock seeds for sale? I am looking for something hearty to plant next to our shed.
Enjoy these days…..some day your children will look at your blog and be so glad you documented portions of their lives.
Take care!
Lisa Porch says
We did the bell training and we literally said outside pee and took her paw and hit the bell on the floor at back door every single time before we took her out and in two days she was banging it herself! It’s amazing!!
Donna says
A lot on your plate. I hope you take a few minutes to relax and see all the life that is going on about you. So many directions. But this is how we live a happy and healthy life. One day your house will become very quiet. But think of all those scheduled events that will be vivid memories of a life well lived. You are rich in many blessings.
Heidi says
I agree about getting a sneak peek of the older boys! Wow! So handsome and such kind young men. Happy Birthday Gabe!! Can’t believe how quickly all the kids have grown.?Your photos are beautiful, as always.❤️
Michele Chronister says
Don’t apologize! I love reading the ramblings of another mom’s brain!!!
Gwendolyn says
Your photographs are more beautiful than ever! You have such a beautiful family. My yarn I received from your last shop update was stunning. I got the yellow color and I started making some selbu mittens with it. When you said it was rustic, I was thinking it would be more “scratchy”, but it’s not…it is soft and squishy! Thank you Ginny!
Ruth says
Ginny, I love it when the older boys permit a picture. It is fantastic to see them as young men. Blessings on you all.
Ginny says
So do I! Thank you!
Penelope says
Ah, Ginny, what blessed, rich days you are living! God’s goodness is full to overbrimming in your life! How wonderful {{hugs}} When you are overwhelmed — pray and give thanks to God for your bounty; breathe deep the grace of His love, trust that He has you in His hands. xox
Ginny says
Thank you for those encouraging words, Penelope!!!