Month in review (April)

We visited the Oley Turnpike Dairy Farm

on Saturday April 12th 2008

We spent a lot of time outside this month

planting our garden and enjoying the weather.

Bounce house

We made new artwork for my office/kids play room





Rian graduated from basic Ice skating lessons

on Saturday April 19th

and received a certificate of achievement award.

He starts this coming Saturday for another 6 weeks of Ice Skating lessons

and will join the Hockey team in 4 weeks.

Saturday April 26th we went to the Harley Division open house. Kids received a bag full of goodies. Played some games, enjoyed the nice weather outside.

12 weeks

My Baby Boy

he brings us so much joy.

Chubby cheeks

and chin and a really great grin.

All of God's grace

in his cute little face.

Even tho' I pray

little he won't stay.

Please don't grow so fast

let these cherished moments last.

Cars, balls, and boats

soon he'll make them float.

Outgrowing all his toys

My Cherished Baby Boy!

11 weeks Old

Easy Ways to Help the Earth

1. Don't litter.
2. Re-use containers such as plastic butter tubs or bread bags. Paper bags can be used to line your trash can or to hold your recycled newspapers and other paper items.
3. Use cold water in the washing machine whenever possible.
4. Choose re-usable containers for food storage rather than aluminum foil or plastic wraps.
5. Wear extra clothing and turn your heat down a little.
6. Call your utility company and ask for a free energy audit.
7. If you use a wood stove or have a fireplace, burn seasoned wood only and try to cut back on how often you light them.
8. Turn off water that you are not using.
9. Donate your re-usable, unwanted items to a thrift shop or charity that can use them.
10. Re-use wire coat hangers or simply return them to the dry cleaner.
11. For every hour that you will be asleep or away from home, lower your thermostat by 1 degree.
12. Cut back on the use of electrical appliances. For example, if you can open a can by hand, do it.
13. Turn off the TV, lights and other appliances if you are not in the room using them.
14. Buy a low-flow faucet aerator (not to be confused with standard screen aerators). These are sold in hardware or plumbing stores and are very inexpensive. Aerators can reduce the normal flow (3-5 gallons per minute) by 50% and the flow will actually seem stronger.
15. Try using biodegradable wax paper instead of baggies (plastic) or foil.
16. Use rags for kitchen mishaps instead of paper towels. Rags can also be washed and reused.
17. Call your local water utility to see what they have for free information or conservation devices.
18. For efficient refriederator operation:
    • Refriderator temps should be between 38° and 42°. The freezer should be 0° to 5° .
    • Clean out the condenser coils once a year. Vacuuming them works very well.
    • Make sure to keep the door gasket clean so that the seal is tight.
19. Always wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the washing machine.
20. Clean out the lint trap in your clothes dryer after every use.
21. Write to:
    The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
    1001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 535
    Washington, DC 20036
    for more informaition.
22. Use rechargeable batteries.
23. If it's possible, recycle alkaline batteries.
24. Install a low-flow shower head. (Don't confuse this with "flow restrictor" or the plastic, cheap heads. You won't enjoy your shower with those 2 options!) In some areas, the local utility company may offer them for free!
25. Set your water heater at 130°.
26. Ask your utility company to isulate your water heater (usually free of charge).
27. Use stairs instead of elevators (if possible).
28. Ride a bike or walk more rather than drive.
29. Take advantage of public transportation.
    

Earth Day

We spent the morning outside planting three new trees, flowers, two upside down tomato plants. We started our vegetable garden. Strawberries, peppers, , lettuce, green peppers. Took a few pictures of Abbi and Randon. Will share pictures of the garden when we are done.

A few plants/ vegetables

before we started planting

Randons feet

Randon

Abbigael

10 weeks

We have been super busy.

Two pictures of Randon 4/16/08

He turned 10 weeks old today

"twinkle twinkle

little boy

how you fill our heart

with joy."

It's been an amazing 10 weeks.
You are an amazing addition to our family

outside/9weeks

Randon 9 weeks Old

"thumbs up"

nice weather


Lunch outside

Our Be Green Challenge

In honor of earth day on April 22
Our Be Green Challenge

Only use natural household cleaners
Plant a garden
Continue to recycle
Unplug appliances which are not in use.
Replace all the bulbs in my house with energy savings light bulbs
Put up a clothesline
Skip the bottled water at the grocery or convenience store
Buy local/Shop at my local farmer's market

8 weeks

Randon

2 Months old

12 pounds