Harvest

The lemon tree was picked bare yesterday and we ended up with well over a hundred lemons. I took a big bagful to the women in my Bible study last night--and I made delicious lemonade today (recipe here)--but we still have a counter full and a bucket full of lemons. I plan to juice as many as possible and freeze it for a year's worth of lemon juice and lemonade. If I get ambitious, I'll make my own house cleaning solution with the juice. Oh yes, and a couple days ago the kids and I made lemon scones. 

So many wonderful things to do with the produce from the yard, but Havilah's favorite thing is to play with the lemons like they're balls...and today, to climb in with all those delicious smelling fruits.

"We Are Special"

Yesterday, after John's bi-annual dentist visit with the wonderfully patient Dr. Doxey (who kept saying, "Oh, you're doing so well John!" while John was thrashing about and screaming at him), we went to parent-teacher conferences for John. We missed the true conference day on Thursday because we were in Flagstaff with the Mullins (pictures below). This was a blessing though because it gave us a longer conference time with Ms. Martin (teacher) and Ms. Jenny (school speech therapist).

There are two developmental preschool rooms at Apache Elementary; between the two doors is a big sign that says "Developmental Preschool: WE ARE SPECIAL." As in, Special Ed. For some reason Billy and I laugh so hard at this sign whenever we are at his classroom. I know, not very sensitive--or politically correct for that matter. But considering my son is one of the special kids, I don't feel too bad. It's better to laugh than to feel bad, right?

Anyway, we were glad to hear about "John's private life" (that's what we sometimes call preschool around here) from two of the people who interact with him the most in that world. They said that John's verbal efforts have skyrocketed and that he is requesting songs for those formerly troublesome group-sings. But alas, sharing is still a major issue. We think this is because he (incorrectly) feels that taking a toy from another child is a way to initiate play, though I'm sure the toy snatching is often for less noble reasons, too. All in all, he's doing well at school and his teachers and therapist seem to genuinely enjoy having John in the classroom. And I must admit that I'm always glad to see him get on that school bus. Maybe sometimes I'm too glad, but let's just say that everyone around here benefits from developmental preschool. 

And now, the pictures from our snow day in Flagstaff:

Arizona in the winter...

...means playing outside,

and smores in the backyard...

and, today, enjoying an unusual day of rain. The summer is coming, and I'm trying to soak up the good weather while we have it. (-:

P.S. yes, another Honeycutt babe is on the way! Due to arrive on (or before!) August 25ish. I'm feeling ok, mostly tired from being pregnant and having two active kids who are always getting into something (tonight: silently watching the soymilk pour out of the carton onto the carpet while, of course, my back is turned for one moment). We're excited to be adding a "small baby" to the mix--while praying even more for energy and patience!

John and Hava's bedtime prayer:

Thank you God

for this day

for our food

and our play

for Daddy,

Mommy,

John,

Hava,

and small baby.

Amen.

or, as John says it:

tank tu od

for day

for food

for play

Daddy,

Mommy,

[J]ohn,

baby Hava,

small baby,

Amen.