Overcoming Opposition

The second Sunday in July I had the opportunity to teach a lesson in Young Womens on overcoming opposition.  I cannot tell you how much I needed this lesson.  It could not have come at a more perfect time.  We all have opposition in our lives.  No one experiences the same opposition in the same way.  Everyone's circumstances are different.

I am especially grateful for the internet in preparing my lessons.  They have suggestions for additional talks that I can pull quotes from (generally much more recent than the quotes from the manual which is older than the girls are).  The website referenced a talk from this past General Conference.  This quote was exactly wheat I needed to hear that week.

Paul V. Johnson, "More Than Conquerors through Him That Loves Us", Apr. 2011 general conference. "At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what’s right. Some obedient Saints may ask, "Why me? I’m trying to be good! Why is the Lord allowing this to happen?" The furnace of affliction helps purify even the very best of Saints by burning away the dross in their lives and leaving behind pure gold. Even very rich ore needs refining to remove impurities. Being good is not enough. We want to become like the Savior, who learned as He suffered "pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind."

It is so true.  My hardships are specifically for me so I can grow and learn in the areas that are important to me, or where my weaknesses are - so they can become strengths.  The Lords knows me, he knows what I need to become the best I can be, to be worthy to live with Him again, and have my family with me for eternity.

I've been saving this post for almost 2 months.  This morning the Sacrament Meeting talks were on adversity.  Today I had prepared a lesson on Scripture Study for the Young Women, and then I was reminded that on the 4th Sunday the Laurels and I get to attend the Relief Society class.  Sis. W* taught from the General Conference Talk by Elder Uchtdorf "Waiting On the Road to Damascus".  That lesson was really what I needed to hear today. 

I've been contemplating what has happened over the last two months.  It is on the forefront of my thoughts as I have had 4 of my friends have babies this week, and as I prepare to see my two new little nephews, and my sister who is expecting a little boy in December.  I was supposed to be adding to the cousins in February, but that is not longer the case.  For a brief couple of weeks four of us sisters were pregnant at the same time.  This is my third miscarriage, but honestly it's the one I've had the hardest time with. 

I feel like I have been waiting for so long.  I have tried to be patient, and I nearly didn't believe I was pregnant.  Aaron and I were so excited that we even bought bunk beds for Amy's room.  I distinctly remember not feeling nauseous anymore, not feeling so tired that I needed to take a nap.  I even told Aaron, that I didn't feel like I was pregnant, and only the verification test at the OB's office was my proof.  I few days later I realized why I was feeling that way.  I was so distraught.  I didn't do the "why me?" thing, because I thought I knew.  I felt that I lost the baby because God didn't trust me with it.  I think it would have taken me a lot longer to recover if I hadn't need to prepare that lesson on overcoming opposition.  Aaron asked me what my lesson was on, and I cried I went through it with him.  We had some wonderful conversations that week, and I'm glad that I voiced my thoughts, concerns, and doubts.  Aaron was the perfect husband, and helped me through it all.  I could see this had affected him deeply.  It took me a few days to realize I was being selfish by not considering how this would affect him as well, I was only thinking of me.  I'm so grateful he was there for me, and in turn that I could be there for him.

The lesson today was about not waiting for divine intervention to tell you what to do with your life.  Do what you know is right and you will receive inspiration along the way.  I feel like the last two months I have just been waiting for things to happen rather than me taking the initiative and doing things.  I've let myself get wrapped up in my garden, but I put other things on hold namely exercise.  I haven't gained any weight through this whole thing, but I haven't lost the weight I set out to lose last December.  So I guess I need to stop waiting and get back to a good routine.  I don't know why I felt the need to share this today, but I've been thinking about ever since church this morning.

This Week

Tuesday Aaron stopped by a Greek cafe on his way back from fishing.  He bought some (pricey) baklava.  We ate it for dessert on Wednesday night - so rich so delicious.  I need to learn how to make that.

Tuesday afternoon I actually hired a babysitter to go visiting teaching.  I figured Amy was asleep and it wouldn't be very long.  It was worth it to not be interrupted.

Wednesday morning I made pancakes for breakfast.  Amy wanted to help mix.  She really wanted to use these beaters that Aaron found at a garage sale.  (Please ignore the messy kitchen in the background)

Wednesday morning I decided to go pick some peaches.  While I was visiting teaching the day before I learned that I could glean peaches from an orchard nearby.  So I took the kids and we went out there.  There weren't a lot there, and they were still pretty hard - either that or soft and bruised.  But they were free.  So we filled up several bags.  I felt bad that I had to toss most of the ones that Amy and Timothy picked.  But David and I got some good ones.  I made a peach crisp with some of the softer ones, just cutting out the bruised parts.  And I froze more of the softer ones.  The rest I am trying to ripe downstairs.  I hope it works I'd love to can some.  Pears should be next, and then Elberta peaches.

I made more zucchini bread today, and some peach jam.  I might have enough tomatoes to can, and then peaches. 

Amy and I have been playing a lot in the play room.  On my second trip to Value Village I found some Lincoln Logs, and we've been having fun with those.  Amy also loves puzzles right now.  It's fun to see her put the pieces in the right place.  It's also helping her recognize more letters.  It's another hot day, I think we might go swimming after the kids get home.  Maybe I should figure out what we are having for dinner first.

First Day of School 2011

Today the boys went back to school.  Both were pretty excited. 

David the big 4th grader at a new school

 Timothy getting ready for 2nd grade

My goal was to be out the door 10 minutes before David had to be there.  We were running a little late, so I only got single shots of the boys.  David wouldn't wait for Timothy, and had already gotten in the van, it would have taken too long to get him back out of the van to get the two of them together, so this was the best I got.

On the road heading to school

They both had a great first day.  I was a little worried about David.  He's been a little stressed, enough that he's had two canker sores.  I'm not sure if the stress brought them on, or just made them worse.  He's been complaining about them the last few days, especially when he eats.  I was worried it would interfere with his concentration at school.  I ended up sending cough drops with him.  It seemed to do the trick.  The bus was about 20 minutes later than usual, but I'm sure it was just all the new riders getting used to where they should go.  They boys are enjoying having more friends to ride home with since The D* family is moving in up the road.   I hope tomorrow goes just as smoothly.

Ready For More Garden Pictures?

A green pepper from last Friday

We harvested our second set of corn last Saturday

While I was trying to get on top of the zucchini I seem to have neglected my green beans. 

We harvested a bunch the other day.

One morning's harvest  of tomatoes

I have too many zucchinis laying around - Aaron took some to the hospital this morning

Some peas from my random second set of peas.

one huge carrot! (it was growing in the peas)

We finally harvested David's cabbage.  It was falling apart.  The top was splitting.  So we took a picture and weighed it.  It's not likely to win.  It was only about 25 lbs.  Brittany's was 40. 

These are all the lovely tomatoes that are ripening in my windowsill.

I am finding the tomatoes hiding in all sorts of places.  I feel like I have to be a contortionist to reach them all.  We are definitely spacing them further apart next year.  Along with the 2 dozen I've got in my fridge I hope soon I'll enough to process a batch of quart sized jars.

Other garden info without pictures:  We lost our rhubarb to something.  Who knows what.  I hope it comes back next year.  We found tons of huge aphids on the pumpkins.  We sprayed them.  I hope it works. Last week Aaron pulled the tomatoes up with rope so they weren't knocking over the onions and peppers.  Of course they are growing out into the pasture through the fence and are covering up my compost pile.  I had to dig a new one today.

Summer is Coming to an End

As I am hearing of my friends across the country sending their kids back to school I'm thinking "When's my turn?"  I'm just kidding.  Really I'm thinking "Man time flies. What happened to all the projects I was going to do with my kids?  What happened to finding fun parks, and working on Cub Scouts, and getting Timothy to practice his handwriting?"  The kids go back to school on Thursday and Open House (meet the Teacher) was tonight!!  A couple weeks ago I registered them for school.  Timothy will have Mrs. A*, she is new to teaching at the elementary school, although David said she subbed for his class last year, and he thought she was good.  She has been teaching for 9 years, but just subbing the last two years until a position opened here.  David has Mrs. I*.  She seems really nice.  The only downside is that she is expecting twins in the next few months, so he will have a permanent sub for part of the year.  I really hope that works out.  We'll just keep on top of it, and make sure David is getting what he needs.  David is a little nervous about going to the Intermediate School now.  As I walked past some of the other students I realized that he'll be going to school with girls (and guys too I guess) that will be turning 12.  Yikes!  I forgot to take pictures tonight, so hopefully I'll remember to take on on Thursday!

What else have we been up to?  Swimming, taking care of the garden, shopping in the city.  Last Monday I went to Value Village, mostly to find some shoes for Timothy.  He goes through them so quickly.  I'd much rather pay $5 for them if they are only going to last 6 months.  I also found some great boots for me, and a couple of skirts.  I found a few things for the kids as well.  After I got everything home I found that the skirt wasn't the same size as the tag, and the boots were two different sizes!  They don't allow returns, but they do have a 7 day exchange policy.  So we went back yesterday.  Lots of boots, not my size, but I did find some white sandals in my size! I've been looking for some for a while.

Last week I was sad to hear my friend Abby was moving.  She'll still be in the same stake, but at least 30 minutes away.  I'm excited for her though, she's been waiting a long time to be in a more permanent situation.  Friday David wanted to invite Lauren (her daughter) over before they left.  There were several reasons 1) she had been gone all summer, 2) he caught some frogs about a week ago and wanted to show her (she has several), and 3) pretty soon school will be starting and she'll be too far away for mid week play dates.  So we had fun with Lauren on Friday morning.  She even got to swim with us and stay for lunch.  We'll miss seeing the R* family often.  Hopefully we'll get together occasionally. 

 Two frogs have been added since this picture was taken

Aaron has had one of the toughest weeks.  On his day off on Tuesday we mowed the lawn and went up to the city.  He also stopped by Value Village (I hadn't told him that I needed to return things), and found a bowl for the frogs so we don't have to keep them in an ice cream bucket.  After that the went a little crazy.  He had some very busy clinic days.  Instead of being on call of Wednesday he was on call Thursday, and then through the weekend - That's 4 days of being on call.  Normally weekend calls aren't that bad, but Aaron was very busy.  He had to go in late at night a few times, and usually Saturdays he goes in for rounds, and is home by lunch time.  This time he got home at 1:45, and had to leave again around 3:00.  He didn't get home until 9:00.  At least the kids got to see him.  Sunday morning was fine, he went in early and made it church with about 5 minutes to spare.  He was able to give his talk on Faith.  I'd say Br. D* had a lot of faith to ask Aaron to give a talk while he was on call.  He got several pages during the last hour of church and ended up going straight to the hospital before coming home.  He didn't get home until about 5:00.  He thought he might have to go in again, but he didn't, however he did have to make a few phone calls, and it was another late night.  Monday morning (yesterday) he was sleeping in a bit, and got a page.  He was out the door in less than 5 minutes.  I think it was the first time he needed to speed to get to the hospital.   He told me if a cop had tried to pull him over he would have flashed his badge and let the police follow him to the hospital, he was not stopping.  Now that I think about it I think there is only one stop light between here and the hospital.  Today he is enjoying his day off fishing with Br D*.

As for me I am having a blast harvesting from the garden, and finding new ways to use up all the produce.  I've made fresh salsa twice.

The only items not from my garden were the garlic, and the spices.  I've made a lot of things with zucchini.  I've used two green peppers so far, and I'm getting a lot of tomatoes now.  This morning I found 5 completely ripe ones that had been hiding from me.  I bought grapes a week ago, and the kids were so busy eating those they weren't eating the strawberries and raspberries, so I've been freezing them.  Those will be great in the winter, or in a smoothie!  I mentioned the apricots I bought, but I didn't mention what I did with them.  I made some apricot jam, some strawberry apricot jam, and dried some - a little too much.  they are a little crunchy :(  We froze the rest for smoothies in the future.

Last Tuesday was our monthly enrichment meeting.  I always enjoy those.  I love learning new things, and even if I didn't learn anything new I still get to socialize with some great ladies.  This month's focus was on food:  French cooking - now I have some great quiche recipes, freezer meals - lots of ideas floating around in my head now, and table presentation and dinner conversation - maybe it wouldn't hurt to put some decorations on the table.  Aaron and I had a lot of fun at the High Priest Group Social.  It was a simple get to know you night with some yummy desserts and finger food.  I made a vegetable focaccia bread.  Using my recipe and adding zucchini, tomatoes and onions on top inspired by this recipe.

We heard some awesome stories that range from sweet to heartbreaking, from inspiring to gut busting hilarious.  It was great to be among a great group of people even if we were the youngest couple there.  We were the only ones who had to hire a babysitter.  Among the couples that still had children at home, the youngest was 15.

Amy hasn't been taking naps as consistently has she has in the past.  I'd say about 2 or 3 days a week she doesn't take a nap.  Even closing the door doesn't work.  She has no interest in using the toilet until it's nap time, and she has a messy diaper.  When Amy is tired she can be destructive, and really whiny.  One evening while I was trying to get dinner ready she dumped the remaining 1/4 cup of dish washing soap.  The next day we had to get the brakes replaced on the van.  It was taking a really long time.  The boys were occupied by a movie, but Amy was completely bored.  She didn't want any of the snacks.  all she wanted to do was jump on (and off) the couches, climb on my legs, and try to knock my book out of my hand.  Then she had a messy diaper.  I changed it, and less than five minutes later she pooped again.  The problem is I ran out of diapers.  I knew the van would be done soon, however I needed to run by a store (to get more dish soap) on the way home, and I was concerned that she would fall asleep on the way home.  I was able to get Amy to finish on the toilet, and then we just went sans diaper.  Luckily she did just fine until we got home, and I got a diaper on her before nap time - she did take one that day.   

Now I am pretty much caught up although I skipped a bunch of boring stuff.   I'm really hoping to volunteer a bit more in the classrooms this year.  Now I just have to find someone willing to watch Amy for me every week!  I will gladly trade babysitting - any takers?

Ripening

Even being gone only 30 hours we had a lot to harvest when we got back from camping last Saturday. 

We had a lot of zucchini

another cucumber and some tomatoes

and our first corn!!!

If you remember way back in May I told you that Amy pulled out my tomato and pepper plants.I didn't know if any of them would survive, and I also didn't know if they were tomato plants or pepper plants.  I also replanted some of the pepper plants after some of them died.    I had no idea which pepper plants were from seed and which plants we had bought from the store.  Until last Saturday.

I didn't buy any jalapeño plants, so these were from seed!

The green peppers are getting ready to harvest as well.

Another jalapeño plant! I found four in all.

the cantaloupe is finally looking like a cantaloupe

And when we got in the pool we realized that these "weeds" that were growing in the planter boxes were actually petunias!

Status Updates I Neglected to Post

I haven't posted much on Facebook lately, other than pictures of the garden.  But there are a few funny and fun things I thought about posting and never got around to it.

This afternoon - "Amy just told me I needed a punishoot."  David and I were playing Yahtzee.  Amy kept climbing on my legs.  I repeatedly asked her to stop.  I had just finished writing my score and she jumped on my legs without warning.  Her face landed on my pencil, and scratched her pretty good.  She got mad and thought I did it on purpose.  She thought I needed a punishoot (punishment).

Wednesday Aug 17 9:00 pm -  "Why do I bother to buy bed for the kids if they just sleep on the floor?"  All three kids fell asleep on the floor that evening.

Wednesday Aug 17 7:00 pm - "who knew that grinding apricot pits in the garbage disposal would fix it?"
On Monday our garbage disposal was making funny sounds.  It sounded like something metal was down there, but I couldn't feel anything, and with a flashlight we couldn't see anything either.  So we figured it was broken.  We called In-Sink-Erator on Tuesday to see if we could figure out how old it was, maybe there was a warranty.  However it was determined it was 8 years old, we resigned that we would have to purchase a new one.  Then the customer service rep asked more about the noise.  He suggested that there might be something stuck, and it just needs to be dislodged.  He asked if we had some chicken bones or something similar we could grind up.  Aaron said we had apricot pits.  The guy told us to try it.  We finally did Wednesday night, and low and behold it worked.  How about that?

Wednesday August 18 7:00 am - "I'm feeling a little old.  My youngest brother just started his first day of his senior year (I was 16 when he was born), and my youngest sister (I was 8 when she was born) now has the same number of kids that I do!"  Lots of exciting things happening in my family!

I'm sure there are many more things I've forgotten, but that will do for now.

Camp Z

We planned to go camping on the weekend of the 12th. We didn't get reservations because we weren't sure where we wanted to go.  We had thought about going back to Takhalakh Lake like we did last year, but it's quite a drive for one night, and we had heard there was a lot of construction on the pass.  The other deterrent was that Aaron's schedule changed.  He was supposed to have Friday the 12th off, but then there were a couple of family emergencies for his coworkers, so Aaron ended up on call Thursday night until Friday at noon. 

In the end we decided to go to Camp Z.  It's a church owned camp not too far away.  We called up and reserved a tent site (the cabins were taken), and then packed up and headed out.  Amy fell asleep within minutes of leaving, and then Aaron stopped by an outdoor store for fishing stuff.  She woke up even though everyone was being really quiet.  So much for a decent nap for her.  So we started up a movie, and continued our drive.  Timothy's motion sickness was fine until the last 5 minutes of the drive literally!  Oh well.

After checking in we went down to the lake and went out on the canoes.  Aaron and the boys (and the fishing gear) went in one,

and I took Amy out in another.  I wasn't sure how she would like it, and I wasn't sure if she would sit still and keep her balance, so we didn't stay out for long.

After Amy and I came back she was content to stand on the shore and throw rocks and pine cones into the water.

She also chased a few chipmunks (which she still calls chickmunks).

Then Aaron and the boys came back.  

Then we picked out our campsite and set up camp.  Unfortunately I forgot to pack the tarp.  It's usually in the camping storage bin, but we took it out for the family reunion since we wouldn't need it.  We just had to be really careful about rocks and sticks when we set up the tent.  After we unloaded the van Aaron went up to get firewood, which apparently is free for our stake since we provide people to cut the firewood for the summer.  The kids liked the swings and seesaw that were nearby.  There was also a ropes course and a volleyball court.

Then it was time to build a fire for dinner.  We just did a simple hot dog and chips dinner.  Timothy and I hung out by the fire while Aaron, David and Amy went to fish.  While they were gone I noticed that the large pole next to our campsite had a huge light on the top (like a street light).  So much for watching for meteors.  I was worried for a bit when I couldn't find the marshmallows (David packed them). But David found them when they got back.  We added some more fuel to the fire and eventually roasted some marshmallows and had s'mores.

Timothy enjoyed it

David was trying to start a fire with wood, he didn't want his picture taken.

Timothy really wanted to make a silly face.

Amy wanted to share my s'more.

It was a little gooey

I think David just liked setting the marshmallows on fire.

Then we decided to let the fire die down and get everyone ready for bed.  With an almost full moon we wouldn't have seen many meteors anyway.  It was close to 9:30 when the kids were finally out.  

Amy woke a couple of times in the night, and eventually she ended up on the mattress with Aaron and me.  Aaron left early in the morning to go fishing.  I actually went back to sleep (with a pillow over my head for darkness), and didn't wake up until almost 7:30!  Then I went out to get a fire going.  David was impressed that I actually started a fire.  Aaron usually does that, and I had failed the evening before.  Once the fire was going we had some breakfast: sausage, cereal, cantaloupe and hot chocolate.  Aaron came back around 8:45.  After he ate some breakfast he wanted to take David out on the canoe to fish.  Amy was not happy that they were going to go fishing without her.

That was her mad pouting face (with fishing pole in hand)

For a while Amy and Timothy played at the little playground and by the rope swing.  I was cleaning up after breakfast when I notice several chipmunks that didn't seem to care that I was very close.   They ate up the Trix cereal, and the pretzels that the kids had dropped on the ground.  They must be used to people.  One of them was a really fat chipmunk.

While I was watching the chipmunks I decided to call my brother Mike, since I had missed his birthday they day before.  I can't believe he's 22 now!    The only place I have his number is on the computer and the home phone.  Since I didn't have either with me I called my Mom for his number.  I was glad I did because when she went to look up his number she saw a text from my little sister Becca who was headed to the hospital to have baby #3!!!  So I got to talk to Mike who got the same text (I rarely text - just to Aaron mostly).  We had a great chat.

After breakfast was cleaned up and the fire was out we went to find David and Aaron on the canoe. 

They were on their way back to shore.

However no fish were caught.  So we headed back to camp to put the tent away etc.  Then we had some lunch.  Once everything was put away we headed down to the dock to fish.  There was another family there fishing, and we had a fun time.  I'm sure Aaron would have had better luck if he didn't have to keep setting hooks for the boys.  Amy was content  to sit on the rocks with me and watch the chipmunks and the caterpillar that wandered by.  It was getting late so we headed home.  Amy was so exhausted that she threw a fit about going back to the van because she hadn't caught a fish yet.  I had to carry her under my arm with her kicking and screaming because I had a fishing pole in the other hand.  I was very frustrated with her, even though I should have realized it was just because she was tired.  I was able to calm down, even though Amy wasn't, and then I as I was getting her strapped into her carseat (forcibly) she bit me.  Now she has bit me playfully before, and through my clothes, but this was right on my arm, and it HURT!!!  I was so ready to go home.  I was so glad that she fell asleep with in minutes of leaving the campground.  Timothy fell asleep as well, so David occupied himself in the back and Aaron and I got to talk.

We had hoped to buy some produce on the way home.  The first place I stopped had apricots for a good price, so I bought them - yum!!!

Unfortunately stopping woke Amy up and she was not happy.  Then as we got back on the road we drove past another fruit stand with peaches for an even better price, but we already had the apricots so we didn't stop.  The price had dropped $3 since we drove up on Friday!  Oh well, I think we might be able to get peaches here somewhere closer.   We also stopped by Fred Meyer on the way back since we had a Friends and Family coupon that gave some great discounts on a lot of things.  First up was some new shoes for Timothy.  The shoes we got him in the Spring were shot, and he needed new ones desperately.  We got a lot of things at great prices, but I don't want to bore you with the details.

We got home around 5:30, unloaded and eventually had dinner, and got ready for bed.  It was a great weekend!  I'm not sure we'll get to do anymore camping this year, but we'll see. 

Since We've Been Back

I haven't posted much about what we've done since the reunion.  We've played games, gone swimming a lot, gone to the library, read, watched movies, played outside in the beautiful weather.  We've had dinner with friends, invited friends over for dinner.  Oh we did go on a camping trip, but that's for another post. 

One day Amy decided to wear David's shoes.  She thought she was so funny.

Timothy attempted to splash me and the camera.

Amy and I were having fun with shampoo in the bathtub

Lately Amy has wanted to sing her nap time and bed time songs.  Last week I got it on video.  It's about 2 minutes long, but pretty cute.



This one is Amy after she woke up from her nap.  David was trying to make her laugh.  She ended up with a forced laugh that was funny because it wasn't real.

The garden has been growing a lot as well.   We got our first cucumber.  Aaron ate it as soon as he picked it, so I didn't get a picture. 

However I did get a picture of our second cucumber.  Since then we've had three more.  Aaron loves to soak them in water and vinegar, then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Yum!

 We are getting more and more raspberries and strawberries.

The golden raspberries we have been picking recently are huge compared to the ones we had for the last 6 weeks.  Look at the difference in size!  I'm excited to see how many more we'll have next year.  Perhaps enough to make some jam.  Right now we pick a bowl full in the morning, and they are gone by mid day.  I also have to pick in the afternoon or we'll lose 6 or 7 to bugs or birds.

New Things in the Garden

I never did post the picture of all the huge zucchini we picked when we got home from the reunion.  Here are most of them.

Our first ripe tomato picked on the 31st

I took these pictures on August 1st

I finally have some peppers growing!

Look at that cantaloupe

corn!

Look at all that corn!

One of the 20 pumpkins that are growing

The tomatoes plants are huge!

More corn!

Our first sunflower is about to bloom!

Strawberries to pick everyday.

Contrast this to the pictures I took on the 4th.

 Finally blooming

 Can you see it among the corn?

And I took more pictures on Monday the 8th.

David's cabbage is huge, but I'm worried about all the holes.  Will it survive until September?

 Another sunflower has bloomed.

Lots of corn too!

The roses are still blooming

The tomatoes are taking over!

Green pepper getting bigger

The cantaloupes keep growing

This is our second cucumber growing!

The corn is almost read to pick - another week or so.

After our peas up a died on us we suddenly got some new growth, and more peas are coming, and they taste better than the first set.  I even found some peas plants coming up by the carrots.

Our potato plants were looking kind of sad as well, but the potatoes looked fine so we kept them in.  Now there is some green growth coming up!  They are looking better.

One of the many pumpkins

The biggest one is bigger than a basketball already!

The pumpkins have taken over the field below the garden.  I was almost in the road to get this shot of all of them.