FARMER

Gardening is in my blood. You see that guy on top of this hot house in the picture below? That's my Grandpa--he's 80 years old and built this new hothouse. I'm sure when I'm 80 I'll be packing up my stuff and pulling the handle on my lazy boy, not preparing to make more seedlings to plant.. This next photo is my mom. The guy on the roof raised this lady. You can see in the distance behind her corn, her own hot house she built by herself.

As a kid, my mom and all her siblings were responsible for a huge garden a mile from their home. I don't know who owned the land, but they let my grandparents garden on it. They all grew up working in the garden. My grandpa always says:
"I have 9 kids and their all boys except the last 8."

So all these girls had to physically labor and toil growing up. I don't know if the garden is what made most of them tomboys, or the fact my Grandpa planned to have 9 kids to have a complete baseball team, and the fact that they were mostly girls didn't change the plan. But most of my aunts are also big gardeners and it's a big topic on that side of the family.

Anyway, this is me. Recently, perfectly posed with some tomatoes in my hand. Notice I'm even smiling? Don't I look like I enjoy gardening?

Well I do...now.

But I didn't growing up. It's just recently that I've accepted my farmer/ gardening heritage and appreciate it.

My mom lives on 1 acre. About 1/2 the acre is set aside for the garden. That is huge. The back chunk is the mini orchard, but the rest of it is for the rows.

As you can see behind me, we live across the street from a field--which is a big cow pasture. But we're not in the sticks completely. We live on a main road in our little town. So here is the story. As we were required to "slave" in the garden growing up, we all hated it. My mom would always tell us we'd appreciate it when we were older, we need to learn how to work, etc. Or I remember an aunt saying one day there will be a famine and people will be tearing up their lawns to plant gardens to survive, and I'll know how to garden already or something. But as a kid and teen, like I cared about gardening. Just buy the stinking tomato from the store. Why toil all summer when you can buy one without bugs or anything???

Each day all summer for a few years, we had to "pick rocks". Our land has tons of rocks. So we had to fill two huge buckets of rocks everyday and dump them in the park strip. We all had different strategy. Some would sit in one spot, and just pick up all the rocks in the vicinity to fill it up and get it done. Others, would wander aimlessly over the half acre looking for really big rocks to fill up the bucket, because obviously you need fewer big rocks to fill a bucket. Anyway, we loathe the rock picking.

This photo is me when I'm 12, which is about when this next story took place. I don't know if you remember being 12, but all the sudden you become aware of your image, care about what people thing of you, right? Well looking at this photo, it probably doesn't look like that has hit yet, with the slicked hair and grubbiness overall, but despite that, I was self conscious.

I chose this picture because in my memory I was wearing those pink shorts.

Heather, my older sister and I had to weed the corn. The corn at this point was between 1-2 feet high and the rows were perpendicular to the street. So here I am, on all fours, pulling out these weeds in July. I remember sweat dripping into my eyes. It was hot, I was sweaty, and I hated all of this. As I worked along the rows, rather than walk back and start the next row, so I was working toward the street, I'd just turn and head up the next one. What I'm saying is, half the time, my butt was facing this busy street as I'm pulling out weeds on my hand and knees. Not really thinking about this or caring, as we were working, with my butt to the street, someone drove by with rap music blaring, honked and yelled at my butt. I obviously couldn't see who it was, but it had to be a teenager, yelling at our butts in the garden. I was mortified!!!

I knew I couldn't get out of finishing the job, so I went into a savage mania of ripping out the weeds. I probably looked like a lunatic crawling along, ripping out morning glory in a rage, red faced, sweaty, and when I'm mad I flare my nostrils REALLY BIG. Kind of like a skeletor hippo going crazy in the corn or something. I hated that we had to do the work, but hated even worse, the set up of having to work with an audience my whole life.

But look at me now. Now I'm grown up, I see the economy and logic behind having a garden, and the self sufficiency it can provide. I used to be so embarrassed of people seeing me work as a farmer girl, but now I'm proud of being from a farmer family.

The old guy at the top of the post was raised on a farm, and that is how they survived through the Great Depression as kids and it is a way of life. Recently that side of my family made a DVD of each of my Grandpa's siblings documenting their memories of their parents, my great-grandparents. One thing that was interesting is how my great-grandma gave each kid their own little plot of land for their garden. It was theirs. They chose what they wanted to grow, and they were responsible to take care of it. So no wonder, it all got passed down, but I thought this was such a good idea.

When I have older kids, and more importantly, hopefully a house of our own. I think I'll try to pass on the gardening passion and have my own kids have their personal gardens. To teach them responsibility and to learn how to do it. I know they'll probably let their plants die or something, but I'd rather have a little garden die--then I won't have to allow them to have a pet to try to teach them responsibilty. But maybe they'll feel ownership and get excited about having their own little plants to nourish, and will enjoy it. Probably not. They'll probably hate it like I did, but when they're old they'll eat their words and be grateful I made them garden all those years.

I'm actually glad I've had the opportunity to live with my parents for these pas two years, because I have a lot to learn. I realized all those days with my butt in the air in the garden, I didn't learn the whole process, just completed the required task and got the heck out of there, kind of missing the whole point of learning how to garden. So I'm glad I've had this second chance. And now I've had the chance to weed in the same rows, in front of the same busy street, with an even bigger butt in the air this time around, and it's been a good summer and a good harvest. So thanks to Great-Grandma Pheobe, Grandpa Herschel, and Mama Sheila. You were all right. I do appreciate gardening some day.

But thank goodness the frost is almost here to wrap it up here with fall.

My Exercise Update...Not That You Really Care

Well things have been going pretty well considering, last Monday I couldn't run 1/4 mile, and then, what I did run, made me gasping, sputtering for air, and looking completely pathetic. In fact, I felt sick-ish the rest of that day. I thought how exercise was to help you feel good and energized, and my little stunt that morning left me feeling pretty weird and yucky.

But thanks to everyone's comments and tips, I have stuck with it. My favorite was probably Jayne who said: "If you hate running, don't do it." and to choose something else. Wise. But I think I hate it because I've never got over the initial pathetic stage.

So I'm trying to use every one's advice and I've been following this beginners running schedule. It's pretty slow, taking 2 months to jog 30 minutes straight, but I think I need such baby steps. For example, this week I'd jog 1 min. then walk 1 min. for a total of 30 minutes. Pretty weak sauce for real runners, but this was easy enough I did it every day the schedule told me to, but I'm so out of shape, even this made me push myself. I don't think I've kept my heart rate up for 30 minutes for over 6 years. So this is going good. Oddly enough, the friend, Jessica G. that commented this running schedule, also was the person that sold me her jogging stroller. We did a trade/buy before we moved from Kirksville. At the time as I discussed purchasing the stroller, Rhett kind of smirked. I asked what was that? And he pointing out that since he's known me, I've jogged 3 times. So I explained I may jog with it, or just use it for off-roading walks or something. So it may be a year later, but I'm glad I have it, because RJ likes coming along when I go, and it doesn't give me an excuse not to go since I don't need a babysitter.

So thanks to everyone, and look out Rhett's gut! And I can't imagine anyone as pathetically out of shape as myself, but if anyone is, you might want to try that schedule too. Then tell me about it so I can be motivated by you, since I have a history of exercise failure. I did like in the short article before the schedule it said running up to the first 2 miles will always be the hardest two miles in your life. These may be the only 2 miles of my life, but I'd like to at least achieve that.

I Told You He Is My Son

I think he has my eyes, hair, and gap in the teeth...the rest is still his dad.

Stalker WINNERS!

First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone who entered. I had a number in my mind and if I didn't get that many, I was going to kill the blog. So we all saved this blog, THANKS. I was right, I pretty much knew everyone, so for those that don't want to be considered a stalker, you're not. So here are the winners. I wish I had time to give everyone something, and I'm not just saying that. But I have 4 winners. PRIZE #1

RANDOM.ORG DECIDED COMMENT #8 WINS THE GRAND PRIZE.

So AMBER O. come on down! You can email me with whatever you want, maybe check out the project blog to give you ideas if you don't already know, http://www.projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/

PRIZE #2

FIRST TO COME OUT OF THE STALKER CLOSET: Nashelle!

Because you were first to comment, you get to choose a toddler tote from the etsy shop! Maybe your little girl could love a new little purse?

PRIZE #3

FAVORITE TRUE STALKER: Katie! who said: "I too blog stock. I have no idea how i even found your blog. I went to school with rhett. (he used to sign his name Rhett crapo VP) I still laugh a little at it. I love all of your crafts and you have THE BEST stories. :)"

Katie had to win something, because I am the same way with a lot of blogs I follow, so I had to reward her for stalking this blog! Plus a bonus funny note about Rhett to tease him about too!

I hope she has kids, knows kids, or wants kids, because Katie wins this Alligator Toddler Backpack!

PRIZE #4

FUNNIEST COMMENT:

Marianne who said "2 words. Cancer check."

I busted up laughing because the memory associated with this from Jr. High. For some weird reason, as all of our little bodies started going into puberty, and your chest hurts as the nubs start to grow, we would all punch each other in the chest and yell "Cancer check!" I am embarrassed to relate how immature and crude we were at 12 and 13. Marianne had a slumber party at her house when this all started and I have this vivid memory of this pair of twins, they were really fair complexion, almost albino in my mind, running down the hall towards me screaming and holding their chest, (which had nothing). So funny.

So it made me laugh hard enough you deserve something Marianne, but I don't know what. I'm thinking maybe a lunch kit which has jr. high memories on its own too. But you don't really need one, and you teach 5th grade right? So your kids are too young to be useful at work. Hmmm. I'll think of something, I actually have my green, lime, and black windsock from sewing we made as "Rebels", I could give you that! Not that you'd want it. I'll think of something, but let me know if you have a suggestion.

So winners email me your shipping address: jessica.crapo@gmail.com, and your choice if you have one. I'll throw a comment on all of your blogs, but Katie has a private blog, so I can't stalk you back so you'll have to come stalking again to claim your gator.

A Little Embarrassed

It's been a couple hours, and my freak out has worn off from winning the little recipe thing. But I did rush out and get highlights in my hair. That was actually sort of planned. My sister is in hair school and needed someone to come to pass off a weave tonight. No one could go, so my mom and I told her one of us would be there. I had told my mom to go, but I was in freak mode and so I told her I have a photo shoot--I better get some highlights. She kind of looked at me like: OK, for the photo shoot, by all means. She's nice not to just laugh in my face at my ridiculous behavior. What a freak and wannabe diva! I think I would be a good drama candidate for America's Next Top Model. Maybe I could get a side job writing their "reality" scripts.

So it was all a whirlwind afternoon and I was sitting there as Heather was weaving my rat hair, and I told her about the recipe and how I am so dreading having my picture with the recipe. She was like: "what do you care? First of all, it's probably just a head shot in a tiny corner and they'll take a picture of the cinnamon roll. Second of all, I've lived in Utah County all my life and I've never heard of this magazine, so not many people will even see it. So why are you so worried about it?" Hmmm. True.

I guess my life is so pathetic, I did treat this as if I was going to the Academy Awards or something. So she talked me down from the trees, and I realize this really isn't a big deal. So I'm a little embarrassed at my over reaction. Sorry. I'm sure a lot of you weren't surprised at my pure lameness. But I think I may still reward myself with a new shirt or something to wear for it, not that you'll be able to see it in the tiny corner or anything.

IN YOUR FACE SAA COOKING CLUB!

I won a recipe contest! Are you as shocked as I am???

I can't believe it. I guess I better explain the title to this post.

I've been cooking since I was little, my Mom was always good at involving us in her cooking. All the girls in my family got Bosch mixers for Christmas when I was a senior in high school, so when I got married, I felt I knew how to cook. Or if I wasn't very good at it, I wasn't intimidated by cooking. So I got married, two years later, we move to Kirksville when Rhett started med-school. Tons of wives of med students around, not much to do in Kirksville, so they have these clubs for the SAA (wife association). One club I was interested in, was Cooking Club. They'd have one once a month and give a theme. Everyone would bring something, then you just eat and chat, and at the end, they would vote to the best recipe and you'd win a spatula or something. Some times I tried harder than others to win, but man, there was some stiff competition. Those ladies had some mean recipes. But the two that I really tried to win that spatula, was October 06 and February 08. Yes, I tried hard enough I remember. But I didn't win either occasion. Feb. I made cream puffs, and even drizzled raspberry dark chocolate on some of them, but alas, the domestic goddess (Katherine) won again! Because she deserved it of course--homemade truffle balls buried in homemade raspberry ice cream, ya, I voted for her. Anyway, living in Kirksville opened my eyes to the fact that I am not a great cook, just average. I think that's why I'm so excited to have won this little recipe contest now. The recipe I won is actually the recipe at the October cooking club, but I improved it a lot between then and now I guess.

So, it's not that huge of a contest, I am one of four winners for Utah Valley Magazine, a local magazine for our county. I win a gift certificate to a nice restaurant in Provo. It will be in their Nov/Dec issue. The contest was for holiday desserts. I read the email and ran down stairs screaming, and it was great because my mom was home and Lynette was over. We were all shocked. So I came up to finish reading the email and the awful part is, they are presenting the recipe with you holding your dessert. I have two weeks and have a 15 min photo shoot with my pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

SO I HAVE TO HAVE MY PHOTO IN THE MAGAZINE. Barf. I am kind of in panic mode. I immediately thought: I need a makeover! Once people see the troll behind the roll they won't want to try it...oh man. I need to call Natalie and have her pick out an outfit for me and tell me how to do my hair...if only she were here to twease my eyebrows right, I lost the stencils she gave me. Oh no. My hair. I need highlights to get rid of the rat color. SOMEONE GET ME A GIRDLE!!!

Then I realized the smart solution would be to have one of my beautiful friends go and hold my pumpkin cinnamon roll for me. So any volunteers please email: jessica.crapo@gmail.com I will have to warn you, they will call you Jessica Crap...o during that time, just do what I do and say "it's actually pronounced crap face, they must have forgotten the smiley face in that "o" at the end on your paper."

But just in case no one volunteers to go, I actually probably will be calling people for suggestions. What do you wear to stand behind a pumpkin cinnamon roll? Do I try to match my dessert? Lynette and I were laughing about the possibility of actually "being" the pumpkin. Make an orange bubble skirt for the pumpkin, then wear a green top so my abdomen can be the stem. I'm thinking business casual or something...but I really don't know what that means. Maybe something I would wear to a fancy Christmas party? I need help.

One More Day-ish

I have decided to close off the friend and or stalker thing Thurs some time. So for those that may have thought about it but haven't made a comment, you have pretty good odds. Right now I'm planning 4 winners, so come on...it's worth it. COME OUT!

But not on this post, scroll down.

I Exercised Today

First off, friends, acquaintances, stalkers, if you are reading this and haven't entered the giveaway, scroll down and leave a comment. It will be open until Thursday.

But I exercised today. I can't remember the last time I exercised. I know for sure I haven't since RJ's been alive, so that's the last 17 months. I know I never exercised while pregnant, and I can't really remember exercising in Kirksville. Wait. I did go on a bike ride the spring of 2007 solely to exercise. So 3 years. I'm coming out with my unhealthful laziness.

I don't like exercising. I enjoy active things--hiking, playing tennis, swimming, running around for night games with kids, etc. But to run just to run? Maybe you already know this, since I laid on the beach while all the other girls jogged along the skyline.

But in any case, I need to exercise. I know that. I just don't care enough I guess to do something I hate. In the past, in high school after I quit dancing, I was really concerned I'd gain a bunch of weight since I wasn't dancing 3-4 hours a day any longer. So I joined the track team, and ended up being a jumper, which requires about 15 steps. I did get better at running during that season, but I don't think I ever ran over 2 miles. Anyway, that was probably the time in my life other than dance when I exercised regularly. I even didn't eat junk, well, as much junk. So all the effort, and nothing happened. So I got too busy and got softer around the edges, but still looked the same pretty much.

I think it has to do with being tall or something. I'm not really thin, just average. But if I work really hard to lose 5-10 pounds no one notices, heck, I barely notice. Where if you're really short, 5-10 pounds makes a big difference. So my weight fluctuates, but it's pretty much the same as when I was trying to exercise all the time as the rest of these 8 years when I've done nothing.

So I'm hoping to be better about exercising, because I could trim up. I have cellulite. I have jiggly parts. I wouldn't mind running up the stairs and not notice my bum jiggle the whole way. So I'm not really setting a weight goal to help motivate me, because I'm pretty sure I'd never reach it, just hoping to tone up a bit.

But also, Rhett and I made a deal. We've realized neither of us care enough about our own physique to do anything about it. We're comfy in our bodies. But I'm sure my heart is a little weakling...actually, I know it's a weakling because I jogged this morning and it was racing before I got to the neighbor's lawn. I think my heart and lungs kind of freaked out, after all, they've been slugging around for about a decade. But anyway, we have decided if one of us exercises, the other has too--because we'll work out for the other person. So Rhett is responsible for my bum and thighs, and I'm responsible for his gut. I think this might be more effective motivation.

But then again it is only day one. But I think I stink at running. I never run long enough for my legs to get tired, I always feel I have to stop for breath. So maybe it's a mental thing, where I'm thinking "I can't breathe, I can't breathe" maybe real runners are comfortable at that slow pace and are looking at the trees or thinking about what to make for dinner. So basically here's my cry for help: I want tips from everyone who runs. Obviously, I'm out of shape and probably have zero lung capacity. But I need help or advice if I'm going to keep this up, because it was really hard. I was so pathetic, I probably jogged 1/8 a mile and had to walk, ran 1/10 and walked, then wogged (half walk, half jogged) home, sputtering and spitting and my lungs were burning. Kids were riding their bikes to Jr. High this morning and I was thinking how glad I was to be done with Jr. High because I'd probably have a heart attack trying to run the FUN RUN.

Stalkers (and Friends) Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are

I'm going to give away something to people. I am a blog stalker. I hate leaving comments. It has to be something really big for me to leave a comment. I guess I never have anything great to say. I check blogs daily. Google reader makes it so convenient. I check my email, then my friends blogs, family, sewing, cooking, SAA, rhett's friends, and I have a category on there titled "Stalker List".

So there you have it. I think most people blog stalk, but to reward those that stalk this blog.

1. I won't think anything of it. I won't think you're creepy, or question why you're looking at my blog, think how random are you, etc. I stalk, I know you stalk. So enter to win something like a normal person.

2. I think I'll let the winner choose what they want within reason. I'll make it for them. Here's a bunch of things I've made, to give you ideas of what you could choose/ design:

A lot of stuff for kids. But what if you don't have kids, don't want kids, and don't know kids?

Maybe this stuff:

If you're not a girl, or if you just don't want some handmade crafty junk:

Everyone likes cookies and I could air pack and ship them.

But if you look at this blog and none of this is appealing, then I'm sorry...maybe I have a book or something you might want? A pack of gum?

3. RULES: Leave a comment. It doesn't have to say anything, because I hate leaving comments myself. Maybe type something: jkljkj-- gibberish at least. For extra points, you could say how you found this, through which friend of yours you stalk, that might be interesting, but not required. Maybe I'll have a bonus gift for the person that I think has the most random stalk chain to have found me.

**But I guess if you have a private blog I can't send a comment back to say you won, so you'll have to leave your email address. Or stalk back to see if you win because I'll post it on here if I can't get a hold of the winner.

That's all. I guess with these things I have random.org pick a winner. The lucky winner can then choose whatever they want from my etsy store stuff or anything from my project blog or whatever. It doesn't have to be these things, these are just ideas. We'll work out all the details of your colors, cookies, project, etc. That part will be fun. Then I'll ship it to you. Because lets face it, we don't actually want to see the people from high school or friends of friends that we stalk. That's why we stalk so we can keep in touch without communicating at all right? So you won't have to see me, don't worry. And if we're friends, not many of you live near enough to see me anyway.

Because I kind of expect to know most people, according to statcounter.com I don't have many people look at this thing, and most I recognize anyway. So let it begin. I don't know how long to have this go though....I'll have to get back with you on that.

He Clicked Submit

Remember Rhett didn't know what he was going to be when he grew up?

Well he clicked submit and applied to residency. Family practice, rural emphasis. That decision has been such a killer. For 1 1/2 months he was physically ill with the weight of it all. It's amazing what stress can do to you physiologically. But once he decided Radiology was out that relieved a lot of stress and from my perspective, he coasted gradually into this area where it all feels right. I think he was really trying to love Radiology because I was pretty vocal about how great it would be, plus I love it myself that's why I went into it. I should have known to keep quiet, knowing Rhett would try to do whatever I wanted, even though he might hate it. So I'm glad God is involved in these things to tell Rhett where he should go and to tell me to shut up basically. We were both kind of regretting next putting so much research into Pediatrics. More for Rhett, but I did fill out his spreadsheet ranking 60 different programs. So if anyone has any questions on M.D. Pediatric Residency Programs, Rhett and his spreadsheets would be an excellent source.

It's so interesting the process of making major life changing decisions and seeing where God funnels you to be. We feel good about it. Every area has pros and cons. I think most common opinions about Family Practice focuses on the cons. It's so funny to hear different people's reactions when we tell them Rhett's future course.
My favorite so far: "Don't you realize you're going to be poor your whole life?" I guess we have different definitions of being poor. I would love to be that poor right now.
And news flash: If Rhett chose his career based solely on getting rich, he'd be an idiot because there are much faster, easier, and less demanding routes then medical school if that's your only priority. But to be fair, money is a great temptation, probably one of my top 5 perks for Radiology, but maybe that is why I had the experience to work at Home Depot the first 6 months we lived in Kirksville.

Anyone who knew me during those months knows how much I loathed that job--I was pretty vocal about it. Some days I would just go sit in my car on my lunch break and bawl for a while, dry my eyes and realize how pathetic I was, think of starving kids in Africa, or illegal immigrants begging for jobs, put my mental "big girl panties" on and went back to work, listening to white trash yell at me all day (customer service). But how I hated it. So I had the chance to get a different job in the hospital working worse hours, for less pay, and it was AWESOME! So blah blah blah. It's much more important to have a job you enjoy and have fulfillment in than the money. Everyone knows this, but it's surprising not everyone makes choices based on this. Just thinking of anyone going to work and feeling the same way I felt about Home Depot, I don't think the millions help that much...don't get me wrong. It would definitely help you get through the day. But you could be happier elsewhere, with less. So those that love their job and make all the millions, please become my friend and take me on your yacht when we all grow up...Natalie, Jayne, the rest of you who know who you are, hint hint.
With all of this, I'm not trying to portray as our career decision taking the higher road or anything superior, just our road is good for us so people stop telling us why you think it is bad for you! Maybe I'll just make copies of Rhett's elaborate spreadsheets, have them on hand, and give them a copy with all the stats and end the conversation. Like slapping someone with silence...or a spreadsheet.

I burned my Home Depot apron when I quit. That was really satisfying.

Reviewing this post, I kind of sound whiny and as if I'm dragging my feet behind this decision, or Rhett's decision. If that's what it portrays, I'm not. I'm excited and also feel this is right for our family. As I contemplated deleting everything I wrote, I decide: No one really reads this blog anyway, so I don't care. My mom already knows all this. As one person put it earlier this year: "Do you thrive on not getting any comments?" Was this a tip to blog suicide Jessica? Give the dying dog the bullet? I have considered it. Maybe my next post will evaluate why I blog at all. Hmmm. Maybe I need to create a great giveaway to pull any blog stalkers out of the closet and show themselves. But that may depressing when I whip open my imagined closet to find no one. Maybe I should do a giveaway. Those that do read should have pretty good odds to win. So if you read all this personal crap I've written, comment on what you want me to give away. I could make something, or whatever. Maybe the giveaway should be I have to make you whatever you want when you win. But all this is a totally different matter. I didn't want all that to sound like a blog whine....but I guess...it is?

Someone get me some cheese to help sop up all my whine tonight.

Farmer's Market

"First rule in roadside beet sales: the most attractive beets on top. The ones that make you pull the car over and go: wow, I need this beet right now..... those are the money beets."

-Dwight K. Schrute-

We're taking Dwight's advice as we have too much produce from my mom's gianormous garden and are sharing her gardening creations with those that would like some fresh, organic food. The main draw are the raspberries, which we are selling for $3.00/lb, a smoking deal considering they are fresh of the vine and less expensive than Costco or grocery stores on sale. I have to wait for the dew to dry before I pick them, and then it takes about 2 hours, so they are usually ready in the near afternoon. We are averaging 15lb per picking, and people have been buying like 10 lb at a time, so they sell out each afternoon. We are on a strict picking schedule: MONDAYS & THURSDAYS.

So if you are near and want to make some jam, or freeze them, raspberries will be available on Mondays and Thursdays through the end of the harvest. Or tell your Mom if she's in my area too. Mom's are always looking for a good deal and like to make jam right?

Email me to find Kelly Farm: jessica.crapo@gmail.com

Also available right now:

***All this produce you'll pick fresh out of the garden. If you've never eaten a tomato that's warm from the sun on the vine, come over!

-beets, 4 beets/ $1 (I wasn't making the dwight connection for nothing)

-green bell peppers 3/$1

-anaheim peppers 2/$1

-cucumbers 3/$1

-tomatoes Roma: $.50/lb Slicing: $.75/lb

-parsley, handful for $0.25

We're trying to make the prices less expensive then stores, because fresh out of a garden sometimes isn't perfect. But it is organic....for those who are into that. No pesticides, if that's how you define organic.
Next month we'll have PUMPKINS!

Rhett in Belize

Rhett is in Belize for the next month on a medical rotation. If you want to read about it, here is his blog: http://rhett-belizemission2009.blogspot.com/

At first it was a disapointment, they wouldn't let him do anything this week, mon-thurs. Then Friday rolled around and they put him in charge of the hospital and said see you Monday, if anything is over your head call this other Dr.

He delivered a baby today and had some patients with the flu, broken arm, etc.

The first night is the funniest to me, so scroll down if you want entertainment more than medical experience.

Rhett hopes international medical missions will be a big part of our family. Take a "vacation" with our older kids and go serve in under served areas once he's a real doctor. Help the people and show our kids they should be grateful they have a toilet and to stop complaining they can't have a touch ipod. Hopefully those future opportunities will work out, and lucky for Rhett I enjoy camping, although after he describes the scorpion/crab spider and rats running around his head and hissing from the jungle, maybe I won't be such a great asset on his future medical missions.

photo from his Dominican Republic medical mission in undergrad in 2005

Goblins

Saturday we were able to play in the goblins. We played Ghost in the Graveyard, which is pretty much Hide & Seek. It was fun and crazy. The boys would hide on their turn up in the rocks so you'd climb up and they'd jump down on top of you almost. Then you'd run around screaming because you're lost in the goblins and can't find base, then you're it because you are old and out of shape and an easy target.

the hike

In the morning we had planned to go on a short hike in the narrows. Kyle had the stomach flu so RJ and I stayed at the camp with him while Rhett took the rest of the kids on the hike. They all loved it and told us how fun it was.

Rhett said at one point they took off their shoes to cross some deeper water and Macey said: "I just don't know what this will do to my pedicure." She's really cute and funny and told the boys she is a total girly girl and isn't very good at hiking--even though she likes it. I was glad she came so I wasn't the only girl.