Earth Day 2011

Sometimes we try out new things only to discover that while it is fun trying something new, the reality is that the one try is enough. Other times we try out new things and we say to ourselves, why have we not been doing this all along. Such was the case for Alpacas at West Ranch and the CEC's Earth Day celebration. It was an absolute match made in heaven. We showed up on Saturday morning (after many, many emails back and forth with the wonderful Christa Backson of the CEC) with our portable pen, three adorable young males, products to sell, worms and composted "pellets", lots of really pertinent information and a hopeful attitude. One hour into the event, we knew we had made the right decision. Two days and probably 4,000 - 5,000 people later, we were certain (tired, but certain) we had made the right decision to attend this wonderful celebration. We met wonderful people who asked great questions about the animals. We were so pleased at the general respect for the animals and their space. The boys did not want to be touched, handled, etc. and people really seemed to understand. We were invited to give a 1/2 hour presentation about the animals and all the people who listened really seemed to enjoy learning more about the animals. It was great for West Ranch and great for the alpacas in general.

Knitting for all ages

An amazing thing has happened in the Jessup household. I am the proud mother of four children, 3 girls and 1 boy. Ben is the youngest of the 4 by six years and luckily a wonderfully independent young man who loves his sisters but is definitely not ruled by them. He is an athletic boy who currently plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse. He is involved in some type of sports every afternoon after school and when not participating on a team, he is usually shooting baskets outside, jumping on the trampoline or skateboarding in the driveway.

Recently, his 5th grade class has learned to knit as part of their community service project and their art class. The children are learning to make "beanies" for the preemies born at the local hospital.

Ben has found that he LOVES to knit. In fact, as I write this, he is watching a movie and knitting. He likes it so much that on a recent outing for a family dinner, Ben brought along his knitting and quite happily pulled it out as he was waiting for his dinner to arrive. Later that evening, as I went upstairs to say goodnight, I found him sitting in the middle of his bed knitting. His comment to me was, "Mom, I really like knitting. It calms me down so much. Mom, I think I will knit every night before I go to bed!"

He enjoys it so much, he now has his school project and his home project. The school project, a beanie made from alpaca, will be worn by some lucky baby some time in the near future. The home project is a scarf that I have now learned is for his mother (me!) and he is very, very proud of it!

I can't begin to tell you how happy this makes me!