Earth Day 2010

Logan standing near the blueberry plant he picked out.

Yesterday was the Plant Sale at Alex's school.  It was a way for the school to raise a little money, but also encourage people to celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree--or even just a little flower.  They sent a flier home a few weeks ago with a list of plants they would be selling along with prices.  Logan was VERY excited about the strawberry plants they were selling.  I told him we would get one and then let Alex pick out a plant as well.  I had made plans to take the boys to Alex's school plant sale when I received the flier so yesterday morning I got some cash just for this event.  When it came time to go to the sale I couldn't find the cash. I looked everywhere I could think cash might be and found myself growing increasingly grumpy.  I told the boys to go to the playroom, turn on the TV, and find something to watch for a little while so I could look for the money.  Alex said, "Aren't we going to the plant sale at my school?"  I said, "Yes, if I can find the money, otherwise we won't be going."  They acted like big boys about it but I could tell they were disappointed about possibly not getting to go to the plant sale.  I dumped the contents of my purse onto the table and dug through it, but didn't find the cash.  I looked in the car, my pockets, everywhere I could think of and never found it.  I eventually got some more cash and went to the plant sale--with two happy little boys.  By the time we got to the school most of the plants had been sold.  Logan walked up to the woman who seemed to be in charge of the sale and said, "Strawberries?"  She said, "I'm sorry, honey, they're all gone."  Logan's shoulders drooped, his head lowered, and that little "I think I might cry" frown appeared on his face. So, I said, "Why don't you guys each pick a flower that we can take home and plant."  Alex started looking at all the flowers and Logan just stood there.  "I don't want a flower," he said, "I want strawberry plants."  I got down on his level and said, "Pick a flower that you can help me plant and then we'll go somewhere else and see if we can find a strawberry plant for you."  He perked up some and began looking at the flowers with Alex.  After the boys picked their flowers we paid and then hopped back in the car.  We went to a nursery and walked through the many plants they had there.  We came to a section that was full of blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry plants.  They were planted in large tin cans that were covered in pretty pictures of berries.  Logan said, "What are these plants, mommy?"  I told him what each one was and a huge smile covered his face.  "Blueberries!  Blueberries!"  he announced loudly.  I said, "You want a blueberry plant?"  He said, "Yes!"  So, we got a blueberry plant and I let Alex pick out a plant.  Logan was so excited about his blueberry plant that he asked to hold it in the car.  It was funny because the plant is so tall that he couldn't see as we drove down the road--he smiled the entire way as he held his plant. After dinner we went outside and planted the flowers and plants we had purchased.  This morning we had the back door opened--letting the cool breeze blow through the house.  Logan stood at the back door and looked at the plants and flowers. He finally turned to me and said, "Mom, can I go out there and see if my blueberry plant is okay today?"  It was so sweet that I couldn't refuse. He checked on his plant and then he and Caison played outside for a little while. 

Today is Earth Day and in honor of Earth Day the boys wore the shirts they made. We watched the men stop in front of our house and take our recycled goods, Logan noticed a piece of trash in the yard and ran to pick it up.  At least the things we have been trying to teach them are making an impact--now if we can just get them to turn lights off we'll be doing well.  Little steps by little feet, though.  We're very proud of them!  

Today, we made a fun dessert for Earth Day.  We baked some brownies and then put some pudding in bowls, topped with broken brownie pieces (to look like dirt) and topped it off with gummy worms.  The boys loved it!  It was fun to make and they each finished theirs off.  

It's been a fun day!