Thankful

I live a pretty sweet life for all my complaining. I have a home that keeps my family safe, protected from the elements, allows for personal space and family space, and fits within our budget. I have a husband that is generous, thoughtful, and kind. He is a playful father and compassionate. He is a kind husband that rarely denies me anything. My children are healthy, intelligent, funny, and creative. I have extended family that loves and cares for my family and me. I have a few relatives I know I could call if I ever needed anything. My husband has a job that provides for our family's needs and many of our wants. Although my husband doesn't like his job most days he excels at his work and goes in day after day, year after year and does it to provide for our family. His job has been steady and generally accommodating. I have my own personal laptop, TV, books, yarn, fabric and sewing machines. I have plenty of clothes and personal items to make me feel good and comfortable.

Overall, it's a pretty blessed life. I am thankful.

Making gardening and healthy eating fun

In an effort to spice up our eating and make it interesting for the kids (as well as save a bit on the budget) we are gardening this year. I've always heard that kids enjoy eating foods that they grow themselves plus we all know that fresh from the garden food tastes better and is healthier too.

I've got a few kinds of tomatoes, some heirloom lettuce, picking cukes, zucchini and herbs as well as our second year strawberries just waiting to go in the ground.

I also got some interesting things that I think the kids will enjoy which we will plant later this summer for Fall harvest.

I got a package of mixed colored carrots and purple broccoli. While it will be months before we taste these beauties I'm excited about trying them!




The kids have enjoyed getting down and dirty in the plot and I hope the positive energy stays with them through the season.

The whole gardening experience is new for me. It's hard work and we have a lot left to do but the anticipation keeps me going!

Mom has come and gone

Her visit brought lots of fun for us all (and 11 skeins of yarn for me). The kids loved having their grandmother here to play and cuddle with as well as to have another adult that can make them breakfast at the crack of dawn. I loved having her here for company as well as having a live in laundress and dishwasher. I actually got to make a few nice meals this week. And as a highlight, I got to go to dinner alone with my husband!

Hope your flight home is easy, Mom. We'll miss you!

What's on your list today?

Luckily, and thankfully to Darbie, there are a few things crossed off those lists.




















However, this little one is slowing me down considerably.

If it doesn't all get done, it doesn't all get done. It's not even close to the worst thing in the world. I'll just do what I can do and be satisfied with that.

The cutest thing ever

She chased it all over the living room.

My bedroom

I know it's not really decorated and I'm cool with that. I'm happy with clean.

It's bad, huh? Two large baskets of clean clothes to be hung and put away (they've been ignored since we moved), 1 large basket worth of dirty clothes to be washed, various items on the floor, 2 boxes of bathroom stuff to be unpacked, and sheets to be changed as well as winter blankets that needed switching for summer weight.

Much better.

What did you do this weekend?

We....


went to the coast


watched seals play and bask


which was fine as long as Ivy was held (Shawn also squinted a lot because he didn't wear his contacts.)


tested the waters


drew lines in the sand


let the ocean know who's boss


and flashed some people.

We also got some delightful drinks at a little place called Pirate Coffee Company in Depoe Bay. They roast their own beans there and have a great selection and some really unique selections. We insist that you try it.

On this day meant for honoring mothers

my heart goes out to the mothers who aren't mothers yet, who were mothers for too short of a time, to those who's mother has passed, and to those who's mother was never really there. May your heart heal. May you feel loved and appreciated.

She's so right

Natalie hit it on the nose.



Bring by the sunny yet cool days!