One Tomato

Well, we are about to harvest

exactly one third

of our tomato crop.

I don't know what happened.  Several people suggested maybe bad soil.  Or I just don't know how to container garden.  Anything's possible I guess.  The summer after I graduated from JMU I grew some beautiful tomatoes at my parents' house.  Could it be I had a little more time on my hands?  Or that now the ol' green thumb is turning brown?  

We're hoping to put in a garden next spring.  Hopefully we'll get a little more from it!

Healthy Choices

 Trying to help us all make healthier choices during the day.  Though it isn't rocket science, I decided to have a plate of fruits and veggies all prepared so when we're hungry, there's a quick and healthy alternative.  So far so good!

Eleven Years

That day eleven years ago was perfect.  Blue sky, warm.  My wedding day.  I was so excited.  Who isn't when they are about to get married??  The dress, the flowers, the friends and family.  The GROOM!  We all scurried about, getting ready.  Maybe fifteen minutes before the ceremony was about to begin, someone came in and said it was like a monsoon outside.  I didn't believe them but when I looked outside, I saw black clouds, wind, and pouring rain.  I didn't love that but oh well.  I was getting married anyway.  And we did.  Despite the rain- which was actually a wonderful thing since we were in a drought that summer.  An Irish blessing someone said.
I guess that is typical of marriage, isn't it?  Some perfect blue sky days and others where the rain pours and the wind rages.  But I tell you, I wouldn't trade a minute of it.  God has definitely had some surprises for us and taken us places I never would have even thought of.  He has been faithful to us and will continue to be.
He surely gave me such a treasure in Brian. 

A Few Pictures

Some recent summer shots of the kids

Sweet Dreams

My sweet baby girl rested her head on my shoulder.  She had a full tummy and her jammies on.  I held her for a minute then started up the stairs.  Still, she rested.  I thought to myself how much I love to hold a baby, especially a relaxed one, especially mine.  I wondered if she were asleep so I looked in the mirror.  No.  Blue eyes wide open.  So I held her.  We swayed by her crib, slowly, silently.  I do not ever want to forget what that feels like.  One day there won't be any babies around here anymore.  I kind of cringe at that thought.  Beautiful, growing children but no little tiny ones to hold.  I love how her whole body can cuddle in my arms, her sweet breath on my neck.  Her little hands resting on my shoulders.  So peaceful. 
I look again.  She's sleeping now.  I hold her a little longer then reluctantly lay her down.  Sweet dreams little one.

New Trick

I am figuring this out!  I have seen other people do these collages/mosaics and am just now trying my hand at it.  You will probably be seeing a lot more of these!!  What a fun way to enjoy pictures!  By the way, Jack took all these photos.

Special Treat

With Brian being gone this week, it has been nice to have some diversions in our day.  Our good friend, another Kayla, came over one evening with bags full of treats for the kids (and us) to make ice cream sundaes.   Have you eaten one of Paula Deen's gooey butter cakes?  She brought a chocolate one among other things and it was OH so good!
You know, I appreciate it so much when someone else takes interest in my children.  The ice cream was great, but the biggest treat was Kayla spending the evening with us.  She played with the kids, talked about what she did when she was a kid, broke up tiffs, cleaned up chocolate faces, etc...  Nothing like good friends.