Just Be

Fruit

2012-01-26T17:50:00.000-06:00

I am off to San Francisco next week, so I will get some low angle pictures there. So I skip ahead to today where they ask for fruit, which I take to also mean veggies. ENJOY.

A higher up angle

2012-01-23T22:15:00.000-06:00

Philadelphia

Simply

2012-01-20T19:09:00.000-06:00

I saw this photo and article on yahoo and I thought it was so simply beautiful. I had never heard the story of this couple and am now so ever grateful for them, having endured so much for love.

Photo by Grey Villet

Green

2012-01-09T19:43:00.000-06:00

Double Whammy Post--what I wore today and an appreciation for fabulous marketing

2012-01-07T18:03:00.000-06:00

So to start this year on the right foot, literally, I bought a pair of Tom's Shoes. One for the charitable part and two, because recently at the airport I saw an older woman wearing them and they looked so comfortable. They are amazingly comfortable!!! I got the navy pair because navy goes with everything. They look pretty rad with jeans and being as we have had no snow, I have actually been trucking around with no socks on.

So not only are the shoes great, check out the amazing packaging. Tom's does a fantastic job marketing their products and stories. I highly recommend them to all of you looking to make a charitable contribution.

Day 2 Post

2012-01-07T09:23:00.000-06:00

So I am currently wearing pajamas and not really in the mood to show them for the DAY 2 PHOTO of WHAT YOU ARE WEARING so I will skip ahead to clouds, for which I have many photos:

New Year (okay, I am a tad bit behind)

2012-01-04T18:37:00.001-06:00

So in my spare time, rather than blogging, I have been on Pinterest.....wholly cripes....I am totally addicted. I showed Josh how he can remove a stripped out screw and even he was okay with my addiction. Well, I found this lovely project to inspire me. Okay, so the thing is that I might not get this done in exactly 30 days, but I will take a stab at it.

Courtesy of White Peach Photo

So here you are, Day 1, Self Portrait

Oh and our card for the year

2011-12-27T21:25:00.000-06:00

Some of you I don't have new addresses for.....

Peace on Earth

2011-12-27T21:21:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of a girl delighted in the fact that she just gave her brother a mohawk. The look of satisfaction.

Gumball ornaments they invented on their own.

Stole from Jesi

2011-12-23T20:10:00.000-06:00

Jesi got this from www.intenders.com

It is just perfect for the New Year....cheers.

New Years Goals

2011-12-23T17:23:00.000-06:00

If you write them down, they are more legitimate :)

First off, write more, blog more......

OH wait...lets go to last year's list and see if I even accomplished anything.

1)Spend more times outdoors exploring....camping...swimming...stargazing....more boat/river trips...more bonfires...more gardening. Yes I did!! We shall continue to do it.....
2)I want the kids to see the world....appreciate the beauty of this planet and of its people. I want them to see wild animals in the wild....not just in a zoo. I want to hear Mason say "Mom that is preeeetttyyyyy..." (in that ever so cute Macy Macy voice of his.) Maybe a little, but really we should be doing it more.
Proposed trips (and saving accordingly for them): (NOPE NOPE NOPE......as tears of sorrow well up. It just wasn't in the cards this year.)a)Family trip in the Caribbean on a catamaran.
b)Family trip to Hawaii
c)Montana State Parks trip
d)Family road trip to Florida for some beach time (Kendall and I have talked about this endlessly).
e)Pacific Northwest trip (to visit Auntie Lauren/Kyle/Tami/Mike and our friends who are opening a winery there).
f)Visit Auntie Noonie when she moves to the farm.
g)Family river trip down the Colorado
h)Family hiking trip down Havasupai

(PS you wanna come?? Say the word...)

3)Find an outlet for stress....in January I am starting yoga. More photography...it makes me happy. ****YEAHHHHH I GOT THIS ONE RIGHT THIS YEAR******
4)The tv is off a lot now and I like it. Keep reading, more library visits. I highly enjoyed my visits to the library this year but I still watched tv.
5)Work more on planning meals for my family. Healthy meals. Did pretty good, but still could do better.

NOW FOR 2012......

Well...my goals are going to revolve around five words. WANT NEED WEAR READ SELF

I saw on Facebook someone that for Christmas does one present of each (except SELF) for their kids.

So for WANT goals for 2012:
1)Do more photography. Take a class. Learn more about ISOs and F Stops....learn to use Elements.
2)More fun trips.
3)More fun nights out with the gals.
4)More date nights with the hubby.
5)Get the new house spiffed up.

NEED
1)To eat less junkfood.
2)To work out or do yoga at least one more day a week.
3)To go to bed earlier.
4)Spend less, save more. Use coupons. Be frugal. Use what I already have. Sell unused stuff on eBay or donate to Goodwill.
5)Work with Kendall and Mason more on reading.
6)Simplify. Organize.

READ
1)Read at least one book a month.

WEAR
1)Buy used, sell used, buy less.
2)Sew more??
3)Be happy with what I have.

SELF
1)Be more adventurous. Relaxed. Dance in the kitchen more.
2)Practice yoga more at home.
3)Drink more water.

I love this so immensely....

2011-12-01T22:14:00.002-06:00

Mom regrets

2011-12-01T11:07:00.000-06:00

A friend sent this today and it arrived at the exact moment that I needed to read it.

If I had my children to raise over again...I'd build self-esteem first, house later, I'd finger paint more, and point fingers less, I'd do less correcting, and MORE connecting ,I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes, I'd care to know less, and know to care more, I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play, I'd run through more feilds and gaze at more stars ,I'd be firm less often and affirm MORE often, I'd model less about the love of power and more about the power of LOVE!

We struggle so much with buying and preparing and doing and then before you know it your kids are graduating and you are sending emails like this because you wish you had done more. I DON'T WANT TO BE THAT MOM. I want to feel like we did a lot. I want the kiddos to feel like they touched, saw, ate, experienced so much. I want them to be interviewed by a magazine years from now and when the interviewer asks them what their childhood was like, they will say "It was so amazing. We had the most caring and loving parents. We saw the world."

Which brings me to one of my struggles. In our new house, we have a craft room(Like, how cool is that!!). My issue is that Kendall literally could spend all day in there creating and decorating and the sort, which is a good thing. BUT...she absolutely hates cleaning up after herself and she wastes soooo many materials: paper, glue, tape, you name it..... How do you find the right balance?

My first step in my goal to smother my kids with love is start with this holiday season....every few days doing something fun.

1)Make Gingerbread Houses
2)Go to the Holidazzle Parade
3)Bake cookies
4)Give presents, hats, jackets to the school drive
5)Make some ornaments and decorations

Still Fall?

2011-11-26T18:22:00.000-06:00

It has just been unseasonably warm here. We spent the afternoon picking up trash and plotting where our garden will go for next year. This gave me the opportunity to get some photos of my babes.....well, and one of me.

Thanks...

2011-11-24T09:04:00.000-06:00

Hi. Sorry it has been so long. Two moves in a period of two months takes a lot out of you. I hope to get back on here more in the next few weeks, but with the holidays here and two work trips coming, it might be New Years before I am a regular contributor to the blogger world again. Just in time for me to write my annual New Years Resolution List (oh I just know you are excited...hee hee).

I really logged on to tell you how thankful I am. My day starts off with thanks for the puffy-eyed snuggle bugs that climb in my bed and wrap their arms around my neck. They are what it is all for. They are the best part of my day. They are what I live and breath for.

Next to me in that bed is my husband who works so endlessly hard. He works long days and even nights to support us (so I forgive him for his heavy snoring because I know it is well earned). And then in his small amount of free time he works on the house or cutting wood or canning pickles or changing oil. Oh and I don't know if I have mentioned, but he is a great dad and partner. A true partner, where we work hand in foot. A dad that despite the work he has piled up, lays down with his kids at night to make them feel secure.

I am thankful for healthy kids, and supportive family members. I am grateful that I live in a community that cares about my children's education. I am grateful for a job and excellent bosses that listen to my opinions. I am grateful for our new 10acres of beautiful land where horses graze out my window and deer frolick endlessly about. I am grateful for our friends that helped us move twice, carrying insanely heavy work benches, couches and just plain crap, from house to house to house.

Have a beautiful day. Be in the moment. Don't worry about shopping or saving money or what you are going to make or do....just enjoy.....right now and from this moment forward....just enjoy.

P.S. I posted Part1 of a photo session I did with Ben and Rebecca over on the Sugar Jets Blog.

Sorry.

2011-10-26T22:23:00.001-05:00

Happy Wintum(Autumn/Winter). Well, since the last time I posted, it turned into Fall and now Fall is pretty much over and winter is breathing down our necks. Sorry for the absence, it is harvest time around here and despite my previous posts we are actually moving again because really who doesn't love moving. More pictures to come of the new house if it actually happens. Here is a few pictures of what we have been doing.

Lowry Nature Center Birthday Party...awesome place

Our roving band of turkeys

Strike a pose

Replanting of the herbs, cilantro, rosemary

Add caption

Largest pumpkin, largest carrot

Recent Observations

2011-10-03T18:06:00.000-05:00

1) Kids need to have a sense of adventure and you know what the biggest thing in the way of that? The vacuum that sucks out all of that confidence and fun up? That would be parents. For goodness sakes people, let your kids have fun. And while we are on the topic...if you aren't in the camp of fun/adventurous parents, well, that is fine, BUT it is imperative that you do not teach your children to make fun of those kids that are different or those that maybe like to wear mismatched clothes or that have overactive imaginations. You do not call them "wierd" or "odd". They are kids.

2)What do you think of food additives? Preservatives? Sugar substitutes? New fats? I have just thought about this a lot. I have a friend that has lost 50 pounds and their diet subsists on a lot of this "faux" food, frozen dinners, etc....great they lost all this weight, but they just ate 6 months of highly suspicious foods cooked in plastic containers. Doesn't that just seem, well, unhealthy? Which is better, weight loss or eating real foods?

Ahh..and what would this blog be without some photos of my chickens. Mason and I went on a class trip to the orchard and Dilly at soccer. Glorious fall.....

And so we all went a little nuts.....

2011-09-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

AN

2011-09-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

A. Age: 36
B. Bed size: Hide-a-bed at the moment, but king in about a month (THANK GOODNESS!!)
C. Chore that you hate: Dishes....they never end.
D. Dogs: I wish. Like a weinererimer (sp?) or a dalmation or a dachsund.
E. Essential start to your day: Black coffee.
F. Favorite color: Green
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5’7"
I. Instruments you play: HA!! I like to listen to instruments...that is about as musical as I get.
J. Job title: New Business Development Associate
K. Kids: Yep....two....they are prevalently displayed here on the blog.
L. Live: a suburb of the Minneapolis.
M. Mother’s name: Colleen
N. Nicknames: Beckster, Beckles, Ra-Ra, Reba...and a bunch of terrible nicknames that I don't even want to mention.
O. Overnight hospital stays: For the babies....
P. Pet peeves: People that are phony...like they pretend to be hippies and then throw cigarette butts on the ground....stuff like that.
Q. Quote from a movie: The powerful play goes on and you contribute a verse (Dead Poet's Society)
R. Right or left handed: Right handed.
S. Siblings: Many....4
U. Underwear: Yes.
V. Vegetable you hate: Uhhh....I like them all, I think.
W. What makes you run late:Sleeping in....I am not a good morning person.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Knee and teeth and ankle and arm.....geez I am a klutz.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Homemade mac & cheese....chocolate zucchini cake...cinnamon rolls.
Z. Zoo animal: I go back and forth...I love them, but the you see the movies like "The Cove" and you feel weird about them being caged up.

Pregnancy = Beauty

2011-09-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

I was at a wedding this weekend and at my assigned table was Alyssa (a friend)....who despite her teeny tiny bump is due in 15 days. I grabbed her and we went outside to take some pictures with the Lake Superior background. Doesn't she look super fabulous?

First Day of Kindergarten and other fun facts

2011-09-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

First off....this is Kendall's favorite dance song right now (just don't watch the scantily clad women in the video).

Secondly, her next favorite song is this:

The day started with Dill bouncing out of bed. That never happens. Never ever. Today was a big day. Kindergarten was starting. BUT EVEN BIGGER THAN THAT!!!!.....she was going to become a full fledged RIDER OF THE BUS. Dressed in a flash. Pulled the hair up. Got dressed. Pinned the little card to her shirt that had her name on it (just in case they go AWOL or something). Out the door at 8:10 to wait for the 8:21 arrival of the bus. 8:35 rolls around and I am suspicious. Call the bus depot. The route changed....they don't come down our street now(let's just say it was a miscommunication between the school and the bus depot with a dabble of having moved recently to really goof the whole thing up). Kindergartener in tears. Jump in the car.....don't want to be late for school on the first day. We will try again tomorrow.

First Day of Preschool and Bonus Boy Pictures

2011-09-07T20:07:00.000-05:00

We did a "free cucumber and eggplant" stand. Not too many takers. He sat there for 30 minutes hoping someone would take one. He got a lot of waves. Some honks. I also dig that he likes to wear his hiking boots, sans socks, all the time.

For you madre--I posted this on Facebook

2011-09-06T19:10:00.002-05:00

Becky Turner Sebasky
In tribute to my mom...

Revive Home Economics Classes to Fight Obesity

www.nytimes.com

We remember the stereotypes about home economics, while forgetting the movement’s crucial lessons on healthy eating and cooking.

· · Share · 3 hours ago

Carol Weyrich, Traci Sanchez Runyan and Barbara Rodriguez like this.
- Karis DeMarse I learned many important life skills in your mom's class:)
  3 hours ago · · 1 personLoading...
- Damon Circosta I have a law degree, a bachelors degree, and a high school diploma. I learned more useful knowledge in 7th and 8th grade home economics than anywhere else in my years of school... not AT ALL joking.
  3 hours ago · · 1 personLoading...
- Katie Bailey Very cool...over Christmas last year, I made the Dutch Pancakes she taught us in Home Ec! Must have been 7th or 8th grade. Still yummy!
  2 hours ago ·

Bees

2011-09-05T11:42:00.001-05:00

So the bees have been super happy all summer. Flying in and out. Covered in pollen. Yesterday Josh went in to remove the top box and sadly we found that it didn't have hardly any honey in it (lazy bees).....so we removed it so that they could focus on filling just the bottom box.

Time to Breathe Again

2011-08-31T23:14:00.000-05:00

Here is where we are.....she was built in 1880. She is quirky. Quaint. Small. Needs love. Magical. Lush. Has crooked floors and a small vermin problem. We close the screen doors and hear cicadas, animals, and frogs, all night long. An old horticulturist lived here and it will be evident from the pictures. (sorry the pictures are out of order....not sure how I get them in order on here.)

Yes, you could take a bath in the buff.

Our bee hive.....there are bees flying in an out...just hard to see in the photo.

Raspberry bushes.

Adopted baby red squirrels.

Our only pumpkin.

Tomatillos....so pretty.

Pictures

2011-08-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

I will be honest, I really hate pictures of myself. I really like pictures of other people. I often think that if I could pay someone like Tara Whitney or Krysta Manthe to take my photos, would I actually even like them afterward? In any case, tonight I was going through some old files on my hard drive and I found some old photos that I do like.

well well

2011-08-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

Let's just pretend for a moment that you are on a train. A crazy train. And guess who your conductor is, well, that would be ME!! Yep, I am so on the crazy train right now...this moving has gotten to me a bit (not in the sad, "oh I am going to miss our first house"-sort of way, but more like HOW THE F*CK are we going to get all of this stuff out of our house and in this tiny tiny house way).......but anyways...now for some pretty calming photos....downward facing dog....OMMMMMM.....child's pose.....OMMMMMMM.

Here is our camping trip to Willow River State Park, just a quick jaunt across the bridge into Wisconsin.

I was lost in my mind...

2011-08-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

Monday night. I got tickets courtesy of The Current (thank ya very much!!) and MY MIND WAS LITERALLY BLOW AWAY!!!!! This band, The Head and The Heart were soooooooooooooo good. Like bump of chicken good (that is what the Japanese say for goose bumps). It was the first time they had headlined a show (a sold out show albeit) and it was the last concert of a seven month tour. So they were giddy as all get up. They danced and jigged and sang their hearts out. I have had serious permagrin for the past 3 days thinking about was an amazing group of people they are. Their CD is good but their live performance is surely magical.

Give them a try.

Well, really more is better than less.....

2011-08-04T18:04:00.000-05:00

The Crazy Days of Summer

2011-08-04T18:02:00.000-05:00

Sassy Massey-Female Combine Derby driver and winner

And now they know where their milk comes from.

In The Moment

2011-07-31T21:55:00.001-05:00

On Thursday at yoga, Stephanie was talking about how we need to be in the moment more. Stop worrying about all the details, what you are going to wear to the party, are you going to have fun? And man did it so resonate with me. Last week was my son's birthday and at the last minute, the birthday party got completely flipped upside down. I was so stressed and frantic and frustrated and grumpy and in the end, he had a total blast. SO was it worth all the stress and anxiety...NO. So Friday night, was the complete opposite. I grabbed some margarita mix/tequila limes we had and hiked over to my neighbors and within hours an impromptu neighborhood party began and it was surely a magical night. We laughed endlessly. We shot off fireworks. We each went around a circle and each told the story about how we met our spouse/S.O. and then the story about we got engaged. Did I mention we laughed?

The next day we took the kids out on the boat and swam. My water babies, they love it.....just like me. And then the day ended with the most blood orange sunset. And then more fireworks....a 30 minute display at some private residence. (Did I mention I LOVE fireworks? )

Today, I made pesto. Well, I think I made pesto. I asked the husband to grab basil from the garden and I think he came back with oregano. Oh well, it still turned out pretty good.

Good weekend. Really good weekend.

Random boy jumping on rope swing.

Sunkissed

Turning blonde

Spray

Dill making rope swing jump.

1, 2, 3, 4 tell me could I love you more

2011-07-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

Zero

One

Two

Three

Four

This is my sweet potato boy. He turned four today.

When people say the word beauty, the first thing that pops in my head is my children. I have seen the Grand Canyon and I have been to the Ocean and I have seen amazing art, but nothing has it on the beauty of this boy (and the girl.) He wants so much to be a big boy. He hates showers. Love sweets. Adores his big sister. Loves eating baby carrots from the garden. Builds houses for baby frogs. Cheers "GO GO GO" every time a motorcycle drives by. Has good dance rhythm. And can warm your heart so to the core when we wraps his arms tightly around your(my) neck and then plays with your(my) hair. When he grows up he wants to be a policeman that drives jet skis and in the winter he wants to be a policeman that drives snowmobiles (quite practical if you ask me.) Until then though, I will enjoy this year number five with you my beloved boy. Oh and thanks for letting me take so many pictures and way to go on the cool scooter moves.....love you mama

Unconditional Love

2011-07-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

The power of unconditional love. I mean, there is no power on earth like unconditional love. And I think that if you offered that to your child, I mean, you’re 90 percent of the way home. There may be days when you don’t feel like it — it’s not uncritical love; that’s a different animal — but to know you can always come back, that is huge in life. That takes you a long, long way. And I would say that every parent out there that can extend that to their child at an early age, it’s going to make for a better human being. Author: Warren Buffett

Just a beautiful song

2011-07-12T21:43:00.000-05:00

My Morning Jacket
Wonderful (the way I feel)

Save this song for my funeral party set list. Dave, mom, anyone that reads this....I want this played at my funeral party.

The best part:

With the sun on my shoulder
And the wind in my back
I will never grow older
At least not in my mind

I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
So wonderful, wonderful the way I feel
I feel so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful the way I feel

I'm going where there ain't no fear
I'm going where the spirit is near
I'm going where the living is easy
And the people are kind
A new state of mind

I'm going where there ain't no police
I'm going where there ain't no disease
I'm going where there ain't no need
To escape from what is
Only spirits at ease

Recent observations

2011-07-10T20:02:00.001-05:00

1)I have a ton of cookbooks, in fact, I have three boxes worth. WHY AM I NOT COOKING MORE? No excuses.

2)In all situations, kids + water = happy children.

3)Mexican themed parties are always successful. It must be the tequila?

4)We are going to be eating very creatively the next few weeks as I attempt to get rid some of the stuff we have frozen. Note to self: be sure to label bags/containers with ingredients so you know what you are attempting to eat.

5)Raspberries off the bush, taste the best. Rhubarb pie made from your garden is divine.

6)My sesame is growing well, what am I going to do with it?

7)I rode my bike to the local farmers market Saturday under grey skies...and it felt soooo good.

8)I am overjoyed that my daughter loves spaghetti because I hated it at her age.

9)I am reading Just Kids by Patti Smith about her friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe. Totally fascinating.

10)Fireflies are the best.

So...

2011-07-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

Blessed
Tired
Excited
Overwhelmed
Downright giddy......

First things first. Well, I think my penchant and love for entering contests and sweepstakes is not unknown on this blog. But the deal is, I never ever win. I think it is that sort of "eternal dreamer"-thing I have going on where I actually think that I am going to win a dream vacation or a washer/dryer set or camera or a years worth of laundry detergent.....BUT GUESS WHAT..I won.....I actually friggin won something!!! And it is so COOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.

So Mrs. Emily Rooney custom made this piece of art for me. (she has made two others for me, here and here It is hanging (sitting) in my office right now and it is my mantra. The real quote is a Buddhist quote that I altered slightly to reflect the life I want to lead. I just absolutely love it. I love it so much, that I am probably going to have to decorate a whole room around it ;) Thank you so much Emily!!

As for life, well it is a tad nuts these days. We sold our house and are getting ready to take the plunge and empty out our house. I am thinking about a garage sale, but my inner lazy bum says donate it all. We will see. We will be moving to the little 1 bedroom cabin that sits in our little paradise as we work to either build a house or work to find another house. You are thinking...did she say 1 bedroom cabin?? Yep, 1 bedroom. 1 bedroom with a crooked floors and cottage kitchen. 1 bedroom, 4 people. It is scary and exciting all at the same time.

So I know awhile back I said I was quitting television, well I tried and it didn't work so well and I still ended up watching the trashy housewives. BUT, guess what....three weeks ago, we came home to find that the cable television we had been receiving for free (we weren't pirating it) for 10 years...was cut off......WE WERE CUT OFF COLD. No warning. Nothing. Like cutting a junkie off, I was totally sad at first but now I have found I have no excuse and have been getting more done. I think I will survive....I am not so sure how in the one bedroom cabin over winter, but that is why we have Netflix. All in all, there is a reason the universe doesn't want us watching cable.

Some summer photos.....

Okay, so I know you have just been DYING..

2011-06-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

To know where that ceiling was painted.....DRUMROLL.....Anthropologie. Yep, it is on the ceiling of the flagship Anthropologie store on Rittenhouse square in Philly. Who would have guessed? I bet you thought it was a museum or perhaps a church(those guys kind of look like monks?) A little searching turned up that the store (3-4 stories) with a glorious spiral staircase used to be an old mansion. Pretty cool, I wonder who all those men were.

So I am just thinking and ruminating on an idea....but I really kind of sort of probably most definitely want to start a little side photography business shooting people. I am thinking I might take on some free clients just to get the hang of how it works. No poses or fake stuff. Anyone interested? Dead serious.

And now for a refreshing recipe for summer... I haven't tried it but it sounds delishus(my tribute to Ramona Quimby). Recipe found here.

Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
4 Ears Corn, husk removed, brush with olive oil and lightly grilled, remove corn with sharp knife
1 Avocado’s, diced and sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent browning
1 C. Tomatoes, red and yellow cherry variety or equivalent
1 Small red onion, finely diced
Add to a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cilantro Vinaigrette
6 T. Olive oil
2 T. Sherry vinegar
1 t. Garlic powder
2 T. Fresh cilantro, minced
½ t. Salt
10 Grinds of fresh ground pepper
Whisk together the ingredients. When ready to serve salad, add the dressing and gently toss. Crack open a Corona and enjoy!

summer dessert

2011-06-22T22:25:00.000-05:00

I like a fruit pizza, although rarely have the occasion to eat them. But I saw this picture of individual fruit pizzas and thought....I CAN DO THAT....well haven't yet. but definitely plan to.

Delicious dessert picture straight out of the Less Ordinary Design Blog

Summer Lovin....

2011-06-22T18:12:00.000-05:00

The fact is I hate the song "Summer Lovin". I know it is almost sacreligious to hate "Grease" but I worked at a bar/restaurant for years and every Saturday was karaoke night which meant some collection of hack singers would get up and sing that song at at a minimum, 10 times per night. Either way, I do love summer...as represented by the following photos:

Philadelphia, Summer 2011 Part 3

2011-06-18T16:54:00.000-05:00

Guess where I am painted?


Guess where I am painted?

Philadelphia, Summer 2011 Part 2

2011-06-18T16:31:00.003-05:00

Capogiro, pretty much the best gelato place I have ever been to. I liked it so much I inquired into franchising it into Minnesota. We will see.

Beautiful bus stop.

One of more favorite restaurants.

A view from my hotel.

I just really have a thing for stars.

Center City, the capitol

I love the old architecture.

Mural

Chandelier in the Philly Cupcake

Cupcake display case...a lovely soft pink.

The exterior of Philly Cupcake.

Philadelphia, Summer 2011

2011-06-18T15:59:00.001-05:00

So, here is the low down. I love Philadelphia. I have been going there for years for work and I just love the old buildings, the diverse population, the accent, the food(AMAZING), the shopping, just everything.

My Note from The Universe Today

2011-06-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

At long last, Becky, a 2 point Spiritual Litmus Test to see whether or not any old religious doctrine or modern day "ism" is worthy of celebration:
Does it empower all, without conditions and favoritism?

Is everyone loved, forgiven, and accepted eternally?

Hallelujah!

The Universe

Oh how I love this.

2011-06-15T19:43:00.001-05:00

This was on the door of Philly Cupcakes (I had myself a delicious vanilla/vanilla one....it was evening and the inventory was low...)

MORE PICTURES TO COME

Plush

2011-06-07T10:28:00.000-05:00

Oh yummy light.....

2011-05-31T22:21:00.000-05:00

Busy week....a picture review

2011-05-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

Kendall's graduation from preschool to kindergarten.

The Days of the Week performance


Our sweet girl

Then on to Mason's preschool graduation.

Mason peeking in at the doorway

A small amount of stage fright


Mason with Ms. Anne

And then on to getting that garden in.

My New Summer Cocktail--The Rhodie, otherwise known as the Maple Leaf, otherwise known as Vermontucky Lemonade

2011-05-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

I saw this recipe on Smitten Kitchen and although I have never even tasted bourbon, the fact that I like lemons and that I have freshly made maple syrup available to me was enticing. I also found the recipe below at this website. I think I am going to try it out today.

INGREDIENTS:

2 ounces Bulleit bourbon (or other quality bourbon)
1/2 ounce fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice (see Note)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, or more to taste
2 ounces fresh lemonade

METHOD:

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice.
Add all of the ingredients, secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the contents are frosty and iced cold.
Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a glass and serve immediately.

Giddy Giddy Alert---Swede Lake Farms

2011-05-29T23:28:00.003-05:00

Borrowed from the Swede Lake Farms website

Today, Josh and I went driving in the country with the kids in search of this farm that he had bought some tomato seedlings from last year. We found it. Oh, did we find it. If they had asked for a foster family to move in, we would have accepted (they did offer up internships if anyone is inclined). Even after we drove off, Kendall said she wanted to be a farmer when she grew up. First off, there is just something so amazing and magical about people working so hard on this Earth to do good, get dirty and all the while be surrounded by gorgeous plants and chickens. This place is called Swede Lake Farms (also called Global Garlic). This cute, lush farm is out in Watertown, Minnesota. So we drove up, at first they looked a little suspect at us as we parked. Josh got out and told them why were there and then I hear the backdoor of the truck open and before I could say anything, Dilly is out abounding in her galoshes chasing chickens. Well, then Mason couldn't stand it. So I get out and before you know it. They are letting the kids feed tortillas to the chickens and they are giving me advice on which chickens they like the best. They then showed us their worm casting set up (they call this part of the business Swede Lake Vermiculture and Castings). Worm Castings (aka worm leavings, worm poop, fertilizer), whatever you want to call it. I had never even heard of it. Have you? Basically, you let worms really work the dirt in a small bucket and then you separate the castings, from the dirt that remains and from the worms. And off to work the worms go again. Those castings are so super nutrient. They feel like tiny tiny light pebbles of dirt and they are very dry. You essentially use them as fertilizer or compost. Rumor has it that people are getting 12 foot tomato plants using castings (GOOGLE worm castings and you can see all the things people are doing, reviving ill plants, refreshing bulbs, etc.). Oh and to top it off...it is totally natural and chemical free. You can apply the worm castings directly or you can make a worm castings tea (directions found here.) We bought a bag of it and since we had already planted some seedlings, we did an experiment, where we are applying castings directly to some and not to the others to see how it goes.

So not only are these people experts on worm castings, they are organic farmers. They make and sell seedlings at all three of the local farmer's markets (Mill City, Minneapolis, and Kingfield). Then once they have produce, that also goes to market. Oh but it doesn't stop at that, they are FAMOUS for their garlic. So famous in fact that the New York Times wrote an article about them. UMMMMM...New York Times....you heard that right, we are not fooling around here!!! Here is the article. Oh and that is not all, after the article was published a certain person that is well known in the home decorating camp and who had a small stint in prison because of securities fraud gave them a call. Oh yes M.S. called them and asked them to drive out with their garlic and be on the show and they had to decline. (Like you can just drop the farm for a couple days.)

Then to top it off, as if they weren't cool enough, they let Dilly and Mason go pluck some eggs out of the coop. And they let them keep them. As for our purchases, we purchased two really good canning tomatoes, called Vivas. Some purple cherry tomatoes for flavor. Habanero, lemon peppers (new to me), and some other large tasty sweet pepper(dear me, am I terrible or what at remembering names, plants, people you name it). Oh and some Empowered Earth worm castings. They hope to have a green house some day to sell all their seedlings direct from the farm.

I just wish I had a really popular blog and everyone would go and support these guys. Somehow I am determined to give them business. No farm, no food. Update to come.

From the TOM's website

2011-05-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

‎"Fear less, hope more; whine less, breathe more; eat less, chew more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours." - Swedish proverb

The Boy

2011-05-23T22:57:00.000-05:00

Inclement Weather....

2011-05-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

An Ode to Dirt

2011-05-16T20:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Ole Dirt, how do I love thee? You smell so lovely as the tiller moveth underneath. You are chocolately in color and nutrient rich, and thanks to you our veggies taste delish.

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet."
- James Oppenheim

"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Phase I-Retill the garden. This year we about doubled the length of the garden from about 36 feet to about 68 feet. We did this so that we keep the pumpkins fenced in with all the veggies.

Rose Hill--Spring Abounds

2011-05-13T21:06:00.000-05:00

Day of the Mom

2011-05-09T22:06:00.000-05:00

Well, the reality is.....time is short. A friend was just getting her daughter ready for her senior prom this weekend and was telling me how totally unbelievably hard it has been to finally reason with the idea that her daughter is off to college next year. So in order to make that transition as SMOOTH as possible, I am going to spend as much TIME as possible with my kids for the next 13+ years. Totally and utterly smothering them so that they absolutely can't stand me :) Besides, as of this afternoon, Mason and Dilly will still hold my hand I know that awesomeness is on the endangered species list. As of Saturday, I was still crying at swimming, watching all the little 3-4 year olds tremble with fear on the diving board. As of last night, when I checked on them before I went to bed, I still loved to smell their foreheads, whispering "Please bless and pray and watch over my sweet potatoes and pray that they are always healthy and happy and full of life." So if that means I spend all my blog time uploading pictures of the fun times I had with my kids, well then so be it. That also means that I am going to invest heavily in photobooks (my favorite place is winkflash.com sometimes they have a 60% off sale with unlimited pages. I highly recommend them....I get all my photocards and canvases there and they don't even pay me to tell you that..) Last year, I started this plan that every single year I am going to print one photobook of all the pictures I took of my kids that year (only the really good ones) and meld them together in a photobook. I will then make two copies and some day when they are graduating high school and getting ready to attend Yale University to get a degree in Neuroscience that I will give each of them a set.

I love my camera. Like REALLY love it.

2011-05-06T22:59:00.000-05:00

Those eyelashes are ladykillers.

A Little Brighter and More Dazzling

2011-04-29T23:24:00.000-05:00

The SUN IS OUT!! Let's Rock!!

2011-04-29T15:20:00.001-05:00

Grouplove "Colours'

So much

2011-04-29T09:42:00.000-05:00

We have a lot to discuss here. I have little yellow post its all over of topics I want to discuss, but time has not been on my side lately.

Part#1
First off, I am OBSESSED with this song. I cranked it up in the car last night and then Mason fell asleep so I started to turn it down and Dilly asked me to turn it back up, so I know it is good if she likes it. Read the words, they are truly delicious.

Helplessness Blues by the amazing and fabulous Fleet Foxes

I was raised up believin'

I was somehow unique
like a snowflake, distinct among snowflakes
unique in each way you can see.

And now after some thinkin'
I'd say I'd rather be
a functioning cog in some great machinery
servin' some thing beyond me

But I don't, I don't know what that will be.
I'll get back to you someday,
soon you will see.

What's my name, what's my station
Oh, just tell me what I should do
I don't need to be kind to the armies of night
that would do such injustice to you.

Or bow down, and be grateful
and say "sure, take all that you see"
to the men who move only in depleted halls
and determine my future for me.

And I don't, I don't know who to believe
I'll get back to you someday,
soon you will see.

If I know only one thing
Is that everything that I see
of the world outside is full of such wonder
that often, I barely can speak

Yeah, I'm tongue tied and dizzy
and I can't keep it to myself
what good is it to sing helplessness blues?
Why should I wait for anyone else?

And I know, I know you keep me on the shelf
I'll come back to you someday,
soon, myself.

If I had an Orchard
I'd work 'till I'm raw.

If I had an Orchard
I'd work 'till I'm sore.

And you would wait table 'till you ran the store.
Oh oh ohh.

If I had an Orchard I'd work 'till I'm sore.

Part#2
Then I would like to discuss naivete' in children. I like it. I truly believe in being honest with your children and teaching them as much as you possibly can. But at the same it is refreshing when they figure things out on there own. The other day we went to eat at a small town restaurant. As we were walking in, Kendall and Mason noticed the plethora of cigarettes on the ground(SAVEMOTHEREARTH) but look up and see a woman outside, at the same time, smoking. Kendall says "Mom, why do people throw smoking sticks on the ground. That is so gross. Why don't they just throw them in the trash can?" First of all, I love that she doesn't even know the name of smoking sticks. I love that she has enough common sense (more than the average adult) to know that you throw your smoking sticks in the trash and I love even more that she still has the gall to say those things in front of the people smoking the smoking sticks.

Part#4
My Goals for Summer 2011

1)Catch fireflies in jars
2)Grow a huge garden free of weeds. Eat large watermelons. Eat large cantaloupe. Grow big pumpkins for fall.
3)Can lots and lots and lots of pickles and tomatoes. Make a lot of fresh salsa.
4)Take massive amount of pictures.
5)Learn Photoshop. Learn Photoshop. Learn Photoshop(just trying to drill it in my brain.)
6)Get an old bike with a basket and ride it to the market. And on trails.
7)Run in the mornings. Get strong, toned legs.
8)Wear flip flops. Teach the kids to ear flip flops (not sure how you teach that?).
9)Go camping. Go fishing. Go on "creature hunts".
10)Relax.
11)Close eyes, let sun bathe on me.
12)Wear sunscreen. Wear sun hats.
13)Eat outside. Picnic. Go to the beach on a whim.
14)Pick raspberries. Make raspberry jam.
15)Do cartwheels in the field.
16)Snuggle with the honeybun by the bonfire. Snuggle with my kids by the firebon(that is what they call it).
17)Make smores.
18)Swim in lakes, in pools, in rivers.
19)Use the bug vacuum to explore.
20)Go to garage sales.

Part#5

Lastly, my favorite new ETSY seller LemKa. All made of leather. Purdy.

A couple of housekeeping issues

2011-04-25T22:46:00.002-05:00

Betty, as in Betty Crocker, sent me a free gift pack(I just picture her in a cute apron, walking down to her perfectly white mailbox, smelly her lovely lilacs and handling my package to the nice postman). I am so not kidding you. It was quite lovely, in it was a mixing bowl, a measuring cup, a spatula, a hot pad and a box of their new Loaded Mash Potatoes. Interject here....I love spoonatulas (spatuloons?)...they work great and this bowl has a rubberized bottom for easy mixing.) First off, I love free stuff and giveaways, so I was very excited to participate in this review of the product. I made a full roasted chicken and as a side item I made the loaded potatoes. To be honest, I was very leery. Most box mashed potatoes taste like pulverized paper products. But OH NO...not these. They truly tasted like delicious potatoes (p.s. always use real butter that makes them even more delicious.) The kids ate them and liked them which is a major test in itself. They also are super fast to make, I think like eight minutes, tops. The taste is deeper than other boxed potato mixes, you could taste the chives and bacon(oh and did I mention the hint of sour cream taste? Sour cream is good in anything. ANYTHING). I even reheated some the next day at work and I would swear they were even better.

So anyways, the exciting part, is I get to give away the same set to one of you readers. I am going to do the ole' pull the number out of the hat thing. However, in order to participate you must send me a link to a recipe on the Betty Crocker website that you think is the most delicious thing you have ever laid your eyes upon.

Nighty night Betty...thanks for the bake set.

PS: I received product information, a link to an online coupon, a prize pack for review and the opportunity to offer a prize pack for giveaway from Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark.

Photo Recap for April (obligatory for the 'rents)

2011-04-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Earth Day Eve!

2011-04-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

Sugarboo

Another one of those things I want to remember

2011-04-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

(I promise to post something original soon. I am just waiting for IT to hit me.)

From Tina Fey's new book "Bossypants", a prayer for her daughter.

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Memory

2011-04-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

I have a terrible memory, so sometimes I write things on my blog, just so I will remember them.

One is this quote I saw and liked "Knock hard: Life is deaf"

Wanna see what I bought......(thanks emily falconbridge for the recommendation)

Well.

2011-04-14T22:28:00.001-05:00

I smelled the koolaid. I looked at the koolaid. I then took a medium sized gulp of the koolaid. I swirled that gulp in my mouth. And then bam, the acrid, nasty taste hit me and with amazing force spit out the koolaid.

And so goes the story of me walking in to Disney World and me walking out after 1 hour and 11 minutes (15 minutes of that was spent in the Dreyer's ice cream line). Yep, I am not a fan of amusement parks. Sorry kids, lets go to the beach instead. Lets go camping. Lets go swimming in lakes. Lets go on a hike. Lets swim with sea turtles. But lets not pretend to be some Disney prince/princess and spend $312 on park passes so that we can try and feel magical when in fact catching fire flies in our own backyard is where the real magic is. Miss you guys, can't wait to kiss those cheekers in 33 hours 25 minutes.

Bright Shiny Day

2011-04-02T18:27:00.000-05:00

There is Irish in there.

Photo by child.

Catapillar eyelashes.

Add caption

Oh how I love this photo.

And I am reading "Bright Shiny Morning" James Frey and I absolutely love it.....pure brilliance. It is one of those books that stick with you.

Temper Trap

2011-03-30T23:12:00.002-05:00

I know this song is really popular right now...but it reminds me of being young

Good, crazy, amazing things to come.....

2011-03-30T23:02:00.001-05:00

Times they are a'changin around here at the casa.....we have been decluttering (Geez, it is amazing how much stuff you don't need. I am also very grateful for all the local charities that are willing to come and pick up donations.) And we have been cleaning.....and cleaning and cleaning (yes, we do have two little kids). And we have been planning......more accurately we have been drawing and dreaming about HOUSE designs.....yep...we are finally going to start building our house. With that comes listing....as in LISTING our house. It went on the market today.....cross your fingers/toes in hopes of a sale. I have also been buying....as in seeds and will start my seedlings this weekend (20 different vegetables this year and one melon). We have also been dreaming....about chicken coops, compost bins, honey bees and deep freezers. And for those of you who are new to this endeavor...here is where we are building(2.5 acres of magic). And yes, that one bedroom cabin is going to be our home for the summer (well, hopefully that is the plan). More pictures to come.

A couple of random things that I am so coveting.

Pretty much every piece of clothing on the Shabby Apple website.
These custom made Uggleboo clogs. I know the price is insane....but they are fun to covet.

Freckles

2011-03-24T17:57:00.000-05:00

I love the freckles, eyelashes and big ears. Oh and the rainbow.

Sap

2011-03-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

Tapping Maple Tree...two trees were tapped and a day and a half later we got this....(tap's can be purchased at Fleet Farm)

Full turkey fryer of sappy liquid....doesn't taste or look like maple syrup


The ratio is about 40:1 (starting liquid to actual syrup)....about 24 hours later of intermittent boiling we have this and it is still going.

Pancakes for breakfast....yessiree.

I lied

2011-03-15T19:04:00.000-05:00

She does like princesses (today, one time only, and so I had to document it)....

YES

2011-03-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

This is pretty much my favorite picture of when we were kids. There is a lot more going on in this picture than you probably realize. For one, this picture resembles the same life that I want to pass along to my children. I keep this photo in my bathroom because I want to look at it everyday and I kind of say a mantra each time I see it (whispering) "This is the mom I want to be. This is the mom I want to be." We went camping, hiking, swimming in cow ponds, we got lost in the forest for hours, we road our bikes for days on end, we made mudpies, we did not watch TV, we ate granola, we got dirty, really dirty, we made jewelry out of rocks and twigs and flowers and we were so free.

A few weeks back I was reading Emily Falconbridge's blog and it was like a light went off that completely summarized all the things I had been thinking, but had not really put on paper. Essentially she was discussing that moving forward in 2011 she was going to work on saying YES to her kids more. Yes. One simple word with so much power. Yes, we can go to the library. Yes, you can use the glue. Yes, you can use the paint. Yes, you can make a fort out of your room. Yes, you can lick the frosting. Yes, you can dress your brother up as a princess. Yes, you can grow your own garden this year. YES.... and not just yes in their lives, but yes in my life. Yes, I can take some time to go volunteer. Yes, you can breath easier. Yes, you can go work out for an hour. Yes, you can bake goodies every week and bring them into work. Yes, you can save up and buy a beach cruiser. Yes, you can dream about trips to Bali and the Caribbean.

I guess what I am getting at is stop making excuses. Take chances. Say yes more. Stop doubting yourself. Messes are temporary, imagination is endless and the opportunities in this life are so abundant.

More New Music

2011-03-09T18:42:00.000-06:00

PJ Harvey--Legacy

Just bought tickets for Iron & Wine

Hoping that Fleet Foxes show in Mpls soon.

Adele...she kicks ass but her show sold out in about 2 minutes...good for her

Sorry, one more post...Sunset on the lake

2011-03-05T19:26:00.002-06:00

Shout Out (and a plug for canvas)

2011-03-05T19:23:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to my mom (mi madre) for her craftiness.....


Just in time for spring and for someday when the little monkeys lose their teeth


And to match the bird theme we have going on now in her room.

Cupcake

2011-03-05T19:15:00.000-06:00

The makings of cupcake birthday party (for which I barely have any pictures of):

Bakers Boxes (holds 12 cupcakes): purchased on eBay
Wilton cupcake form to make one mega cupcake for the birthday girl
Cake Mixes (Devils food was the best and Betty Crocker beat out Pillsbury): 6 Boxes
Oriental Trading Company Aprons
Dollar Bin at Target for spatulas
Loads of frosting, candies, sweethearts, M&Ms, sprinkles...
Musical chairs where the competition was fierce
Play castle to burn off sugar overload
Community Center to leave the mess behind = Fun fun times!

Dill

2011-03-02T19:58:00.000-06:00

Five. Years. Old. Five. Years. Young.

My daughter turned five this weekend. Five. It must have been some glitch in the time-space continuum because I literally can't grasp that five years ago I was pregnant. She is my princess-hating, barbie-hating, non-girlie girl, artist in the making. Her beautiful brown eyes melt my soul. Her imagination is endless. Her legs are long. Her hair is fine. Her second toe lays slightly under her big toe. She has a little mole above her right eye. She sneaks drinks of her dad's pop when he is not watching. She knows I don't approve but she smiles that smile. That one smile. And well, I am a pushover. She can spell Mason, Mom, Dad, Pop, Dog and Poop. Yes, Poop was the 5th word she learned. We are at that stage, go figure. In the summer, she spends every single day doing the monkey bars. She has calluses to show it. She wants to lose a tooth really bad. She can't wear flip flops. When I was pregnant she lied like a taco in my stomach. Her feet where next to her cheek. She still sleeps like that. Her teachers asked me out of concern. I am fine with it. She is magical. She is striking beyond belief. She hugs her brother and watches over him at school and it makes my heart twinkle. Everything she does twinkles. I love you sweet Dilly.

Spring is coming! Spring is coming!!

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

Somehow Regina Spektor makes me think of spring, flowers and sunshine. Dance people dance!!

For those that have experienced loss....been thinking about you

2011-02-28T20:51:00.000-06:00

“No, no, there is no going back.
Less and less you are
that possibility you were.
More and more you have become
those lives and deaths
that have belonged to you.
You have become a sort of grave
containing much that was
and is no more in time, beloved
then, now, and always.
And so you have become a sort of tree
standing over a grave.
Now more than ever you can be
generous toward each day
that comes, young, to disappear
forever, and yet remain
unaging in the mind.
Every day you have less reason
not to give yourself away.”
-Wendell Berry

Perfect

2011-02-25T18:04:00.000-06:00

Blogging is an interesting thing. You really can portray yourself in just about anyway possible you want. When I started Faux Martha I had these glamorous dreams of doing crafts (HA!) and cooking a lot (HA!) but that all went to shit. Then I realized, WHY am I trying so hard....time to Just Be....and really I just like taking pictures and writing and imagining. I still do cook on occasion or dust off the sewing machine, but there is far less pressure to come up with something cool. Who cares if I have 10 supporters (and thank you my 10 VERY LOYAL supporters).

So I find it fascinating that when you read people's blogs everyone seems perfect. Their photos look great, they are so collected, they have tons of time to blog, they go on vacations....ahhh the life. Oh sure there is the occasional mention of baby poop or illness, but really most people portray themselves in a good light (but I mean really, who is going to have a blog about how they are obsessed with their kids getting lice or the fact that they secretly eat frosting late at night--one finger scoopful at a time). So I wanted to go on record and point out how IMPERFECT I am.

1)Dust bunnies...they are alive and well in our house. Josh and I are not neat freaks. Not. Ever. Never. Ever. And we don't have a house keeper. So, welcome to the family little buddies.

2)I bet I have a condiment in my refrigerator that is over a year past its expiration date.

3)I have my kids watch movies so that I can get things done.

4)I feed my kids Kraft Macaroni and Cheese about two times per month.

5)I have been so frustrated by my children that I have walked into the other room and started crying.

6)I get jealous of skinny people. Tall skinny people.

7)I would pretty much die if I had to give a ride to someone in my car. It is nasty right now...dried on mud-dirt-slushiness all over.

8)I like chick flicks and chick lit.

9)I am lazy. I hate de-weeding my garden.

10)I absolutely cannot use the grill, I burn everything.

11)When I was a child I truly adored Whitney Houston.

12) I am a terrible singer and dancer. TERRIBLE. Some even have said I am tone deaf. Some people have questioned whether I am having a stroke while dancing.....but let me tell you...DO I CARE? Nope.

Now carry on all you people, dance and sing and eat Mac & Cheese and make lots of messes....we have a big weekend ahead.....pictures of the mayhem to come.

I love coconut, I love bread

2011-02-23T21:55:00.002-06:00

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2253

Sounds like a good recipe.

Fun times here at the casa

2011-02-21T13:18:00.000-06:00

A few random notes:

Those top two photos are of the beautiful barred owl that was sitting out in our backyard, in the exact same spot that every year the baby raccoons are born. So as birdfeeder owners go, we are terrible. Every few months we put seed in and then the squirrels try and eat it all and so we get annoyed with them and don't fill the feeder because the birds never get to eat any (oh and don't get me started about the time those squirrels ate all my gumball Christmas lights...stupid squirrels). Well, Friday we filled up the feeder for the first time in months, so the crowds were heavy. And so yesterday we heard all this squawking going on and we looked out and there were a couple of crows (if you want to be technical, it was a murder of crows), the owl, a squirrel and a woodpecker, all sitting together in the same tree. Some sort of forest congress. Perhaps they were discussing that stupid groundhog in Pennsylvania that so wrongfully predicted the early end of winter, as 15 new inches of snow sat on the ground. Not to discriminate against the other birds, but we were pretty excited about the owl. We only see them a handful of times each year and they are just so wonderous.

Last year at a school cookie dough sale for school, I purchased this colored cookie dough. I know you were thinking that was playdoh, but NO that is cookie dough with all those safe dyes (:/) I am going to go out on a limb and say....ugliest cookies we have ever made. They are in the trash as we speak. But at least we had fun and NO they did not taste good either. Note to self--stick with the chocolate cookies.

Lastly, today the kids and I pulled out the wedding video. First off, hardly anyone that attended reads this blog but I wanted to say the following so that the universe felt more in balance, or something like that:

1) Dear Bridesmaids, I am sorry I made you wear those backless dresses...I know the undergarment thing was difficult to manage. I am sorry my "bargain" shopping mindset took over and you ended up having to wear them. I do appreciate that you are such good friends and that you just went along with it. I mean 6 Shelly Segal Nordstrom bridesmaid dresses for $15 each.....sorry ladies.....

2)OH MY...what a long ceremony it was....holy cow....seriously, it was at least an hour long. I told Kendall, the almost 5 year old that when she gets married to make it short.

Peace to you all on this blizzardly holiday.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh cabinnnnnnn FEVER HAS SET IN!!!!

2011-02-17T17:16:00.000-06:00

A friend said this reminded him of a Fleetwood Mac picture. Not sure I get that but I do love the picture.

Spring is coming....whooo hoooo!!

Two of my valentines

2011-02-12T20:59:00.000-06:00

I love that Kendall loves oranges.
I love that Mason is a snuggler.
I love that Kendall is so artsy craftsy....give that girl some markers/glue/scissors and she is in her happy place for hours.
I love that Mason has such an amazing memory.
I love that Kendall likes to dance.
I love that Mason adores carrots.
I love that Kendall is learning to spell.
I love that Mason has the softest skin.
I love that Kendall has a birthmark.
I love that I am a mama.
I love Mason's eyelashes.
I love Kendall's eyebrows.
I love when Mason giggles out of control.
I love when Kendall tells me she is going to have a 100 children.
I love when the kids shovel their food in and eat all of their dinner.
I love that Mason can't say S-words well. Tar blanket (star blanket), nowmobile (snowmobile), noman (snowman).
I love that Kendall has a mole above her right eye.
I love that Mason's favorite color is pink.
I love that Kendall says Hi to the janitor at her school.
I love that Mason has tons of make believe friends. He is nice like that.
I love that they are best friends.
I love that someday soon that I will get to take them to the beach and pick seashells with them.
I love that they are good at blowing their noses (according to their teachers.)
I love that they both have the same color hair.
I love that everyday I learn something new from my children.

Winter

2011-02-08T21:04:00.000-06:00

Rocket

Buddies

Senior living for birds

Angel...ha ha

Beauty

My boys

Depth

Weed

Path

Brown

Lake

Calm

Normal

Rosy

Likeminded

Outline

Dock

Flight

Marmalade

Tangerine

Oh and in case you are wondering....

2011-02-03T23:02:00.002-06:00

1951,1963, 1975, 1987 or 1999.

Those are the years of the rabbits....

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-03T22:51:00.000-06:00

From ETSY, fleur NYhop

1975....I am a year of the rabbit gal. They say this will be a kinder, gentler year because of the rabbits and that would be good. I googled Year of the Rabbit and came up with this page....so I don't know how legit it is. I am going to go out on limb introspectively and say.....this fits me to a tee. Oh and apparently I need to travel EAST.....hum.....I am thinking Italy??

People born in the year of the rabbit often make ideal diplomats or politicians. Rabbit person has grace, culture and beautiful manners. Although rabbit people get on well with everyone, at heart they are basically reserved creatures, and are only really happy when they are engrossed in some sort of scholarly or intellectual activity. They are just too sensitive to the world around them. They are just not able to thrive in a competitive or aggressive environment, and it makes them anxious if someone forces them to take risks. Their inner world is simply too delicate for unsettled or unpredictable situations, and they tend to create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere on a hunch. This character trait makes them very hospitable and attentive people, who take care of those around. The average rabbit person emphasizes the importance of small details. They pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. And only when they are sure that everything has been arranged as they wished, these people can relax and have fun. Person born in the year of rabbit often leads a conservative lifestyle, where one of the most important things is their security. This quality has a negative side also. Opting for safety over risk they may miss good opportunities. This does not imply that these people are frivolous or irresponsible, for when they truly believe in some thing they are serious, perseverant and capable.

Calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke rabbit people. They are sentimental and compassionate. Yes, and they cry easily too. They can be moved by personal problems you share with them. Therefore, if you work as a salesman for a living, you will have much better luck with rabbit people - Nine out of Ten Rabbit people will definitely buy your products!

Rabbit Love Affairs

People born in this year can be great partners in relationships. Romantic and sweet, faithful too, rabbit people never lack of suitors. They are in extreme need of trust, security and tenderness in a relationship and are really happy when they manage to create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. When the rabbit person does the planning, he/she is happy calling the shots and will expect his beloved automatically be on the same wavelength. In case the partner's behaviour becomes erratic or hurtful he/she withdraws into your shell. Sometimes this person really believes that everything is fine and these relationships are strong and solid, but careless remark or impudent behaviour can suddenly place serious doubts in his/her mind. It is important to solve such problems appropriately. Partners may discuss these fears and express their points of view openly to avoid repetition of these problems in the future. Otherwise these relationships won't last too long.

In spite of his/her devotion to the loved one, it is important to remember that the rabbit person wants to have a secret side to his/her life, too. It is natural for him/her to demand solitude in order to get in touch with his/her inner self.

Sometimes it takes time for a rabbit person to find a partner, a real soul-mate, and he/she may seem to be fickle and insecure along the way, but when he/she has found that person his/her attachment is boundless.

Rabbit Career

Call them cautious or call them timid, rabbit people will undertake nothing before they have weighed the pros and cons from every angle. And that is probably why rabbit people are doing their work so well. They are balanced in outlook and cautious in approach, and like to be informed of all the facts before making a judgment. They usually can not bear the cut and thrust of business life preferring work that is more methodical and reliable. At times a rabbit person is a bit of a plotter and tends to be too conservative, but he/she is gifted with a positive yet practical outlook that few can fault. He/she has a talent to avoid the trouble and identify opportunity. But it is important to remember that his/her creative talents will come to the fore when he/she is allowed to work at your own pace. As a rule, colleagues value these people's tact and modesty and realize the fact that rabbit people are unlikely to step over others to achieve their goals.

Ideal Job for the Rabbit Include

counselor, barrister, judge, solicitor, adviser or secretary

Horoscope background

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 19, 35
Equivalent Western Sign: Pisces
Element WOOD
Color GREEN
Yin/Yang YIN and YANG
Direction EAST

Celebrity

Some Famous Rabbits: Harry Belafonte, Ingrid Bergman, Lewis Carroll, John Cleese, Peter Falk, Peter Fonda, James Fox, David Frost, Cary Grant, Oliver Hardy, Bob Hope, Whitney Houston, John Hurt, Michael Keaton, John Keats, Julian Lennon, Arthur Miller, Roger Moore, Tatum O'Neal, George Orwell, Neil Simon, Jane Seymour, Dusty Springfield, Sting, Orson Welles, Norman Wisdom.

Rabbit Compatibility

Compatible with : Ram, Pig, Dog
Less Compatible with : Rat, Rabbit, Dragon, Ox, Tiger, Snake, Monkey
Least Compatible with : Rooster, Horse

Positive and Negative Capability

Positive: The Rabbit can be sensitive, tactful. home-loving, refined, prudent, discreet, long-living, ambitious, cultured, well-mannered, artistic, considerate, scholarly, suave, graciously hospitable, modest and unimpeachably virtuous.

Negative: The Rabbit can also be snobbish, secretive, pedantic, complicated, haughtily indifferent, self-indulgent, hypochondriacal, punctilious, judgemental, self-righteous, deceptive, self-centred and terminally condescending.

A tad bit jealous, but okay with it....

2011-01-31T22:05:00.000-06:00

And so this is the story of how the internet works...you click on a story on Facebook (of a company you follow), which brings you to that persons personal blog, where they talk about the most adorable candy holders for Valentines Day, which are for the children of a woman who is a professional baker and probably the coolest mom on the planet.

The Owl Party....

I shop on ETSY a lot. I get all my Christmas card designs done there. Gifts. Jewelry. Purses. Gosh what else?? Anyway, one of the gals that has designed cards for me is Less Ordinary Designs (straight out of Wisconsin.)

Well today, if you click on that link above...she shows the custom Valentine Candy holders she did....so dang cute (okay, you must know...I just love stuff like this...but I am pretty thrifty and never want to pay for stuff like this....but anyway...aren't they cute??)

Photo Courtesy of Less Ordinary Designs

Which brings me to THE MOST AMAZING BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER......so the woman that ordered these cute Valentine candy holders (see the blog for even more pictures of them) is a professional baker...cupcakes *yes*, cookies *yes*, cakes *will you be my best friend?* So immediately, I head over to her blog Jenny Cookies. (Mom hint hint....)

Well (hold your horses), the first story on her blog is about her daughter Ally's 5th birthday party....not just a cake and balloons kind of party, but an OWL party.... yes, an owl party.

I mean really, who does not love owls??

Each child got an owl costume

Get a napkin, you are about to drool.

See what I mean? Isn't this fantastic?

Owl art projects...divine.

So to conclude....it is obvious a large expense went into this party but don't you just love when someone is soo good at what they do that they make it look magical?

If only I should be so lucky....

2011-01-27T16:00:00.001-06:00

to visit some of these islands....

Visually stunning and uniquely designed, this wondrous book captures fifty islands that are far away in every sense-from the mainland, from people, from airports, and from holiday brochures. Author Judith Schalansky used historic events and scientific reports as a springboard for each island, providing information on its distance from the mainland, whether its inhabited, its features, and the stories that have shaped its lore. With stunning full-color maps and an air of mysterious adventure, Atlas of Remote Island is perfect for the traveler or romantic in all of us. (if you want to order...it can be found here)

What a sucky job to have to go and research these islands? Ughhh terrible.....

Two words: MEGA MILLIONS.....meaning I buy, we fly :)

Read

2011-01-26T23:41:00.001-06:00

Oh don't mind me...I am just trying to keep track of some of the books I want to read. I am trying to read 2-3 books per month.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
The Hunger Games
The Help
I Feel Bad About My Neck
What Remains
The Book Thief
Sarah's Key
A Heartbreaking Story of Staggering Genius

TV Update: I went about a week and then I watched the Packers/Bears game and then I broke down tonight and watched Top Chef and The Housewives....ugh. Back on the wagon (well, until Sunday...60 Minutes has Julian Assange and I am totally fascinated by him.)

Straight out of the mouths of babes....

2011-01-23T22:06:00.000-06:00

Kendall really enjoys doing the Pledge of Allegiance. She loves it. Repeats it often. Has no clue what it means or the significance...but I think she sort of relates to it as if it was a song.

Today, I am folding laundry and I hear her instructing Mason (perhaps preparing him for next year) and she says to him "MASON(exclamation).....it is FOR WITCHES STAND. Now you say it just like that."

For witches stand......those crazy forefathers.....who knew?

Ahh, to be an Arizonan

2011-01-19T21:56:00.000-06:00

Found on Etsy, Desertphotographer's lovely photo

It is a good thing to be an Arizonan....well for one, in Minnesota, it is sort of a unique, extra special situation....the equivalent of saying you are Hawaiian or a Jamaican. The reason is that there are not a lot of Arizonan's in Minnesota....one because of the lack of Vitamin D and two because it is really hard to leave the Southwest.

In the past few weeks/months/years, Arizona has received its fair share of bad press. And well frankly, it is sad. Arizona is a good place....good people.....beautiful landscape and OH WAIT...did I mention those sunsets? Seriously, best in the world. Okay, best in the USA....I have not been out of the country too much, but I can claim that of the 20 something states I have visited....best sunsets.....oh and best Mexican food....

The issue in AZ is that there is such a collision of cultures/races/economic backgrounds/ages. You have your large retiree population....you have your out-of-state implant population....you have your hippies in the north and your conservatives in the south, you have your large immigrant population and then you tie in a terrible economy, a drug war just across your border, uranium and mine drilling on your beautiful land and a large collection of native people....well, you are bound to see some conflict.

I guess what I wanted to say is that Arizona is a really great place. Don't judge it by a few bad apples.... The people are a lot of fun.....they are eccentric....they love the land.....you have cactus, you have trees, you have snow, you have desert, you have good food, you have ghost towns, you have tourist traps, you have wonderous canyons, you have bountiful rivers, you have ruins, you have craters, you have extinct volcanoes, you have fry bread, you have turquoise, you have poisonous snakes and bugs, you have blooming prairies, you have rust-free cars, and slow snowbird traffic.....and all of it is good.

TV

2011-01-18T19:08:00.000-06:00

What if you only listened to music? Your kids? Birds? Rather than TV......

I kind of like the idea of going without TV for a long time (perhaps a year?)....what could I get done? How many books could I read? How many letters could Mason learn? Yoga? Poetry? Don't get me wrong, I am a movie junkie through and through and will still be keeping my Netflix subscription, but I think I could easily give up TV and my beloved 60 Minutes. No News....No Trashy Housewives....No commercials....

I am going to take a gander and see what happens......