Monday, December 31, 2012
2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Birthday Boy- Elijah
Elijah's my third son, and the one that was hardest to name. I distinctly remember when he was born, how he looked wise and serene, full of wisdom beyond his years. I think of him as an old man in a young boy's body, since his perspective on life, since he is quick with good humor and witty remarks. I love this boy, and its been an adjustment not to have him as my sidekick this year once he entered kindergarten. This year he turned five, and his request was simple-a treat brought to school, and an ice cream cake. Oh to be five, and happy with such simple things. Happy birthday Elijah, we love you!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Birthday Boy-Gabriel
He is my wild child-full of spunk, noise, and always willing to go on an adventure. Gabriel is independant, eager to learn, and wants to test boundaries and push limits to the nth degree. Our family loves his creativity and how he sees the world. Today l look at him and I see myself, and I can't wait to see how he grows up. I'm the lucky one to have him as a son. Happy 7th birthday Gabriel, we love you!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Birthday boys
It always strikes a cord with me when Robert and Gabriel's birthdays approach, because their personalities are similar, and their birthdays are one day apart. This year their special days fell during the weekend, which meant family time and time to truly relax and celebrate. We spent Robert's birthday relaxing at home, he opted to sleep in after working 10+ days straight with early hours. We went out to dinner at Chevy's (his favorite chain restaurant) and had fun out together. The kids had fun wearing sombreros and munching on chips and salsa. Margarita was the word of the night, and we had a couple of them to celebrate. We ended it with ice cream and the kids and us cuddled up at home.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Just a wee bit frazzled-but its okay
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Pick me a pumpkin
So excited! |
Rebecca with Miss H |
Matthew loved "driving" the tractor |
Big wheel, little girl |
Ready to go on the trail! |
Rebecca and Miss K |
Best friends since preschool |
The big kids sat in the caboose during the train ride. |
Rebecca sat with us, along with our friends. |
I love her tiny feet. |
Happy to give sister a ride |
Allen Family Fun |
The Allen kids-take one |
Take two |
Take three |
I love her curls. |
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
almost 2
Monday, October 1, 2012
Food changes at home
So what is this change- pure and simple, it's eating whole food. Yes, most the items in my pantry now reside in my freezer and refrigerator are still in their form given by nature. The farmer's stand is used bi-weekly, and Grocery Outlet is used weekly for my organic purchases. Winco is used for bulk bins (grains, popcorn, dried fruit, etc.) Local markets like Kristina's have become a go-to store to explore, and use when I'm in the area (their markdown area!)
The vegetable garden didn't happen this year, but supporting local farmers did. I learned how to roast, puree, steam, better than I once did, and actually make food taste good. On my pinterest recipes board, I've saved the ones that have worked out for us, and have more that I want to try. We're setting ourselves up to bid on a cow, pig, or lamb (or combination of) this year from the fair. I'm excited to support the local kids raising the animals, and excited to really buy local.
Most items I purchase now for our home are either organic, unprocessed, or in purer forms. It is a switch, my kids used to scarf down macaroni and cheese from the blue box, or I'd have frozen toaster strudels in the toaster for breakfast. Sauces and mixes, well those use to reside next to my spice rack. Now the spices outnumber the mixes (although I will be making my own eventually).
Reading this, it sounds like I'm a warden of the food in the house. I don't think that's a fair portrayal. I choose to do this-and strive for not casting judgement for those who do differently from us. For our family, this works. I still like to go out to eat, I still like my french fries and onion rings. We occasionally have Little Caesar's because I don't want to cook, and the kids think its a huge treat. I'm a lover of chocolate and candy. I am just doing the best I can to stretch those days further out, with more homemade in the mix.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Normalcy
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Couple time
Friday, September 7, 2012
Grati-Friday
I don't know where this blog will lead, but I know just as my heart and life continue to take a journey, so will this place. I like having a place to write, reflect, let it all hang out. It's a space to just be. Today is my day to reflect on gratitude.
1. I am grateful for being able to spend time with Rebecca when the boys are in school. Her personality is coming out, and she's starting to talk non stop. We played with her babies today-and it cracked me up how she has 10 little babies, all acquired since her first birthday. She was all smiles and laughter, and I loved every second of it.
2. I am grateful for my neighbors, Linda and Brian. They epitomize what we strive for in our marriage and with our kids. Their candor, yes-attitude, and friendliness are contagious. I am so thankful they were able to help us last night with the van (and what they did for our home too!)
3. I am grateful home grown tomatoes. There's been something about having them in the salads and wraps this summer that is going to leave me longing for them when winter stops their production.
4. I am grateful for my healthy two feet. They have been pushed to the limits over the past month, and they haven't let me down.
What are you grateful for?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
7/15-Foodie in OR
We showed the boys an old refrigerator, their first words "Wow, it's small!" |