Crunchy Peas

greenhouse

A few months ago we bought a greenhouse. It's been sitting on Carl's side of the garage where he normally parks. In boxes. Un-assembled. Sitting there. Unused. 

You see, I have this thing. My thing is that I HATE reading manuals. I never do it. Who can? Who has the patience for something like that? I wasn't about to attempt to put this greenhouse together "just by looking at the pictures." That would've been a disaster. 

I had to wait for this guy.

He is an expert rule follower/organizational maniac/manual reader. He also spends hours typing incoherent (to the average person) HTML coding on the back end of websites. Sometimes I just want to cry thinking about doing certain parts of his job. Tedious, and not for me. Guess we balance each other out. 

We got very serious last weekend and finally put it together. Ok. I'm taking a little too much credit. Really I just swooped in for a few pictures and then left again because Carl- ahem- does not excel in delegating. I got bored and gave up.

Pretty sweet huh? Yeah! Thumbs up Carl. Nice job. Who was I thinking that he was all needing my help? Besides, look at the pride on his face. How could I have robbed him of all that glory? You did it Dear. All by yourself.

We made an in-ground bed on one side. Any ideas about what I should grow down there? I'm kind of at a loss as to how we can utilize this thing in the summer. It would've been nice to have it earlier in the Spring when the weather was much cooler. Carl if you are reading this please do not take that as a jab. (Even though I sort of meant it as one.)

(planting mint)

Whoa mama. It. Is. Hot. In. There. So hot. It's like a giant bubble of hot steamy air. I was so sweaty. I'm thinking that next time I will skip working in the greenhouse right smack dab in the middle of the day (or any time that I would like my hair to remain frizz free-- humidity is not a good thing for me).

The kids love it and huddle in there to warm up after hopping out of the pool. Needless to say, that has not been going over very well with Carl.

The roof is self-venting. Somehow this little greenhouse is smart enough to open itself up when it gets too hot inside.

We pulled out some left-over seeds from seasons past and planted a few odds and ends. Right now there are a few marigolds sprouting. Later they will go in the garden for pest control. I also started some basil because the bunch outside in the garden box looks iffy. The greenhouse is also housing our peppers, one replacement tomato plant, and 4 pots of cilantro (which Laurel has eaten all the leaves off of already).

 I think it looks great. Thanks Carl.

Don't miss yesterday's post... there's a giveaway!

#500 and a giveaway!

This is my 500th post! That's a lot of writing in 5 years! It means so much to me that you come here day after day and read. Even more, I love it when you take the time to leave me a comment or send me an email. I wish I was better at responding to each of them. Please know that I read every single one and they make me smile. 

I wanted to do something special for you, so I hired my graphic designer (my husband- wink wink!) to make some fun posters. These were inspired by something similar that I saw on Pinterest a while ago. I spent a little time coming up with my own words...

Venn diagrams are great don't you think? I'm very visual and there's something about that sweet spot in the middle where it all comes together. I'm giving away 5!

(These are 11x17 and printed on 32lb weight paper)

Please leave a comment (maybe you could tell me what your favorite post was?) and I'll pick 5 winners on Friday! Good luck!

XXOO Libby

what I will remember

Sometimes it's good to catalog things-- to tuck them carefully away in your mind. I know that I won't always be a birth assistant, I don't think I could hang at 85 years old. Because the privilege is here now, I want to remember this special thing that I am a part of.

I will remember the sound of my quiet phone ringing in the middle of the night, and always being thankful that it was because someone needed me for a happy reason.

I will remember showing up to work at ungodly hours like 2:10am with no make-up and crazy hair that I had slept on while it was still wet.

I will remember how no one cared. (see above)

I will remember the way that a women's body looks all round and full with baby.

I will remember the comforting little "choo, choo" sounds of those small but strong heartbeats.

I will remember offering hot towels, and cold washcloths, and back rubs, and hand holding, and reassuring smiles.

I will remember sleeping (or not sleeping) in shifts. For hours.

I will remember being shown the delicate balance between standing back and giving space, time, and respect to the process... and stepping in with guidance, encouragement, and help.

I will remember how loudly my stomach growls at 4:30 am.

I will remember how I found myself invested in these growing families and invited in to one of the most intimate moments of their lives.

I will remember the tools of my trade being simple and fitting easily into a large duffle bag. 

I will remember the knowledge, the experience, the gentleness, and the sacrifice given by the midwives that I worked for. Marvelous women.

I will remember the scrubbing, the washing, the sanitizing, the mopping, the changing and making ready again.

I will remember the salty sweet smell of "new baby" and how I would often come home with it on my shirt.

I will remember some the best naps in my life were taken afterwards (and documented by 11 year olds who sneak into your room).

I will remember that mostly...I just stood back, tears in my eyes, in total awe.

I will remember. 

The new friday night tradition:

 

Roasting marshmallows.

Some of us like them raw,

others prefer them charred.

I want mine lightly toasted.

But really, there are no rules to how you make them.

And no rules for how you eat them. 

Just be prepared to get a little sticky.

Come on over, pull up a chair (or share one with me)...

and let's sit close.

the creek

When I was growing up we lived in the forrest. There was a lovely little creek hidden beneath a canopy of evergreen and maple trees on our property. (See it here.)  I remember it being a special sanctuary for me. In the summer months, my brother would take his fishing pole, and I would take a book. Our dog would follow us down the mossy embankment along the path to the water. For hours, I would sit half immersed in the shallow water on the smooth rocks, reading. My brother would fish upstream, and the dog would splash back and forth between us both. Such calm.

I cannot remember the last day that I just idled away.

Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Libby on Pinterest

 

It's been a very long week. A whirlwind of single parenting, teaching (I finished my last childbirth class for the summer), traveling (quick trip over the mountains and back), and- well- just managing busy days and a house with four kiddos. By myself. 

I'm tired and frazzled and I just wish I could go sit in the creek (maybe even without my bathing suit).

Hoping that there are some lazy days right around the corner...

Oh you know...

I'm just doing my best: 

To keep everyone fed,

to keep our lungs full of fresh air,

to keep the garden alive (and to keep the birds out of my lettuce),

and then to clean everything up (including the little boy). 

Tomorrow we're going to do it all again with Grandma and Grandpa. Thank heaven for reinforcements!

eventful

This weekend we managed to squeeze in:

The race. The girls had so much fun. We won first place for best outfits. Thrilling because they didn't place in their division (tough competition) and because I was their stylist. Ahem, it also pays to have an in-house graphic designer, thanks Carl for help on the shirts. I'll take credit for the pink lipstick that I loaned them.

A movie. Emma finished The Hunger Games series last week. She flew through the books, reading all three of them in two weeks. I took her to see the film and was halfway tempted to slip into the screen next door and watch this instead. But I was glad that she thought me cool enough to sit next to her and so I stayed (she might think differently next time because one of my junior mints dropped on my skirt and melted into an embarrassing chocolate mess- NERdy). Wow, I can see why she was glued to the books. Good show. 

Piano recital. A very nice ending to this year's lessons. They've worked hard and I am always so proud and impressed with their poise. You can be sure I had butterflies for them. 

The first swim of the season. Three cheers for Carl who yanked off the cover of our pool, repaired the filter, gave it a vacuum, and shocked it all in one afternoon.  Crazy girls were too excited to wait, brrrr. As for me, I'll need a few more 90 degree days before it's warm enough to swim. 

Ian and Laurel were first class cheerleaders all weekend long. Thanks babies.

Whew! Busy days.

Next up: Carl is traveling. I am on my own to navigate another week chalk full of parenting, schooling, cooking, cleaning, shuttling. (repeat, repeat, repeat)... 

Deep breath. Ready or not here we go. Just keep smiling.

misc

We've had a couple of nice quiet days. Some days are beach days and some are just more home-based and low key.  You know the kind: catching up on laundry/snacks and schoolwork on the patio/play dough at the table/ handwashing dishes that have been piling up because we are spending all of our time outside- those kind of days. They're good too. It's nice to change up the pace.

Things are wrapping up for the school year. We are in the midst of all kinds of "end of the school year" type events: recitals, picnics, award ceremonies, etc. I made these sugar cookie bars to take to one of them last night. Ugh, yes that was me who took that bite...and several after that. Crap. I love baking, but I need to someone to snatch it out of the oven and run off with it so that I don't eat it! (At least let me take a picture of it first?) They were good.

I also made this salad. I'm a sucker for Top Ramen. It was my go-to after school snack for like 6 years when I was younger. Eating it with cabbage somehow made it seem  more like a grown-up meal and healthy? Probably not, but tasty!

The lilacs and other flowering shrubs are blooming. I've been bringing them inside everyday by the armful. Fragrant and lovely. I hope my kids remember that their mom was always feathering the nest. 

Carl's cousin took some really great candid pictures of us on Mother's Day. I'd like to do this with them. Cute right? Putting it on my to do list.

The girls are competing in a race this weekend, it's always a good time. I wrote them a little pep talk on the chalkboard. How are you messing up your kids today?

A couple of you asked about the bathing suit I was wearing the other day. It's this one, and it's on sale! You should definitely buy it. It's very forgiving. I would know.

I also think I forgot to mention that I've relocated. I'm living here now- but just for the summer. Feel free to deliver french toast, and coffee every morning. I'm not sure that I have electricity... just a slight inconvenience with a view like that.

Okay, leaving you with these words:

"Inner beauty, too, needs occasionally to be told it is beautiful."

-Robert Brault

Go tell someone.

No apologies

I've been thinking about the things that I often have to say sorry for. I'm guilty of several of things already this week. Repeat offenders like:

staying up too late

not doing the dishes the night before

eating too much

losing my patience

speaking harshly

being too afraid

being judgemental

not applying sunscreen to the tops of my feet

not listening- really listening

becoming too attached to ideas or people 

giving up too easily

speeding 

planting cucumbers the day before a wind storm (I lost them all)

planting tomatoes the day before a wind storm (I lost 1 of 4)

hanging on to relationships with people who are "takers"

being late

talking more than listening

not having better boundaries

giving away too much of myself

forgetting hand sanitizer

saying "It's okay" when it's not

saying "I understand" when I don't

not brushing and flossing twice a day

cutting my hair above my shoulders

being ungrateful

being discontent

not charging my camera battery

But there's another list too. Some things I'm never sorry for- or at least I try not to be. No regrets when I:

pray

get up early

laugh with my kids

exercise

smile at someone

offer a compliment

drink water

tell the truth

wear deodorant

call my Grandma

save money

use my imagination

take the extra time to make good coffee

take the stairs

say thank you

give gifts

forgive

kiss

hold tight

act like a fool

love without conditions

get up in the middle of the night for a birth

wear my seat belt

buy fresh flowers

take pictures

talk openly

finish projects

lick the beaters when making cookies

clean out a closet

wear cute underwear

buy nice sheets

have friends for dinner

love with an open hand

What about you? What are the things that you're not sorry for?

Beach Day

With a forecasted high of 90 degrees, I don't care if it's mid-May or mid-January. We're going to the beach! I had a cooperative little crew this morning and we got some exercise, breakfast, chores, schoolwork, a lunch packed, and the car loaded before 9am! I even burned a new cd for our 45 min drive. Lots of loud singing along the way.

The lake gets drained in the winter to accommodate all the melting snow that trickles down in the Spring. You can see that I swam around those pilings during the summer...the water was very low today. Funny, it sure felt like freshly melted snow :) Brrr.

It was okay, we decided to work on our tans instead. (Obviously my legs have some catching up to do!) Oh who am I kidding? I'm not a tanner. Apparently some people are. I am not one of them. Just burn and peel, burn and peel. Too bad.

Besides, who could be bored with buckets, and shovels, and tons and tons of sand?

Oh yes and ducks. Ian is really more like a puppy than he is like a little boy. He was chasing those poor little guys everywhere.

Mmmm, feels good to have sand between your toes.

Yep, just another hard day at the office.

The first beach day of the season. I'm a happy girl. 

verbs in the present tense

Thanking:  I had a very nice Mother's Day-- hopefully you did too. I snuck out early for a bike ride (which didn't work well for the whole "breakfast in bed" idea that the girls had cooking up). You gotta get up pretty early in the morning to beat this mama outta bed. We did recover, however, and the day turned out to be lovely. 

Missing: Of course Mother's Day is always a little bittersweet for me. Obviously, I miss of my own mom. I saw this quote the other day and I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I think it might be true. It's hard. Missing people is hard. 

Planning: Whoa. The summer is filling up. Summer camp, golf clinics, VBS, swim team, class reunions, a triathlon, tennis lessons-- I think I'd better start eating my Wheaties. It's going to be busy! I finally just printed out blank copies of May-August and wrote it all down. It helped to see the whole summer in front of me at once. It also made me realize that we're going to have to be intentional about enjoying several lazy days in between.

Enjoying: Breakfast on the deck. After getting some early morning exercise it's nice to put my feet up and listen to the birds. Eggs + salsa + grapefruit + coffee + quiet = happy start to the day. 

 

Avoiding: This guy. He has deadly aim with the hose. He will attack you...even if you repeatedly ask him to "Stop! Put it down! Ian, listen to Mommy!" He's vicious-- even in Grandma's back yard!

Exploring: We are spending a lot of time outside. Last week we walked around the island. It's days like those that make it seem impossible to put the girls in a classroom next year. I'm still really on the fence. 

Listening: I'm on a country kick these days. I think I might have a little crush on Luke Bryan.

Get More: I Don't Want This Night to End, Luke Bryan, Luke Bryan Videos

I think that's enough verbs for one day. Be back soon.

These little people are the light of my life. I will never know why I was counted worthy to be their mom, but I'm going to spend every single day loving them the best that I can (even if they come into my bed, one by one, at the crack of dawn).

Happy Mother's Day!!

::38::

Today was Carl's birthday. The celebration began early with homemade cards and a couple of gifts.

The kids just couldn't wait for him to wake up. For the last several weeks Carl has had to travel to company headquarters for work. It's usually only overnight, but we're used to having him here- working remotely from home. We've been missing him.

Then it was off to the country club for breakfast.

Too bad we couldn't go out and play, it was a gorgeous day. (We had all the monkies with us, and I wouldn't dream of taking them out on the course yet. There are rules, and ettiquette, and collared shirts and stuff.)

Ian is just dying to drive the cart. That'll be the day!

In our family, when it's your birthday you get to pick whatever you want for dinner. So of course meat was on the menu tonight in the form of grilled flank steak. Also strawberry lemonade...

and chocolate peanut butter squares. (I'm warning you not to make them-- dangerously good!)

Then we inaugurated the new patio with a little fire.

It was a perfect day to celebrate another great year. Sure do love that guy. (Thanks for the rabbit ears Laurel)

Happy Birthday Carl! Thirty-eight looks good on you.

the garden is in

Nothing like some manual labor, 

some good sweaty work,

and some dirt under your fingernails, 

to ease your mind a little. 

I put the whole garden in yesterday- as in every last plant and seed.

We are growing: cucumbers, peas, 4 different kinds of tomatoes, carrots, radishes, yellow summer squash, zucchini, bush beans, red peppers, 2 varieties of basil, parsley, french lavender, orange mint and peppermint, cantaloupe, watermelon, spinach, kale, romaine, butterhead, and green leaf lettuce.

I love jobs that you can stand back from and see a finished project. A lot of the "work" I do on a day-to -day basis is more ambiguous. Reading to the kids, or taking time to listen doesn't necessarily "show up" the same way as something more task oriented (like planting 200 square feet of garden).

Also, I got dirt on my face, which looks pretty cool. Maybe I could be a farmer after all?

I didn't have much help. In typical male fashion, Ian busied his hands elsewhere. He was happy to supervise (and test out the new patio). Oh, funny boy. 

I took a risk in planting this early, and naturally we had 30 mph winds today. I'm afraid to go out and see the damage. My risk-taking track record hasn't been very good lately. Grow little plants grow. Please. Fingers crossed!!

thinking spot

 

One of those nights that I just couldn't turn off my brain...or my heart. Those two- brain and heart, they are so often at odds with each other.  What am I going to do with them? If only they could just agree, or get along. It would make things so much easier. I finally gave up on restful sleep and tip-toed out at 5:00am. 

I found a thinking spot and tried to let them work it out. I'm not sure that I am any closer to making peace between what I know (brain)  and what I feel (heart)... but I climbed hard enough and fast enough to make them quiet down for a while. 

And...I caught the sunrise. Lovely way to start the day.

in between

sunrise:

sunset:

In between there was: 

a 40 minute run

luke-warm coffee gulped down on the way out the door

quick trip to wal mart (awful)

bubble blowing in the back yard

the concrete truck in our driveway again

weed pulling in the garden (already)

(look at my tomato plants!! redic. i'm sending them outside tomorrow!)

strawberries and cheese for lunch

math and spelling

geography and picture narrations

laundry (always)

a walk to the mailbox

hurt feelings

iced coffee (feeling better)

(directions here. make it. you won't be disappointed)

dinner prep

mess making (I'm a pro)

swim lessons

some laps

a 20 minute car-ride conversation about "non-violent communication" (awesome parenting moment for me)

smoothie making/drinking

a bath

kisses goodnight

and a resolve to just let today be what it was and tomorrow be what it will

weekend randoms

We ate out Friday night. That's something we don't do often. I mean honestly, it just not that enjoyable with a family of our size. It so much more comfortable to hang out around our own kitchen table and not worry about all the noodles that end up on the floor. Carl had been gone much of the week working and golfing, so it seemed somewhat celebratory when he finally joined us Friday evening. So we went out.

Taking a picture in the restaurant bathroom is a tradition of ours. Weird I know, but funny too. Hannah has a good pucker don't you think?

Saturday was the Grand Parade through town. I almost didn't take the kids because Carl was golfing again (he had some buddies in town- it was a 3 day extravaganza!). It would mean that I would have to navigate the crowds, and the traffic, and a likely panic attack :) with 4 kids in tow, by myself. Eeek. Plus, as an added bonus, I was on call.

But I rallied, and the kids were awesome, and we scored an awesome spot.

There's nothing like marching bands and rodeo queens to make you feel All-American, you know? I'm glad we went.

Afterwards (while the kids were napping/resting) I had a mini- Cinco De Mayo celebration on the deck.

Sunday I took a drive to look at real estate for our farm stand. Whoa is all I can say. This project could be more than just wearing cute country girl outfits. It might actually involve work. A lot of it.  And money. A lot of it. I'm trying not to get discouraged and remember what Thomas Edison said:

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

Oh man, I really hate overalls. 

We've been eating al fresco. So great.

Not so great: I ate cookies, and greasy tater tots with tartar sauce, and a hot dog?? and two sodas, and licorice, and a lot of peanuts this weekend. I'm going to bed with a tummy ache and determination to start clean tomorrow. 

black and white in black and white

coffee

watch

picture

purse

idea book (our farm stand has a name, and a logo...still working on the rest!)

quote

sandals

Letter P

Maybe I need some color? 

I want you to know that I don't always write about what's going on behind the scenes here- in my home, in my heart. It shouldn't surprise you to know that sometimes things are messy. We all deserve a quiet little corner of privacy and thought. Sometimes talking about make-up or patio furniture is good for me, but please don't think that I can't understand or empathize with the weightier things in life.  I never want to be guilty of portraying a life that's just about fluff. I realize that many of you are dealing with some really tough stuff. My heart goes out to you. Sometimes when I hear about an illness, or a preterm labor, or anything really sad or frightening, I feel a little guilty for posting about popscicles and lounging by the pool. It's never my intention to belittle the courageous suffering of others...

I'm not always cheerful. Often times I'm afraid. I lose my patience every day- several times. My kids misbehave. Marriage is hard work. My car smells like old cheese. We are all mucking our way through this human experience. Together.

If you are hurting, I'm sorry. If I you are struggling, I'm cheering you on. If you are smiling, I'm smiling too. Just do your best! It will be ok. Let's have a happy weekend. XXOO

scones

These are one of our favorite morning treats. I love them because:

A) They are easy!!

B) They are vegan.

C) They are yummy!

D) My kids eat them. (You can't say that about very many things that I make)

This recipe is adapted from the original Raspberry Scone recipe found in Babycakes (awesome cookbook for yummy treats!)

Berry Scones

2 cups whole wheat spelt flour

1 T baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup coconut oil, plus more for brushing (I've used veggie oil in a pinch)

1/3 cup agave nectar

1 T vanilla

1/4 cup hot water

1 cup fresh or frozen berries (we love using blueberries, but raspberries work well too)

1/4 cup raw sugar

**Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or use a silpat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the oil, agave nectar, and vanilla and stir together until a thick, slightly dry batter is formed. Pour the hot water into the batter and mix. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the berries just until they are mixed into the batter.

    For each scone, scoop 1/3 cup batter onto the baking sheet. Space them 1 inch apart. Lightly brush the tops with oil and sprinkle them with raw sugar. Bake the scones on the center rack for 7 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees and bake for another 7 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.

But who wants to eat them at the table? They are best enjoyed on a rainy morning, in a fluffy nest like this.

With strong coffee and slouchy sweatshirts.

And maybe a great story told by a little boy, who loves talk about an airplanes flying by.

And of course, you should share them.

Enjoy!!    

good stuff

We have had a couple of good home school days in a row. I'm encouraged. We've been talking about public school next year...

but afternoons on the deck combined with iced tea and eager learners has me reconsidering.

Maybe it was all the running and playing that we did earlier in the day. Whew! It was windy but fun anyways.

Speaking of wind...our patio umbrella (which was apparently not bolted tightly enough to its base) blew up on our roof the other evening. It hung out there for a few days. I'm sure we were the laughing stock of the neighborhood. Carl would never want you to know, but he's kind of afraid of heights. I waited till he was gone to climb up there and yank it down. 

We've been eating well- or at least I have been eating well. Making yummy/pretty food is one way that I like to take care of myself. I knew no one else would eat this iceberg wedge...but I think it's important to do something nice for yourself now and then. Yummy.

The kids ate watermelon instead.

Oh, and we made these popscicles (but we used soy pudding cups instead). So easy, and they're all gone! Must've been good.

Also making me smile: 

I lost my debit card two weeks ago. It took me a week to admit it. I kept thinking that I would find it- but I just couldn't. Carl just hates it when I do stuff like this, I wasn't excited to tell him. It took me another week to find the time to go to the bank and deal with it. Turns out that my card had been found by someone who reported it missing and the bank inactivated it. So, I walked out with a shiny new one (with a much easier to remember pin#) and thankfully my account wasn't misused.

The forms are all in place and the concrete truck comes at 9am tomorrow. I'm getting more driveway out front, a sidewalk around back, and a huge patio! Pretty excited to say goodbye to some of the dirt around here! Guess I'm gonna need some more outdoor furniture?!

This could work. Can you say poolside lounging? We'd look good laying here don't you think? You bring the fruity drinks, I'll provide the glasses and tiny umbrellas.

I sent 2502 texts last month. I laughed out loud when I saw this on my phone bill remembering some of the totally frivolous conversations that I had. Thank goodness for technology (and unlimited messaging). That's a lot keeping in touch that probably wouldn't otherwise happen! Even my Grandma is getting with the program. With 4 LOUD children, sometimes it really is the only polite way for me to communicate!

My lettuce is coming up. Miraculous because I haven't watered it once. Guess I'd better get with the program if I expect to grow a single thing. Where is my irrigation???? 

I saw this the other day. Great words to live by don't you think?

Hope you've got some good stuff going on too. If not, make it happen.

I've been up to my elbows in:

Laundry. I washed all the bedding, and towels, and curtains, and rugs over the weekend. It was a perfect day for hanging them out to dry. I just love drying off with crispy stiff towels and crawling in to bed with clean sheets that smell like sunshine. 

Yard work. I planted all my outdoor pots. It feels nice to have a little color here and there. I can't wait for them to fill out, get bushy, and flower.

And Babies. I had a 12 hour double header at the birth center yesterday. Two mamas, two labors, two babies, a couple of curve balls, one midwife, and me. Whew! 

So after 3 days of work, work, work, I finally got a shower, some clean clothes, and something other than a ponytail.  

The kids and I are headed out to have some fun!! This girl needs it.