Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

I don't post about the kids school work much anymore but it really does happen.  Everyday in fact, even in the summer.  The last few weeks we have spent raising ladybugs and Painted Lady butterflies.  The kids loved it!  The checked every single day to find out what was changing.  The morning we woke to 5 full butterflies was priceless.  The squeals of delight were heard around the neighborhood.

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

I don't post about the kids school work much anymore but it really does happen.  Everyday in fact, even in the summer.  The last few weeks we have spent raising ladybugs and Painted Lady butterflies.  The kids loved it!  The checked every single day to find out what was changing.  The morning we woke to 5 full butterflies was priceless.  The squeals of delight were heard around the neighborhood.

Grocery Bags

I have been wanting to make the switch to re-usable grocery bags for years now.  I used re-usable produce bags for a while until they met an untimely fate, but grocery bags have never made the cross over.  This month I told myself it was time. I had a pattern, fabric and time to make them.  No more excuses.  So the other day I decided it was time to get on the ball.  Cailtin and I whipped our 3 bags in a short amount of time.  We used them when we picked up our CSA share and I have to say I am sold!  They are so awesome!

So here in the next week or so I will be whipping up a bunch of these bags and the produce bags and stocking my long neglected etsy shop.  I have a few other ideas in the works but I think baby steps are best right now. Let me know if you want a new bag all for your self! :)

Veggies are grand!

You knew it was coming.  It's that time of year where I go on and on about vegetables.  Well it has finally arrived (a month later than normal!) and I have to say it is just grand.  The garden space is doing well and with the warm temps we've had is quickly being over run my weeds.  if only I believed in spraying poison all over our food, it sure would make weeding easier. This weekend will be spent weeding and getting a killer sun burn (not on purpose of course, it just happens that way.)

{Spinach of some variety.  I picked it a little late but the flavor is still yummy.}

{Rainbow chard.  These took a while to get going but now they are beautiful! I cant wait to harvest and enjoy!}

{Purple cabbage}

{TONS of cilantro.  It has just grown where ever it wants.  I didn't plant it, neither did the last two renters here.  Its a mystery that I am very thankful for.  I see a lot of cilantro pear smoothies in my future.  Don't knock it until you try it!}

And since this is a veggie post I will share with you our first basket from a local (sort of) CSA.  We joined Cosmic Apple Gardens last month.  We received our first share today.  It was a little sparse because of the crazy cool spring we have had, but sun is in the forecast so things will be looking up next week and the coming weeks.  I am so excited to be part of a CSA this year.  I think the concept is awesome!  I love knowing where my food comes from, knowing the farmers and actually getting the profits to the farmers.  How awesome is that!  Now you may be wondering why we have signed up since I do garden and quiet a bit.  This year my goal is to use the CSA as our daily fresh vegetables and use the gardens bounty to put up for the winter.  This will be our first year self employed and well I think its going to be a little rough.  Preparedness is my motto this summer.  I have already sourced all the fresh fruits we can eat and now the veggies are taken care of.  Meat is just waiting for us to pick it up and we will be set! Woot.

Anyway here is a pic of a few things we got in our share tonight: radishes, basil and chives. 

Here is to a yummy veggie filled weekend!

Veggies are grand!

You knew it was coming.  It's that time of year where I go on and on about vegetables.  Well it has finally arrived (a month later than normal!) and I have to say it is just grand.  The garden space is doing well and with the warm temps we've had is quickly being over run my weeds.  if only I believed in spraying poison all over our food, it sure would make weeding easier. This weekend will be spent weeding and getting a killer sun burn (not on purpose of course, it just happens that way.)

{Spinach of some variety.  I picked it a little late but the flavor is still yummy.}

{Rainbow chard.  These took a while to get going but now they are beautiful! I cant wait to harvest and enjoy!}

{Purple cabbage}

{TONS of cilantro.  It has just grown where ever it wants.  I didn't plant it, neither did the last two renters here.  Its a mystery that I am very thankful for.  I see a lot of cilantro pear smoothies in my future.  Don't knock it until you try it!}

And since this is a veggie post I will share with you our first basket from a local (sort of) CSA.  We joined Cosmic Apple Gardens last month.  We received our first share today.  It was a little sparse because of the crazy cool spring we have had, but sun is in the forecast so things will be looking up next week and the coming weeks.  I am so excited to be part of a CSA this year.  I think the concept is awesome!  I love knowing where my food comes from, knowing the farmers and actually getting the profits to the farmers.  How awesome is that!  Now you may be wondering why we have signed up since I do garden and quiet a bit.  This year my goal is to use the CSA as our daily fresh vegetables and use the gardens bounty to put up for the winter.  This will be our first year self employed and well I think its going to be a little rough.  Preparedness is my motto this summer.  I have already sourced all the fresh fruits we can eat and now the veggies are taken care of.  Meat is just waiting for us to pick it up and we will be set! Woot.

Anyway here is a pic of a few things we got in our share tonight: radishes, basil and chives. 

Here is to a yummy veggie filled weekend!

Father of mine

I am my dads favorite kid....no really its true....he tells me that all the time, although he does say it with a smirk and often after I have done or said something incredibly awesome....hmm I wont linger on that one too long.  Anyway my dad is awesome, a pain in the butt to be sure, but an incredibly awesome guy none the less.  He was a hippy and a musician of the late 70's/early 80's.  He plays guitar and bass and was part of band for a long long time.  Once I was born I was toted to and from gigs and band practice.  I have few memories of my dad without music.  To me they are one in the same.

{The Sour Mash Band 1981ish}

My dad instilled a love of music in me and my siblings.  We all have wide and varied taste ranging from Joan Baez, The Eagles and Joan Jett to Norah Jones and Lady Gaga.  I personally like to thrown in a bit of classical (Moonlight Sonata anyone?) and opera (shhh don't tell dad that one!).  Dads guitar was a permanent fixture in our home.  When he grabbed it and sat down, more often than not you would find at least a couple of us perched at his feet.  We often got the privilege of singing Old Ben Lucas and were serenaded with the likes of Frank Zappas "Muffin Man" or "Yellow Snow". 

{1983, the morning my lil brother was born}

Dad had a large collection of records that I would thumb through when I was bored.  Elton John, The Beetles, Frank Zappa.....the collection was big and wonderful.  The album covers were vivid and colorful but I always would check out the back to see if Dad had ever played their songs.  I loved it when I would find one that he played regularly.

My dad still plays the guitar and bass, still plays in a band and still goes to coffee shop gigs.  His tastes in music haven't changed, but he has added Jack Johnson, HEM, and others to the mix.  He loves Cowboy Junkies and if he could he would run away with the lead singer Margo.  I still can't separate music from my dad, and more often than not, I will turn on the MP3 player and pick a little something to listen too and think "Man, dad would love/hate this..."  One day I will get him to appreciate Dave Matthews Band, until then I be thankful that my dad felt music so deeply that he was able to share it with us and let us breath it in.  Music is part of my life and part of my family.  Thanks dad.

{Just a couple years ago at a Balloon Festival in Utah.}

Father of mine

I am my dads favorite kid....no really its true....he tells me that all the time, although he does say it with a smirk and often after I have done or said something incredibly awesome....hmm I wont linger on that one too long.  Anyway my dad is awesome, a pain in the butt to be sure, but an incredibly awesome guy none the less.  He was a hippy and a musician of the late 70's/early 80's.  He plays guitar and bass and was part of band for a long long time.  Once I was born I was toted to and from gigs and band practice.  I have few memories of my dad without music.  To me they are one in the same.

{The Sour Mash Band 1981ish}

My dad instilled a love of music in me and my siblings.  We all have wide and varied taste ranging from Joan Baez, The Eagles and Joan Jett to Norah Jones and Lady Gaga.  I personally like to thrown in a bit of classical (Moonlight Sonata anyone?) and opera (shhh don't tell dad that one!).  Dads guitar was a permanent fixture in our home.  When he grabbed it and sat down, more often than not you would find at least a couple of us perched at his feet.  We often got the privilege of singing Old Ben Lucas and were serenaded with the likes of Frank Zappas "Muffin Man" or "Yellow Snow". 

{1983, the morning my lil brother was born}

Dad had a large collection of records that I would thumb through when I was bored.  Elton John, The Beetles, Frank Zappa.....the collection was big and wonderful.  The album covers were vivid and colorful but I always would check out the back to see if Dad had ever played their songs.  I loved it when I would find one that he played regularly.

My dad still plays the guitar and bass, still plays in a band and still goes to coffee shop gigs.  His tastes in music haven't changed, but he has added Jack Johnson, HEM, and others to the mix.  He loves Cowboy Junkies and if he could he would run away with the lead singer Margo.  I still can't separate music from my dad, and more often than not, I will turn on the MP3 player and pick a little something to listen too and think "Man, dad would love/hate this..."  One day I will get him to appreciate Dave Matthews Band, until then I be thankful that my dad felt music so deeply that he was able to share it with us and let us breath it in.  Music is part of my life and part of my family.  Thanks dad.

{Just a couple years ago at a Balloon Festival in Utah.}

Notes to me

Dear 10 yo me,
You are fantastic.  You are great and you are wonderful how you are.  Stop thinking you look chubby in your hand-me-down swim suit and just play.  Quit worrying about boys, they will be there in a few years.  Always stop and think before making a decision, some choices will impact you for the rest of your life.

Always read, laugh, and try to remember the good times for it will be years before you are easily able to find any. There are some bumpy years ahead, keep your feet on the ground and you'll come out just fine.

Love, Me

Dear 15 yo me,
Oh my, its okay to lay off the drama queen role.  Things are tough, unbearable at times for sure, but you can and will make it through.  You will be okay, and while life is not close to what you thought it would be, you will be fine, maybe even better for it.  Stay calm in the face of chaos.  One day you will be able to put all this behind you and  even forgive.  Just keep breathing.  Be a good friend to those around you for many of them will stay with  you for a lifetime. Pray.

Love, Me

Dear 20 yo me,
Oh how life has surprised you!  Life is good and great but put the past behind.  Don't worry and fret so much.  You are special and wonderful.  Your heart may hurt right now but use it to grow.  You will have the choice to let this moment define you and change  you.  Let it change you, learn from it, grow.  You have so much waiting for you.  Be thankful for all that you have been given.  Stop being stubborn
Love, Me


I wanted to write myself a letter today, something to set aside to read at 40 but nothing is coming.  So instead I have written a list of things I have learned over the last 29 years.  On the eve of my 30th birthday I am feeling pretty thankful for this life I have been given.  I have come through things I thought would kill me and others that have filled me with more happiness then I though possible.  Here is to another fantastic decade full of love and growth.

 *Nothing is ever set in stone.


*Even those you love can/will let you down.

*Forgiveness and acceptance are the two hardest things to do, especially when it comes to those you love.

*French fries taste fantastic dipped ice cream.

*You can never have too much faith.

*Laughter is the best medicine, no matter what life throws your way!

*Friendship is the most powerful blessing in this world.

*A true friend is a light in the darkness.

*All topping combos you can think of taste great on a saltine cracker.

*Love is a gift.

*You cannot have love where disrespect exists. They go hand in hand.

*We are always stronger than we think.

*Always be prepared, especially when skinny dipping.

*A good influence can start at any age and leave a lasting impact on a life.

*Even black sheep can find a flock they are at home in.

*Reading is never a waste of time.

*There are always exceptions to the rules.

*Dean Koontz is the only author I have ever put in the "waste of time category".

*Always tell someone you love them, you never know when they will be gone for good.

*Flowers always make you a little happier.

*Prayer always works, even if we don't want the results.

*A shaking skateboard means abandon ship!

*Some people are gifted with a twisted sense of humor, call them when you really need a pick me up.

*Pain is always funnier when it isn't yours.

*Laugh at your pain, it really does make you feel better.

*Parents are not perfect, they are just as flawed as the rest of us.

*Some of the most hilarious moments are also the most awkward.

*No matter whose fart it is, people blush and giggle.

*Never remove your Grandmas wig even if you do want to show a friend that she is in fact bald from cancer.

*Saying Kraft Jett Puffed Marshmallows a million times a million ways will always bring a smile to your face.

*High school may be fun but it is not the highlight of life.

*Its the small things in life that are the most beautiful.

*Surprise yourself, you never know what good can come of it.

*There is nothing like a baby in your arms, hold tight but not to tight, just love them!

*Never, ever think you can pull off a short hair cut, no matter how cool everyone else looks (see photo above for proof of this!). Curly hair is much different than straight!

Notes to me

Dear 10 yo me,
You are fantastic.  You are great and you are wonderful how you are.  Stop thinking you look chubby in your hand-me-down swim suit and just play.  Quit worrying about boys, they will be there in a few years.  Always stop and think before making a decision, some choices will impact you for the rest of your life.

Always read, laugh, and try to remember the good times for it will be years before you are easily able to find any. There are some bumpy years ahead, keep your feet on the ground and you'll come out just fine.

Love, Me

Dear 15 yo me,
Oh my, its okay to lay off the drama queen role.  Things are tough, unbearable at times for sure, but you can and will make it through.  You will be okay, and while life is not close to what you thought it would be, you will be fine, maybe even better for it.  Stay calm in the face of chaos.  One day you will be able to put all this behind you and  even forgive.  Just keep breathing.  Be a good friend to those around you for many of them will stay with  you for a lifetime. Pray.

Love, Me

Dear 20 yo me,
Oh how life has surprised you!  Life is good and great but put the past behind.  Don't worry and fret so much.  You are special and wonderful.  Your heart may hurt right now but use it to grow.  You will have the choice to let this moment define you and change  you.  Let it change you, learn from it, grow.  You have so much waiting for you.  Be thankful for all that you have been given.  Stop being stubborn
Love, Me


I wanted to write myself a letter today, something to set aside to read at 40 but nothing is coming.  So instead I have written a list of things I have learned over the last 29 years.  On the eve of my 30th birthday I am feeling pretty thankful for this life I have been given.  I have come through things I thought would kill me and others that have filled me with more happiness then I though possible.  Here is to another fantastic decade full of love and growth.

 *Nothing is ever set in stone.


*Even those you love can/will let you down.

*Forgiveness and acceptance are the two hardest things to do, especially when it comes to those you love.

*French fries taste fantastic dipped ice cream.

*You can never have too much faith.

*Laughter is the best medicine, no matter what life throws your way!

*Friendship is the most powerful blessing in this world.

*A true friend is a light in the darkness.

*All topping combos you can think of taste great on a saltine cracker.

*Love is a gift.

*You cannot have love where disrespect exists. They go hand in hand.

*We are always stronger than we think.

*Always be prepared, especially when skinny dipping.

*A good influence can start at any age and leave a lasting impact on a life.

*Even black sheep can find a flock they are at home in.

*Reading is never a waste of time.

*There are always exceptions to the rules.

*Dean Koontz is the only author I have ever put in the "waste of time category".

*Always tell someone you love them, you never know when they will be gone for good.

*Flowers always make you a little happier.

*Prayer always works, even if we don't want the results.

*A shaking skateboard means abandon ship!

*Some people are gifted with a twisted sense of humor, call them when you really need a pick me up.

*Pain is always funnier when it isn't yours.

*Laugh at your pain, it really does make you feel better.

*Parents are not perfect, they are just as flawed as the rest of us.

*Some of the most hilarious moments are also the most awkward.

*No matter whose fart it is, people blush and giggle.

*Never remove your Grandmas wig even if you do want to show a friend that she is in fact bald from cancer.

*Saying Kraft Jett Puffed Marshmallows a million times a million ways will always bring a smile to your face.

*High school may be fun but it is not the highlight of life.

*Its the small things in life that are the most beautiful.

*Surprise yourself, you never know what good can come of it.

*There is nothing like a baby in your arms, hold tight but not to tight, just love them!

*Never, ever think you can pull off a short hair cut, no matter how cool everyone else looks (see photo above for proof of this!). Curly hair is much different than straight!

Wacky Weather

Monday brought a hail storm with temperatures in the low 40's

Today brought glorious sunshine and temps in the 60's (at 7am).



Wacky Weather

Monday brought a hail storm with temperatures in the low 40's

Today brought glorious sunshine and temps in the 60's (at 7am).