Big Things

My littlest is turning two on Wednesday and I can't even believe it.  I miss that totally dependent baby stage more than I thought I could and yet I am so totally in love with Duncan as a two year old (almost) and Simon as a 4 year old.  They are good boys; they play well, mostly, and help out when they can.  They laugh a lot and are happy. What isn't to love.  Still trying to find a reasonable preschool for Simon...I contacted one here that was $8000 a year.  People pay that for preschool?  Seriously, that's more than a year of college.

June started so slowly and then now, July in an hour.  Our move to Portland has been postponed, at least a year.  We had a yard sale and Simon had a lemonade stand.  Now my focus has been on this birthday party and listening to as much streaming Phish as I can (much to Greg's chagrin!)  Maybe I'll get to see them again on fall tour.  It is just so hard with the boys and only one car and shows alone just aren't as much fun.  Just have to make it though this next week and I can relax!

Thinking of making this salted caramel cheesecake for Greg's birthday the 8th...just when to make it...http://pinterest.com/pin/87820261453496379/

A few pretties for your viewing pleasure :-)  Happy rest of your weekend.

Potato, oh Potato

I've been on a no potato diet for 6 weeks and was seriously craving some starchy lovely creamy goodness like only a potato can provide.  I threw some ingredients from the garden together and made this.  Try and see if you love it as much as we did!

Parmesan Herb Red Potatoes

2 tbsp olive oil
12-14 small red potatoes, cubed and boiled
10 basil leaves, chopped
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (I was informed this was a little too much garlic.  I disagree!)
Small handful fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp. parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
bacon bits, if desired

Cook potatoes.  Meanwhile combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix it up.  Enjoy!

The Many Ways to Sleep

 Duncan is the master of sleeping when and wherever he is.  Evidence....

Mother's Day 2012

 Mother's Day again, with two boys who love me so.  I couldn't have asked for more in my life.  They are my loves, my all.  My wild things.  My bad day hugs.  My gray hairs and my laugh lines.  Love you so Duncan and Simon.

Things I Grow

lupine

purple columbine

allium

sunflower

jacob's ladder

echinacea

hosta

strawberry

hydrangea

chives

columbine

hibiscus

delphinium

Carrot Cake (ish) Muffins

In an effort to eat healthier, and get my boys to eat more vegetables and fruits, I came up with this recipe.

(Adapted from Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook 14th Edition)

1 3/4 C. whole wheat flour (Sub. 3/4 c. oatmeal and reduce flour to 1 1/3 c. if desired)
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp baking powder
dash of salt
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 c. milk
2 jars baby food carrots
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chocolate chips
seasonings to taste (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, etc.)

Add dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.  Add wet ingredients in a separate bowl.  Mix those well.  Combine in the dry bowl and mix until equally combined.

Pour into prepared muffin pan.  I used spray and not liners.  Fill about 3/4 full.  Bake approx. 20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.


Cool 5 minutes on a wire rack.  Pour a cup of coffee.  Sit down.  Grab the paper.  Enjoy and relax!

Opportunities

I have a tendency to balk at offers for my photography skills.  So far this year three people have asked me to shoot an event for them and I have always said, no no no.  Well.  I need to do something with this.  An old high school friend has asked me to shoot her family in preparation for their adoption portfolio.  It is back in Northern Wisconsin.  I've weighed this opportunity and the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.  If I am going to be a photographer...then I need to do more than shoot my kids and pretty flowers in my garden.  I'm planning to go back home over Memorial weekend.  I hope to set up some 'mini sessions' with other friends and their families and my own family too.  Needless to say I'm excited!  More information on the mini sessions coming either here or on Kiss the Earth Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiss-the-Earth-Designs/102849783139822)

Positives
I get to see an old friend and help her and her family hopefully add to their brood
I get to see my parents and my brothers
I get to do what I love and start the professional journey
A vacation!


Have a great day.