Nineteen Years

We watched Endeavour take off for it's final mission today.  I haven't watched a lift-off in years but this one was special because Endeavour landed it's first mission on this day 19 years ago.  

We were only 20 years old in this picture.  And yes, this is about as artistic as a wedding photo could get back then.  As I pulled these pictures out today I had very mixed feelings.  I hadn't looked at them in five years or so.  So many people are gone that are in those photos.  Gone, passed away gone, and gone through divorce gone.  Sorry I know that's a depressing thought on one's anniversary but if I'm being honest and that's what one does when blogging, those were my thoughts.  Real life is real hard, everybody knows that by now I think.  

These kids had a lot going for them though.  They knew going in that they would never be rich, their lives probably wouldn't be very conventional,  the path would be narrow and sometimes difficult to navigate and most importantly they knew that they weren't doing it alone.  The plan was God's plan, find it, follow it and live in it.  Pretty simple.  Not as simple as first thought, but conceptually still simple.  What advise would I give those 20 year olds?  Hang on, remember, work hard, keep your head up, be ready, be happy and live:)

This is a variation on the famous Farm Chicks recipe, Apple Puff Pancake.  I had rhubarb....so I tried it.  Some bites were a bit tart, but overall a success.  A good way to use up rhubarb.

This is a new bread recipe, found here.  I've tried many over the last few weeks with varying degrees of success.  I'm trying to strike a good balance for all of us.  I'm hoping this one is it!  It sure does win points in the looks category with it's shiny egg finish and sprinkling of oats.  

Lastly I'm excited about this, Boomerang Lilacs, have you seen them?  They bloom a second time, shut up, I know!  Twice.  I love lilacs.  They were my wedding flowers, and they will always be my favorites.  I still have people tell us that they think of us every time the lilacs bloom.  Must mean my anniversary is just around the corner:)  

Happy Mothers Day

It doesn't get any better than this.

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow....Hopefully

The sun came out for just a few minutes this evening, so I put on my waders and snapped a few pictures.  

  Spring is here.  I know it doesn't feel like it but the green grass and blossoms are proof after all.

Hang in there, anytime now, anytime......

Hello Toad

Toads, that's all I've got.  Believe it or not this is the first picture I've taken in awhile.  You never know where inspiration will come from.

We've been in Rochester enjoying some time with Grandma this week.  Eating, sleeping in and just generally being lazy.

Taryn spotted the toad and was fascinated with it but at the same time wanted nothing to do with it.  We were outside in our jammies poking it with a stick trying to see if it would jump.  That's a grape in her cheek I think.




Myah on the other hand just reached down and grabbed it, studied it, and explained it's toadyness to us in detail.  She's a reptile and amphibian person, awesome.




Taryn and I usually can be seen screaming and running from such things:)

Sewing Room Sneak Peek

 I mentioned the other day that the sewing room was almost done.  I maybe forgot to tell you that I ended up taking over the master bedroom in the process.  I decided that I could really use the extra space for a large cutting table.  Deerslayer doesn't really care where he lays his head, so he was agreeable to the change.  Our bedroom will be my old sewing room, a modest 9 by 10 space in the front of the house.  Both rooms have been painted a light grey blue.  I found a huge 45 by 65 chunk of wood at Ikea that was actually meant to be a headboard.  It was the perfect size for the space and was in the clearance room to boot, 39 dollars for a table, sweet.  I took down the ceiling fan and installed a 'free' red enamel light given to me by a friend.  perfect.  The room is still not quite finished but as you can see it is attracting occupants of the small variety.  I started with 2, then had 4 before I knew it.  I had hoped that this room would be fun and someplace that my girls and the neighborhood girls would want to be, so far so good I guess.  A lot sooner than I expected though.

I'm thinking get them in, teach them stuff and poof, instant sweat shop.  I told them this was my goal and they just laughed.  They have no idea:)

Two-Random Tuesday

   

     I cannot seem to stay on a roll here with this blogging thing.  I think it's just the nature of my life right now.   As I debate what to write about and download pictures collected from the last few days, I am realizing that  my i photo file is a direct reflection of my brain these last few months. It's a conglomeration of unrelated events.  

     While I feel like I've become more intentional with marriage and parenting, the two areas that need constant shoring up, the rest of my world feels slightly random.  And to be honest the weather isn't helping establish any sort of routine either.  Yesterday I worked in my new sewing room (yes, it's almost done:) with the windows wide open.  Today I was digging out hats and gloves for the kids again.  It's safe to say that the weather is making for an unpleasant populous.  Although I can't complain because I know some of you are still dealing with measurable snow.  So I suppose we are just all in coping mode doing the things that get us by, and by default it feels kind of random.  I'm sure I'm not alone in this feeling.   The following are just a few of the things I've been up to lately, in no particular order of course:)

Nobodies birthday Big-top cupcake.  Made entirely by the little Chickie's.  

 Bacon and Blue Cheese Dinner Pies, because who doesn't like bacon.

Happy little girl, because who doesn't like giggling babies.

Birthday donut coffee cup, because who doesn't like donuts....and coffee.....and presents.

Ok, maybe that's not so random.