March Daybook

Outside my window...

Spring in Connecticut...a tad too white for my liking!

It's the first day of Spring, but it's looking a lot more like the middle February what with the blanket of snow and blanket of ice coating everything.  But in the melty patches I see green instead of brown and the spring birds are returning to my feeder, so I know the warmer weather is on its way!  I understand why writers and poets so often equate spring with hope!  It's that excited waiting--the anticipation and belief in that which we cannot see.  I love how Easter is right smack dab in the middle of this transition from winter to spring.  What better time of year to celebrate the resurrection?

I am thinking...



...about motherhood.  A lot.  I'm happy to share that we've added a new little life to our family!  On February 12th I held my sweet & tiny little son,Thomas Blaise, in my arms.  Just 6 pounds 1 ounce and 18.5 inches long! He's by far the smallest baby I've ever had and there were lots of scares throughout my last month of pregnancy about his health (all unfounded, thank God!), based on his small size.  I thank the Lord every day that he's healthy and growing by leaps and bounds!  I must admit I've always taken my healthy pregnancies for granted in the past.  A miscarriage and this most recent scare has certainly changed all of that.  So I am loving all of the newborn snuggles all the more in the wake of the fears I endured.

At the hospital--now a family of six!

Thomas Blaise

Our family is still adjusting to this brand new little person we've added.  We're finding new routines and new rhythms.  It's definitely changed our homeschool days!  I'm also finding I have a LOT less free time!  I know that should seem fairly obvious, but I'm still adjusting to this change.  I realize what a gift that free time is and how I need to use it wisely these days! 


I am thankful...


For so many things...for my sweet little boy, for the way my children have adjusted so well to their lives being upended by our new addition, for the ability to stay home and see all of the transitions and "firsts" each of the kids go through, for a husband who pitches in when I can't keep up on everything and for 2 glorious nights in a row of Thomas sleeping 6 hours between feedings!  I feel so very blessed.

In the kitchen...

I have a newfound love and respect for the existence of the "30 Minute Meal!"  I am all about the quick meals that require little thought or preparation these days.  And alleluia for leftovers!

I am wearing...

Hooray for clothes that don't require ruched sides and stretchy belly panels!  My clothes isn't exactly the size or fit I'd like them to be just yet, but hey, at this point I'm just thankful to have a little variety after 9 months of donning the same ol' preggie-duds!  I never thought I'd be so happy to see my corduroys and cotton shirt I've had for years!

I am creating...

 ...errr, more like planning for things I'd like to do once I have a little more free time again!  I have big plans for future crafts, but this just isn't the season for uber-craft mode right now.  Heck, I'm just lucky to snag a 1/2 hour here and there to skim a magazine at this point!  But I'm ok with that. I've got a sweet little cuddle bug to snuggle and sniff (I can't be the only one who loves sniffing my babies' heads, can I?!) instead.  :)

I mean, who wouldn't want to give that little head a good sniff? :p

I am going...

A whole 'lotta nowhere!  Newborns aren't exactly good for one's social life.  But that's ok, I'm kind of a home-body anyway!

I am wondering...

When it'll finally feel like spring around here!  (See above description of snow and ice.)  I'm itching to get out there for some walks in the fresh air sans snow boots!

I am reading...
Ummm...see above notes on skimming magazines in 1/2 hour stints!  If I try to read anything deeper than that my sleep-deprived mush-brain just can't seem to process and my eyelids grow heavy.  Again, it's all about the seasons with these things!  But I also have big plans for future reads.  Some Barbara Kingsolver will be in that future.  I've heard so many good things about her books and have yet to crack one, aside from an audio book I couldn't get through for more than 10 minutes since the narrator was just AWFUL. 

I'm also verrrrrrrry sloooooowly working my way through Educating the Whole-Hearted Child by Sally Clarkson. I've been in homeschool-refining mode lately and really felt the need to read something inspiring.  I always get in a bit of a funk at some point in the school year, and have been feeling badly that we've had so many chaotic weeks what with the move and the baby.  Encouraging homeschool authors to the rescue!

I am hoping...

It will warm up for Easter, but it's not looking likely at this point.  It's gonna be one cold egg hunt in Connecticut, me thinks!


I am looking forward to...

Future house projects!  I have grand plans, many of which involve scraping granny-esque wallpaper and painting.  I'm also really looking forward to seeing what types of plants will sprout up at this new house.  We moved in December, so I have no idea what's planted here!

I am learning...

Patience.  (I hope, anyway!)  Patience has always been a struggle for me.  Lessons on trusting more.  Time management.  Growing as a mother and homeschooler in a season of change.  Refining my goals and getting in touch with what really matters most to me.  Winter--especially Lent--has always been a big season of introspection for me, and this year has been no exception.  I think all of the huge changes I've been through--moving, having a baby--have helped me grow and lean on God a lot more.  Although I'm often resistant to change, I can start to see some of the positive results already.  It's when we're stripped bare emotionally that the real growth can take place, you know?

Around the house...

The laundry and dishes have taken on a life of their own!  Enter the need for self-discipline.  This is not a strong-suit of mine, but I'm forcing myself to try my best to stay on top of these things.  Some days I do better than others. :) 

I am pondering...

How to work quality prayer time into my newly busier days.  I used to love starting the day with a good chunk of time spent in prayer, but with a newborn it's been in bits and pieces, which I don't like.  I feel myself longing for that solid chunk of time to really "dig in" and feel a little off-kilter with these shorter bursts here and there.  Any suggestions??



A favorite quote for today...


I've been pondering this scripture verse I came across the other day:

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." ~2 Cor. 10:12


How true that no good comes from comparison!  I need to remind myself of this often, when I'm feeling "not enough."


One of my favorite things...

new "non-tippy" mug. :)

I picked up these simple mugs the other day, since our regular mugs we've had for years are just too  "tippy."  (Tippy=bad with little kids around!) Whenever I made hot cocoa for the kids there would inevitable be a spill within minutes.  It's the little things, right? :)


A peek into my day...

A little St. Paddy's Day toast with green punch!

Big sister cuddling her new baby brother :)

The littles keeping themselves entertained on the cold winter days!

St. Paddy's Cake!

My lil' leprechaun!

sharing with:

Simple Woman's Daybook

February Daybook

Outside my window...


...it's a bright and sunny (but cold!) winter day here in Connecticut.


I am thinking about...


...nesting, nesting, nesting!  My little guy is due in a couple of weeks (if not sooner!) so I'm making plans to ensure things will be as smooth as possible around these here parts, once he makes his arrival.  Aside from the obvious baby prep I'm also making plans for our homeschool lessons--how to simplify them for the sleepless nights ahead.  I'm thinking about Lent, too, which is coming up very soon!  I need to keep things simple this year (again, sleepless nights ahead!) but I'd still like to try and make it as meaningful as possible. I'm looking around online for some really simple activities we can do that will be meaningful for us as a family.

I am thankful...


...for a productive weekend!  We got the boys' rooms painted (our new house is chock of full of horrid granny wallpaper that we're gradually getting rid of--it's been quite a process!).  My guys are so very happy to forever be rid of the hideous yellow and green flowers...although if they ever decide they miss them, all they have to do is open their closet to catch a glimpse!  Yes, the previous owners even papered all of the closets, as well as switch covers and sockets to boot!  (Who does that?!)

In the kitchen...

Not much doin' in this department lately.  I've been eeking by with simple fast recipes, now that I'm getting so big and uncomfortable.  Thankfully no one seems to mind my utter lack of attention to this area! 
I am wearing...

I am creating...


Aside from a few crafts I managed to pull together for the baby's room, I haven't been all that crafty since we moved.  Not only are all of my craft supplies still a messy jumble, but my motivation is reeeeeeally low--for the same reason my cooking has been at a minimum.  Big and uncomfortable is the over-arching theme of my life these last couple of weeks of pregnancy!





I am going...


...not many places these days!  Back to the big and uncomfortable theme!  But I did manage to check out the new library since we moved and got 3 ginormous tote bags full of books for us to go through, which I'm pretty psyched about.  Other than that it's just been doctors appointments, the occasional homeschool outing and lots o' hangin' around the house.  My poor kids had a rather lack-luster January!

I am wondering...

...when my little guy will make his appearance.  I'm also wondering if he'll come naturally or of I'll be induced.  My placenta at my last ultrasound was showing signs of age, so they might induce me next week based on that.  Sooo, we'll see what happens!

I am reading...

I've been on a mission to finish up some old neglected books I never finished, and others I've been given but have never gotten around to reading.  Ever since I unpacked my books at the new house I decided I'm not going to crack open any new ones until I finish some of these oldie-moldies.  So, I just finished Joy Luck Club and started Sea Glass by Anita Shreve.  I really enjoyed the intricacies of the mother-daughter relationships in JLC.  I also loved thinking about how multiple generations and different cultures collide to make relationships complex and sometimes strained.  I'm not very far in Sea Glass just yet, so I don't have much to say on that one.  It's set in the 1920s, which is fun.  I haven't read a novel set in that time period in quite awhile.

I am hoping...


...to have a smooth transition into life with 4 kids!  Although my daughter is only 3 years old, I feel like it's been forever since I've had a newborn!  From previous experience I remember it being like riding a bike--it just comes right back--but I still feel a little bit anxious.  Also, I had all of my other kids in the old house, so having one in this new house will feel like an added adventure! 

I am looking forward to...

Spring!  And being able to be just me again...I don't know about you, but to me pregnancy is verrrry loooooooong.  I feel like I've been housing 2 people for ages here in this ol' body and am looking forward to being just me again!

I am learning...

...about patience.  I read an interesting homily the other day from my book of daily homilies about patience, and how it comes from the Latin meaning "to suffer."  I never knew this, but oh, how true it is!  I can be a bit impatient at times, wanting to do things right now.  I have so many plans for homeschooling projects, crafts,  cooking, decorating, unpacking and organizing, but this pregnancy is forcing me to put many of these plans on hold.  It's an uneasy feeling, but I think there's a valuable lesson hidden in all this forced waiting.  I'm trying my best to embrace it and learn from it.

Around the house...


I'm trying and failing miserably at keeping up on the chores!  Everything feels so hard at this late stage of pregnancy and poor Kevin has been so wonderful about picking up the slack in the dish and laundry departments.  So if you happen to know me in real life and decide to pop in for a visit, just don't look around too closely at anything, ok?  ;)


One of my favorite things...


When we moved I somehow lost our sugar bowl.  It either broke, or goblins broke in during the night and stole it away because it is nowhere to be found.  So, I decided it was time to break down a buy a new one.  I saw this and fell in love!  It was a bit of a splurge for me, but I went for it.  I have it perched happily on my kitchen counter and it makes me smile every time I see it. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:


Doctor's appointments, chore catch-up, homeschool (heavy on the read-alouds this week, courtesy of aforementioned library trip!), naps, and homechool co-op. Oh, and possibly going into labor and having a baby!

Sharing with:

Simple Woman's Daybook

2013...a year of change and trust

It's been ages since I've last written in this little space.  So much has happened over the past few months which has left me with no time to tap away at the keyboard, though I've had lots I've wanted to share!  The biggest change that took up all of my time this past Fall was moving to a new house.  I know there are people out there who are able to sell their house, pack up their belongings, find a new house, unpack their stuff and not have it cause Complete Life Upheaval, and to those who fit in this category-- I am in complete awe of you!  I, on the other hand, am the exact opposite.  A creature of routine and habit and all things familiar & comfortable, moving has been a HUGE change, and rather difficult one at that.  Happily, we are just now starting to settle in as new routines develop.  As we begin to make this new house our home, another huge change is on the horizon--our newest bundle of joy is due in just 4 short weeks! 

All of these life changes are tremendous blessings--I hope I don't sound like I'm complaining, because I'm not.  We have been richly blessed with a larger space for our growing family and this little life kicking away inside of me reminds me of more good things that lie ahead.  But I just wanted to share how this past season has really s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d me, forcing me to rely more on God, trusting that He would lead the way through all of the changes and bumps in the road. 

Trust.

Trust is not something that comes easily to me.  I struggle with trying to control things, to rely on myself instead of trusting God to lead the way.  So, on the heels of big changes with more soon-to-come, I thought that TRUST would be the perfect word for me to work on in 2013.

This year I'm hoping to find more peace amidst the unknown, to trust that things will unfold as they ought, in their own time.  I want to embrace change, letting it grow and shape me into the person I'm meant to be.   And most of all I want to be optimistic about that big unknown that lies ahead, rather than overwhelmed and filled with trepidation.

Last year my theme word was courage.  Although I think I grew in that area (and hopefully continue to?) I have to say that a tough first trimester last summer combined with the moving craziness of the Fall overshadowed my focus considerably.  In all honesty I feel like the second half of last year I was pretty much in survival mode, and not really growing much at all (or perhaps the challenging busy seasons of life make us grow but we're just too busy to notice?).  Anyway, I finished out 2012 feeling very depleted. 

But now I am ready to renew my focus (as best I can with a newborn coming, anyway!).    I love the way the cold dark short winter days force us to slow down and turn inward. I'm looking forward to reading more, praying more, reflecting more and stopping to take in the little things that bring me joy...all the while growing in trust.

Happy (belated!) New Year to all of you, and I hope to blog a bit more regularly (as baby allows me to!) in the near future!

If you have a theme word for 2013 I'd love to hear about it.  Please feel free to share below!

How to have a Quick and Easy Spontaneous Picnic!

I *heart* picnics.  Late summer and...dare I say it--Autumn (it's on the way! I can feel it!) are perfect for picnics. There's just something about being outside in nature, enjoying a simple meal with family and friends that fills my heart with joy.  But at times they can be a little tough to pull off on a moment's notice--especially with little ones in tow.  So, here are a few tricks I've learned along the way in order to make picnics fast and easy!

1.  Keep a "picnic essentials" tote

 I try to always keep a tote bag of picnic essentials on hand, in order to keep packing to a minimum.   In my "essentials" tote I have stashed: 

--paper towels and napkins

--plastic utensils

 --juice boxes

-- apple sauce cups

-- dry treat of some sort (e.g. pretzels or goldfish)

--granola bars

 --paper plates

--wet wipes

--plastic bags (for easy garbage disposal!)

lunch made easy thanks to a little pre-packing!

2.  Keep a picnic blanket in your car

Another easy way to pull off a spontaneous picnic is to keep a picnic blanket in your car.  Even better if you happen to have a water-proof one! (If not, any blanket will do--just be careful to avoid wet spots on the ground when selecting your picnic spot!)

Blanket: check.  Nature journals: check.

3.  Have a "picnic activity" tote ready to go

I'm all about the pre-packed totes!  I just love having a few activities tucked away for the kids to do.  Our tote includes:

--a kite

--nature journals w/colored pencils

--binoculars

--pocket microscope

--bubbles

--balls, frisbee and other outdoor toys

--bug spray

--sunscreen

--bug-examining apparatus (my boys love bugs!)
--print-outs of outdoor games (e.g. scavenger hunt check-lists)

colored pencils are always a hit!

"Something Round" Scavenger Hunt  items we found

4.  Keep your home stocked with simple picnic lunch essentials

We try to make sure we always have some PB&J fixin's on hand as well as cold cuts, veggies & fruit.  Not to worry--if your cupboards are bare, you can always run to a sandwich shop on the way!  We've stopped off at Subway en route to our picnic on more than one occasion!

5.  Bring extra clothes for kids!

There have been many times where my littles stepped into mud patches, got drenched at the beach, needed extra (or fewer!) layers when the weather changed, and even (oops!) had accidents.  Extra clothes are AWESOME to have in the car!

The boys rolling down a huge hill the day after it had rained--extra clothes to the rescue! :)

Water exploration... muddy pants practically guaranteed!

I hope these little tips I've learned along the way help you plan for some spontaneous picnic fun this Fall!  I've found these few simple steps really reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare what's needed for a day of outdoor fun.  If you have any other tips to share I'd love to hears yours!  Please share in the comments below with all of your tips and tricks! :)

Happy Fall! 

shared with:
Works for Me Wednesday

Apple Raisin Bars

Here in Connecticut apple season is just beginning.  Last week the kids and I headed to our local orchard to pick up a basket full of bright red, juicy, tart Polared Apples.  YUM!  Apples are one of my all-time favorite fruits to bake with--I wait alllllllllll year for apple season!  So, to kick off the season right I thought I'd share one of my family's favorite recipes:  Apple Raisin Bars.  These bars are a sweet-tart, chewy-yet-light texture that make for a great breakfast, dessert or anytime snack.  Although I've never tried them this way, I bet they'd  be divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!  They're simple to make, which is a good thing because they go FAST in this house! :)  Here's how to make 'em:

Ingredients:

--2 cups all-purpose flour

--2 teapsoons baking powder

--1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

--1/2 teaspoon salt

--2 cups packed light brown sugar

--2 eggs

--1 stick butter, softened

--1 teaspoon vanilla extract

--1 1/2 cups diced apples (I prefer firm tart varieties!)

--3/4 cup raisins (I love to use a mixture of craisins and raisins for extra tartness)

Directions:

--Heat oven to 350.  Liberally coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick spray, set aside.

--In medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, set aside.

--In large bowl blend together sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla with electric mixture on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth.

--Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture.  Mix for 2 minutes, just until incorporated.  Stir in diced apples and raisins.  Spread into prepared pan.

--Bake at 350 for 35 minutes until top is golden brown and inserted toothpick comes out clean.  Cool completely before cutting into bars.  Enjoy!

If you give these a try let me know how you like them!  I hope you love them as much as we do! :)  

 *I originally found this recipe at: www.familycircle.com

shared with:
Works for Me Wednesday

Mid-August Daybook

Outside my window...
 ...enjoying a late-summer cooler morning with that teeny hint of change in the air.  That, and our for-sale sign swinging in the breeze reminding me that we haven't had ANY showings this week.  This whole house-selling business is tough!  At his rate we might be here for another year... *sigh*



I am thinking...

...about Autumn!  Those who know me best always tease me for "pushing the seasons"--thinking ahead to the next season while the current season is still in full swing.  It's true, it's just what I do. :)  But I tend to do this especially in the summertime when I'm sick of the heat and dreaming of my all-time favorite season--Fall!  I'm also looking ahead to Fall fun because I'm (thank you, Lord!) feeling much much better as my first trimester ends!

I am thankful...

...again, for feeling better!  Also thankful for fresh peaches, a fairly smooth start diving back into homeschooling, apple cider, all of our favorite clubs and activities starting up again soon.

In the kitchen...

...just this past week I've been getting my "kitchen mojo" back (again, see above with the feeling better!).  I've been looking through all of my recipe books, Pinterest and torn magazine must-try pages for some new ideas.  I want to get better about weekly meal planning now that I'm getting my energy back.  The poor kids have eaten more processed frozen yuck-o food in the past month than I care to admit and that will be coming to a screeching halt, I'm happy to say!

I am wearing...

...um, still in my jammies. :) Most of my maternity shorts aren't the most comfortable (just that whole panel pressing on my belly making me feel a little queasy) so I've been super lazy about getting out of jammies until I absolutely have to!  That is very un-like me--I'm not usually a hang-out-at-home-in-my-jammies-person!  But if it keeps the queasies at bay, then I feel justified!

I am creating...
...lesson plans, lesson plans and more lesson plans.  Between my leadership roles in different groups and our at-home studies resuming I am in full-on planning mode!  It's fun though, I'm such a nerd at heart.  Not much crafting going on these days.  I tend to go in phases with crafting.  I'm definitely in a "crafty dry spell" right now.  Just too many other things going on right now, I think.

I am going...
...to our local county fair this weekend--first fair of the fair season for us!  The kids are super excited to see pig races, ride filthy rides with sketchy safety standards and chow down candied apples.  Aaaaah, fairs.  Gotta love 'em!

I am wondering...
...if we'll sell our house this year.  It's been such a huge process to get the house ready to sell, keeping it clean for showings and re-arranging all of our homeschool organization to "hide" our supplies when we're not doing school work.  I have to say I'm not a huge fan of this "limbo living"-- of not being able to tape up the kids artwork on the walls, and having to be so militant about toy clean-up every night.  But it's a process and exercise in faith and trust, so I'm trying to just take it one day at a time.

I am reading...
...still chugging along in the Jesuit Guide to (almost) Everything and a few other stragglers I've mentioned in previous posts that I've yet to finish.  I didn't do as much reading over the summer as I normally would've because I was just so dang tired!  Going to bed at 8:45pm put a definite cramp in my evening reading routine!

I am learning...
...lots and lots about Europe in the 1500-1600s.  That's our area of study in homeschooling history right now and I just love brushing up on Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, Guy Fawkes and all of that good stuff.  The kids just adore history, so it'd definitely a favorite subject around here!  We're planning a huge trip to the library for more supplemental reading on this time period!

One of my favorite things...

...fresh produce from the local farmer's markets.  Oh, the corn, peaches, tomatoes, apples and squash!  So yummy!

A peek into my day... 

back to homeschool!

shared with:

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

Summer Update!

It's been ages since I've last posted, I know.  Every summer I plan to keep up on blogging and it just never ends up happening!  The combination of green luscious hazy lazy days and well...morning sickness just got the best of me yet again.  Yep, you read that right, I did say morning sickness--I'm expecting #4 this February!  It's been a bumpy summer (hehe, pardon the pun!) but also one of great memories.

So, in an attempt to catch you all up on what we've been doing for the past 2 months, I'll just list a few random highlights, both good and challenging:


1) We had a *wonderful* time in the Outer Banks!  We went in early June, so the weather wasn't excruciatingly hot, which was AWESOME.  It was 2 weeks of mini golf, swimming, day trips, beach breezes and delicious food!  Oh, and that's when I found out I was pregnant, too, which made the trip that much more memorable! 

the kids having fun at the beach

On a ride to the top of the mini golf course!

The boys got to take a great little science class at Jeanette Pier.  What a blast they had!

The kids got to be pirates for a day--a boat ride where they found buried treasure, drank "grog" (Mountain Dew!), had their faces painted and said "aaaarrrr" 'til their hearts were content!

2) We got home on a beach high, filled with dreams of what magic the summer would hold, bucket list written out and everything.  And then shortly thereafter morning sickness reared it's not-so-pretty head.  It was fierce.  I was tired.  And I forcibly traded my bucket list for a well...ahem, bucket. (Sorry, couldn't resist!)  I wish I could say I'm one of those stoic, suck-it-up-don't-let-it get-you-down kinds of people, but in all honesty, I kinda stink at suffering.  I feel sorry for myself.  I mope. When I'm feeling awful it ends up taking a ginormous toll on pretty much every aspect of my life.  The housework falls behind, the thought of throwing together some semblance of well-balanced meal 3 times a day feels gargantuan, and the only thing that brings comfort and relief at the end of the day is crawling into bed. So, all to say, July wasn't the most idyllic of months, but there were some bright spots amidst the mopes and heaves.  


3)  One of the aforementioned bright spots of July was our week at Cub Scout day camp!  I volunteered as a leader, which meant all 3 of the kids and I got to spend every day from 9-4:30 singing goofy songs, making s'mores, doing crafts and all of that other iconic campy goodness.  It was SO. MUCH. FUN.  Having never been a boy scout (or girl scout for that matter) growing up, this was a whole new world to me.  I just loved every minute of it--even though it was 100+ degrees on some of the days, there was a huge scary thunder storm knocking down a tree & making the kids scream with terror, and by the end of the week we all had more mosquito bites than fingers and toes!  Loved it.

My little Megan (on the far left, Adam next to her) at the archery range!

mmmmmmm....s'mores!

Luke (on the light grey shirt) had the lead in the skit performed at Family Night--proud mama moment! :)

A very hot, sweaty and tired Megan is still smiling--she loves her crafts!

Adam getting the opportunity to light a match--he loved it!

The kids wearing goofy hats made for "Crazy Hat Day!"

4)  My sweet, bright, Lego-loving, gentle-natured first born turned 7!  I know this sounds trite, but I honestly cannot believe how fast it goes. I'm awed and blessed to have the honor of raising such a wonderful little guy.  I love reflecting on how much he's grown and changed over the years, and on the man he is gradually becoming.  Each year it just gets better and better.  Ok, I'm literally tearing up right now as I type this (dang pregnancy hormones!) so I'll just leave it at that. :)

5)  On a much less sentimental and note, we went blueberry picking!  I know this seems perfectly ordinary, and barely even worth mentioning, but I *heart* blueberry picking.  There's a local farm a few towns over that feels like it never left the 1950s.  It's this sprawling peaceful utopia, complete with peepers, butterflies, song-birds and woods.  The employees just let you do your thing.  Have you ever been to a farm where the employees hover over you like you're some type of criminal plotting the first opportunity to--heaven forbid--leave your assigned row?  Well, this place is nothing like that.  You just grab a bucket and go.  It's like heaven on earth.  And the reason I'm so excited we went this year is that we missed it last year.  So...yay. :)


6)  I got to see my sweet little baby's heart beat.  There's just something so magical about seeing your little one on that screen for the first time.  All of the sickness, all of the worry and all of the fatigue just melts away as you stare in awe of that little miracle squirming around inside of you.  And it makes it all worth it.



So, as my first trimester draws to a close and I (hope to!) have more energy, we're planning on soaking up every last ray of sunshine that August brings!  Because before we know it, we'll be diving back into school books, co-ops, and apple-baked Fall goodness!

How has your summer been going?  Any highlights you'd like to share?  What are you hoping to squeeze in this August?