Cherry Pickin'

Great memories of picking cherries as a little girl left me pining for the same experience for my children. As far as I knew there were no cherry orchards near our home. Imagine my great delight and surprise when I discovered a You-Pick farm about 30 min from our home. (Google, I love you!). I did not realize how much I would enjoy myself. It brought such feelings of contentment. I wish I needed more cherries so I could go pick again!

The kids were a big help ....

and lasted much longer than I thought they would.

(My sister-in-law and her little boys joined us for the day)

The taste of fresh sweet cherries is out of this world!

And this mini sour cherry slab pie.... was divine!

(Recipe slightly adapted from Smitten Kitchen)

School's Out! School's Out!

Last Thursday was Lucas' last day of school. I wanted to do something special to show his teachers and therapists my appreciation. I found this tutorial and thought this was the perfect idea. The notebooks are small (about 5.5H x 4.5 W), but thick and would fit perfectly in a purse for grocery lists, quick notes or to keep a little one preoccupied. And as a bonus, she shows you how to make a matching pen!

I would recommend this little project to anyone who likes to sew. I made these in one day, sewing and cutting here and there. I can see making more of these in the future!

My favorite is the on the bottom right. Which one do you like best?

Summer Kick-Off

Yesterday:

*2 families and one brave friend, 5 kids
*30 lbs strawberries, picked, washed and prepped
*9 batches of jam, berries for the freezer and fresh eating
*berries waiting for at least one fresh pie

*one chaotic kitchen/ living area

*one focused supervisor

• 

*one partially assembled swing set for the birthday boy
(and early birthday present for one little girl)

*lots of fun

*a song or two to pass the time

*absolute fatigue

*a stolen moment to snuggle

Total satisfaction with a day well spent!

Old Man

Lucas,

Today you turned five! As I woke you up and softly sang Happy Birthday you crawled out of bed and gave me a big bear hug stating, "I'm getting to be an old man, aren't I?"

I am so enjoying you! You have a great sense of humor and you love to make other people laugh. You are quick to forgive and full of wonderful snuggles. I think I say this often, but you teach me so much about myself and who I want to become. You have taught me that it's okay if I don't know all the answers as your mom, as long as I'm doing the very best I know how and striving to improve in the areas where I am weak. You've helped me grow strong in ways I couldn't have without you.

I love you so very much! You were perfectly placed in our lives and I am so grateful to be able to pour into your life and watch you grow.


Remember, I will love you always, no matter what!

Family

Recently my brother's family moved from Michigan to accept a job in the city where we live. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have them nearby! I've had the chance to spend some time with my nephews and it's been so much fun! I've never had them all to myself before!

One day it was cold enough to wear sweatshirts and hats and two days later we were all in shorts enjoying icy-pops!

Little A.

Mr. G

Tough-man H.

Aren't they adorable?!

A little treat to cool off! Poor little A. kept trying to eat mine.

Apparently, this was Mr. G's first icy-pop. A born natural, wouldn't you say?

We also had a 3 day visit from my sister, Jenn, and her four kiddos. As per tradition, it rained everyday... except for the day they left to return home. It's almost become comical... almost. We still had a great time!

Unfortunately, we have nary a picture to show... maybe next time.

Comfort Food

From this....

To this...

YUM!

The Power Of 5 and 15...

So recently, I discovered when I feel overwhelmed by my to-do list it helps to enlist my timer. It has become such a friend to me. I will set it to either 5 minutes or 15 minutes depending on the size of the task and tell myself I can move onto something else when the timer goes off, if I so choose. While this is not a revolutionary concept it has made a BIG difference for me.

It's amazing what you can get done in 5 minutes:

• load the dishwasher
• tidy up a bedroom
• clean the bathroom sink and toilet
• fold a load of laundry

...and in 15 minutes:

• weed your flower beds
• organize the toy room
• make decent headway on an organizing project
• vacuum the floors
• mop the kitchen

Obviously, there are many more things that could make it on each list, but for me it's helped me to get started and stay motivated.