Views From My Kitchen Sink

Nothing Better To Do

2012-03-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

I made crackers today.

Ok..who makes crackers?

Well, someone that gave up all

processed foods and is craving them.

That's who.

Plus, my little helper

loves to bake

and make big messes.

I just love that I have nothing

better to do than to make crackers

with my little boy.

(and finish Rules of Civility while he sleeps)

I miss Katey and Tinker already.

Katey Kontent

2012-02-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

So one week down

and no pounds lost

on my clean eating plan.

Seriously?

I've been living on fruit, veggies and nuts

with the occasional piece of chicken/fish.

I've had no sweets, pasta, bread, cereal (except my bowl of

steel cut oatmeal in the morning).

Saturday night we did go out

with our good friends Dave and Kerry :)

to Alma Nove...

but I cheated only by eating the risotto

served underneath my striped bass.

yum.

Anyway,

I am craving pasta

so I think I'll be

making this

over the weekend.

And I love the new Method scent

for Spring!

Maybe I'll do some cleaning

The book I'm reading right now.

Rules of Civility.

My friend at my local bookstore

said if I liked The Paris Wife

I'd love this book too.

The main characters name

is Katey Kontent.

And her name fits her

so well.

So, after a trip to Target and Trader Joes,

and Griffy down for a nap..

I'm going to curl up on the couch

with my tea and my book

and watch the snowfall.

Forget the cleaning.

Heart Therapy and Clean Food

2012-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

I found this idea on Meg's blog

I could have sat there all day

with my tea

painting hearts.

Calming.

For Lent I gave up

all processed foods.

I'm eating only clean

whole foods.

I bought this book

Clean Food

a while back.

I made this Goodness Soup

yesterday.

I love the name.

And I've never cooked with kombu

before.

It's good

and filling.

I think I'll be using this

cookbook a lot.

The kids are on vacation this week.

We went to the Vineyard for a few days

to visit my mom

and my sister and her kids.

We always have so much fun!

Hannah had a doctors appointment

at Children's yesterday and one tomorrow.

That's it.

Exciting stuff huh?

I can't stop singing this song

2012-02-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

Aren't homemade Valentine's the best?

This year I followed this tutorial and sewed paper valentines.

But then of course I couldn't just stop there.

The glitter and the glue gun had to add their magic.

And like every year I made this cheesecake for Steve.

We don't go to the movies a lot

but this past weekend The Artist

was playing at my favorite theatre

and it's nominated for so many awards

I begged Steve to see it with me.

I LOVED it.

But

I think Steve fell asleep for a few minutes.

It was just so different and such a great story.

And what's not to love about the clothes

during the late 1920's?

We also rented Moneyball over the weekend.

I'm not a big Brad Pitt fan

but I really liked this movie too.

Especially this part...

Hannah and I are obsessed with this song now.
Try not to sing along.
I bet you can't.

Yesterday we are at Children's hospital all day.
Meeting up with a whole team of doctors.
It really was a good day.
Hannah has responded so well to her treatment..
she's gained 10 pounds!

I made Panera bread's

Broccoli Cheddar soup for dinner last night

in bread bowls.

Yum!

Here is the link to the broccoli cheddar soup!

Lately and Today..(today meaning yesterday)

2012-02-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Lately...I've been addicted to this tea. Stash's Lemon Ginger. I have my one cup of coffee in the morning and then drink this all day long.

Today..Friday..the kids have their piano lessons. We have a teacher that comes to the house. His name is Jesse..he's about 25...drives a beefed up Mustang that we can hear coming from miles away...and has tattoos. He's also a dj. Seriously, he's a great teacher.

Lately...I've been catching up on a million past episodes of Mad Men and Parenthood. Well, not really a million..but I watched 52 episodes of Made Men and 35 episodes of Parenthood. Late at night on the ipad with my earbuds. I think I have a problem.

Today...I've been looking forward to date night.

Lately...I've been putting off calling my doctor. The backing to one of my earrings has basically become part of my earlobe. I've lost a couple of earrings in the past and now I'm freaked out that I'll lose another so I screw on the backing so tight that I can't get it off. Not looking forward to this at all.

Today..it was 50 degrees and sunny. Will had a "personal day" from school. So we went to the play ground. He and Griffin played outside all afternoon. Tomorrow we're expecting snow!

Lately...I've been dreaming of gardening. I have two raised beds in the yard and really want to add more this year. I'm thinking hard about starting some from seeds. Maybe I'm way over my head.

And Today...pizza night.

Happy Weekending!

The New Us

2012-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

For almost a year now, Hannah has been sick.
We've been back and forth to the pediatrician,
x-rays, blood tests, missing school here and there.
In December she started getting sicker, losing weight.
Back to the pediatrician.
He called later that day to say he thought she had an eating disorder,
anorexia.
We were floored.
We started staring at her while she ate
spying on her outside the bathroom door.
In my gut, I knew it wasn't the right diagnosis.
I came right out and asked her one day,
"do you throw up?"
Her response was, "mom, I haven't thrown up in 9 years"
I believed her.
After pulling her from the last few Nutcracker recitals
due to extreme weight loss and fatigue and stomach aches,
we made more appointments.
This time with specialists..
not only with the eating disorder team for adolescents
but with a GI specialist.
After seeing the GI doctor
we canceled the other appointments.
January brought trips to the hospital for
blood work
ultrasounds
more and more blood work
and ultimately
an endoscopy/colonoscopy.
Biopsies confirmed it is
Crohn's disease.

I'm very familiar with Crohn's disease as my sister has been living with it for 20 years.
She has been such a great source of information and support for us.

So, now we know.
And knowing is a relief but still, we worry.
It's a different kind of worry now though.
No longer the "what if it's this or what if it's that"
But the worry of knowing that this is a lifelong disease.
With no known cure..
yet.

And so I read.
Everything I can on this disease.
Waking Steve at night to talk about prednisone, and 6MP, and side effects..
and probiotics and naturopathic doctors.
We join www.ccfa.org and learn about support groups and fundraisers.
I alter our diet.

I'm so thankful to live where I live.
Boston's Children Hospital is an amazing place.
I was moved to tears the day I was there for Hannah's procedure.
Sitting in the cafeteria,
drinking my tea..waiting,
I looked around to see so many sick little children.
But, ironically, it was a happy place.
There were
clowns walking around playing the banjo,
colorful displays and aquariums.
And smiles.
Everyone was smiling.
Not just the doctors and nurses that we met,
but the janitor we met on the elevator,
the cashier at the cafeteria,
and the police officer that let us take Hannah in her wheelchair
to the Bertucci's across the street for dinner.
And then he gave us his cell phone number in case we needed
his help when we were finished eating.

I'm so thankful to live in this time.
Where information and help is all around me.
Whenever I want it.

I'm so thankful for the family and close friends in our life.
Your thoughts and prayers,
and cupcakes and flowers,
and sweet gifts
and shopping sprees :)
have been so appreciated.

Hannah is back to school
She missed about 3 weeks.
She is getting healthy.
She keeps a food diary and takes her meds.
I'm so proud of her.

This is the new us.
And it's going to be ok.

All White

2012-01-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

When the holidays

are over..

I usually need a break

from color.

An all white

mantel usually does the trick.

Although,

I can't get too comfortable here

because..

...my kitchen table

has been an explosion

of pink and red for the past

few days.

Coming Home

2012-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

Well, we got our snow!

And today Steve comes home.

He left for Dubai last Monday

and is flying home today.

All week long Griffy has been saying,

"Daddy up in air in air-pee"

We're so happy he's coming home.

Griffin loves drinking his "app-ee juice"

in little tea cups.

And then does his little dishes

while I do mine.

Friday night Stephen went to the movies.

I'm still not used to him getting into

his car and driving away.

And as much as I love the snow,

it's just one more thing for me to worry about

while he's out driving.

Hannah went to a class play Saturday night

and then had a friend over to watch scary movies.

Sunday we played in the snow

and watched the Patriots win!

A good weekend I'd say.

What I do all day

2012-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

We awoke this morning to a few inches of snow.

Freshly fallen snow makes everything looks so pretty.

We are expecting 4-7 more tomorrow!

By mid morning the sun melted most of the driveway.

But Griffin still loves to shovel.

Wish my 16 year old

who needs gas money

loved it just as much.

Griffin is growing so much.

I wish he'd stay little.

I love our days together

while the big kids are off at school.

Unplanned and unorganized.

I love not having anywhere to go.

Stephen has had mid-terms this week.

So he's been home every day by noon.

Some days he'll come home

and Griffy and I are still in our pajamas.

He'll say, "is this what you do all day?"

Yup.

Do You Ever..

2012-01-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

save your jars?

I have quite a collection let me tell you.

Everything from pickle jars, artichoke jars, cherry jars, jam jars...

I save them.

I try and find interesting ways to repurpose them.

I have been wanting to make these cupcakes in a jar

that I've been seeing all over the internet.

These are red velvet with cream cheese frosting.

Could not be easier or cuter I think.

Lunch box treats for sure.

Won't this jar be cute for sipping milk?

Je veux vivre a Paris

2012-01-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to get restless.

I guess it's because generally we move about

every 3 years.

Well, now we've been here for almost 3 1/2

and I'm ready to move.

To Paris.

Steve called on his way home from work

a few weeks ago asking what I thought about

the idea of moving our family to Paris for 3 years.

The kids overheard me talking

and now they're all pumped up about the

possibility of moving there.

We won't know for a few months

but it's all I can think about.

We lived in Germany for 3 years

and loved being able

to travel throughout Europe.

I keep thinking about what an awesome

experience it would be for my children

to do the same.

This picture was taken in April of '97.

(there were 951 days until the year 2000)

Stephen was Griffin's age now.

And I...was a lot younger.

28 to be exact.

Crossing my fingers.

Simple Days

2012-01-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

we've had some sunny but cold days.

griffy sleeps so well out in the fresh air.

listening to the sounds of the ocean.

today we listen to the rain pouring down

as we snuggled in bed reading.

dinner simmering in the crockpot

teapot whistling on the stove

i love being home.

A Year of Blog Headers and a New Book

2012-01-11T05:59:00.000-08:00

I can't find January '10!

It's physically impossible for me to walk

into a bookstore and not buy a book.

So, while on the Vineyard Monday

we went into the bookstore and of course

I bought a new book..

even though I've got many books

sitting on my nightstand

waiting to be read.

But, I had just read about this book

in the Sunday paper

and had to have it.

Now, I'm not a young, new mother

but this book looks interesting.

I am fascinated by

other cultures and how they raise their children.

Now I just need to find time in

my day to read all of these books

and watch the last three episodes of

Mad Men.

Oh that Don Draper.

I love him

and I hate him.

Can't wait for Season 5!

Beautiful Snow

2012-01-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

It was so wonderful to wake up to this today!

I must admit,

I'm a bit obsessed with my weather app(s)

on my phone.

Snow was not expected.

It got me thinking.

There aren't many surprises in life anymore are there?

We can predict so much these days.

I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Yesterday was my mom's birthday.

After the older kids got off to school,

Griffin and I jumped on the ferry to the Vineyard.

We spent the day with my mom

and sister and her kids.

I had only planned on staying for lunch.

But we were having such a great time,

we stayed for dinner too.

Happy Birthday Mom!

We also celebrated Steve's birthday on the 5th.

FORTY FIVE.

Wow.

I love that he's older than me.

I always feel so young on his birthday.

Happy Birthday Steve!

Lately...

2012-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

....I'm loving instagram..

..... and these books on my nightstand.

.... we visited the museum of Science in Boston.

Always a fun day.

....the kids have been creating and

playing games and

getting dizzy on the Spooner .

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

We've had a wonderful Christmas vacation.

Lots of relaxing

sleeping in

reading

movie watching

(Little Women, a tradition..

Crazy, Stupid, Love

The Help

Midnight in Paris

and many

many episodes of

Mad Men. :)

Today we continued our tradition

of throwing our stones in the ocean

for the New Year.

After Mass,

we went to the beach,

found our rocks,

wrote what we'd like for the New Year

and threw them in.

I should add that it was sunny and in the 50's.

The beach parking lot looked like it does in August.

Not right.

Last night,

New Years Eve,

we kept with tradition

and each wrote on paper

what we'd like to

lose

or forget

about 2011.

We fold them up,

and throw them in the fire.

AND

traditionally,

on New Years Eve

we allow the kids to

pick out junk food.

Lots of it.

Seriously,

they eat it until they

can't anymore.

And then we do it again next year.

I'm so glad there are

364 more days

until we have to eat like that again.

We've Been...

2011-12-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

...sending and receiving Christmas cards

....celebrating 18 years of marriage (on the 18th) xo

....enjoying family time

....saying goodbye to another season of the Nutcracker

....wrapping and more wrapping

....still shopping

....talking about some big family decisions

...thankful for the teeny tiny bit of snow that fell Sunday morning

.....going on a date with Will to see Hugo in 3D!!!

....thinking of the New Year and what it will bring

....keeping in mind what's really important.

Ziggy and Gumdrops and Snowflakes

2011-12-15T16:02:00.000-08:00

He's a good dog.

Especially when he's been

at Doggy Day Care.

I was able to knock out

most of my shopping today.

Finally.

Tomorrow

I wrap.

Last weekend

(I know it's Thursday and I'm just now posting about last weekend)

We made these gumdrop ornaments.

When all the cousins were here

I set up a craft table.

I think everyone

except Hannah

was burnt by the glue gun.

So maybe this craft should be

13 and up.

Styrofoam balls

pins

gumdrops

ribbon

I love the all white one Hannah made.

So, it looks like

we won't be having a

white Christmas this year.

I'm seriously bummed out.

We live in New England for crying out loud.

I guess the paper snowflakes

will have to do.

Weekending with Family

2011-12-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

It was a really good weekend.

But also a stressful weekend.

For me.

Stephen, my oldest child

got his license Friday.

Now, obviously I'm not the only mother

who has experienced this stress.

But, when it's your child.

Your child who takes the keys

(to YOUR car)

and walks out the door

and out of the driveway

and down the street

ALONE

for the first time..

...just let me say

OH MY GOD.

I cried

and almost ran after him

screaming like a mad woman.

I'm so not ready for this.

The rest of the weekend was fun!

I had my whole family

except for my brother David and his

daughter Cameron...who we missed ...

here for dinner.

My mom buys each of the grandkids Black Dog tee shirts

and we try hard to get them all together for a photo.

Two of the kids didn't want to pose

but Ziggy sure got in sporting his Black Dog bandana.

Really not a great photo

but I didn't spend much time snapping pictures.

One of my favorite things about Christmas..

being together with family

and making memories for our children.

Christmas Pantry and Cookies

2011-12-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Every other year

I've hung real garlands of pine

around my pantry.

I love how it looks for about

ten minutes.

Then it starts drying out and the needles

fall all over the place.

I couldn't fine any fake stuff that I liked this year.

So I ended up with lights and my trusty 'ol

leopard ribbon.

And the clothespins.

That was the other crafty thing I was

working on the other night.

I bought a bunch of clothespins

and glued Christmas paper on them.

I'm going to hang all my Christmas cards

on the ribbon.

Notice I only have 2 so far.

C'mon!

I love getting Christmas cards!

Where are they??

I should talk..

mine are still in a pile

waiting to be addressed.

Griffy and I made these Giant Chocolate Chip cookies

from a VERY old Bon Appetit magazine.

October 2001..

They're so good

with a cup of tea

and fun to give in pretty packages.

Christmas Crafting

2011-12-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

My glue gun and I

were up late last night.

Humming along to

Pandora's Christmas station.

Back at it this morning

along with my little elf

Griffin.

I seem to be running out of

room at the craft table.

We're making our own version

of a snowglobe.

We've done the ones with

the distilled water and glycerin

and glueing the tree on the cap.

I thought we'd try

this one.

It's just Epsom salt

bottle brush tree

craft paper on the top

and a ribbon.

It's pouring rain today.

And as much as I love

a rainy day...

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.

Christmas on the Porch

2011-12-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend I want the kids to

go in the woods and cut me down

a little tree for my porch.

Until then..

my basket of greens

are at the ready.

I'm constantly snipping them

and putting them all over the house.

Even the decoys get bows

and a little greenery.

I strung little white lights

around my porch.

And they'll be staying up year round.

I love how it looks out there now!

Notice the NO SNOW on the ground.

It was 60 today.

Yuck.

Let it snow

Let it snow!!!!

Corners of My Home at Christmas

2011-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

I think I could decorate every corner of my home

if I had the time.

I like to walk through each of the

rooms in my home and see

a bit of Christmas.

I cleared a shelf in the study room

and declared this room to be a

crafting/wrapping room for the month of December.

I love having all my wrapping supplies

not just ready to go

but looking pretty in glass jars.

I had to include this one

with Griffy and Ziggy

in the kitchen coloring.

Wrapping paper

ready to go to work.

Now I just need

presents to wrap.

Seriously,

when am I going to start shopping?

And as I was posting this blog

thinking Griffy is coloring nicely

on his paper

he was coloring his face.

Happy Christmasing!

Our Advent Tree

2011-12-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

December 1st means our Advent Tree!

Last year we started this new tradition.

The kids love it.

This year I bought these bags for the little gifts.

So fun!

Griffy opened first today.

No picture..but he got a moo-ing cow.

Dollar bin at Target.

Happy December!

And love that so many of you listen to

George Winston's December.

It's my all time favorite.

Right Now..

2011-11-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

I'm loving my white tree in the dining room

trimmed with jewel tones!

We're happy that Buddy the elf is back!

I'm proud!

Stephen received the Outstanding Sportsmanship award

at his rowing banquet.

It's warm.

Too warm.

I want snow!

We're knee deep in Nutcracker performances.

We've got 16 of them this year!

...I'm wearing out the Christmas Radio station on Pandora.

And my George Winston December CD..

...I'm happy!

Happy it's December!

Happy to be

decorating

planning

shopping

wrapping

cooking

baking

crafting

for all things Christmas!!

A Thankful Weekend of...

2011-11-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Cooking

Baking

Entertaining

Decorating

Dancing

Dog Walking

Raking

Cleaning

Sleeping

Volunteering

Mothering

Cheers!

2011-11-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

May you be

happy

healthy

safe

and warm

A Winner..and We've been

2011-11-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how to do the random generator thing

so I picked a name and

Five Little Moberly's won!

Can you email me with your address

and I'll (finally) get the book off to you!

I hope you like it!

I'm trying so many new recipes from it!

Life has been crazy lately.

Like really busy crazy.

Steve just got home Saturday night

after being gone for two weeks.

Vietnam, India and Dubai.

We are so happy he's home.

And looking forward to some

much needed family time.

I've been busy preparing for Thanksgiving.

I love all the preparations.

My dining room is

once again

upside down.

Last year

we were painting the walls.

This year

I'm painting the chairs.

I started with the chartreuse..

wasn't crazy about it.

So,

I brought

my sweater

(in Burnished Olive)

to my local paint store and had them

match it.

Love it.

It looks so good with the red walls

and all my teal accents!

We're also busy with Nutcracker.

Hannah is a soldier this year

and double casted.

Which means 16 performances.

Wow.

Even though our lives are

so full and busy right now,

I'm trying to stop and relax

and enjoy these days in my life.

I often think about the years to come,

when I don't have a house full of children

to care for.

I know I'll long for these days.

Even the crazy busy ones.

I have much to be thankful for.

Making Me Smile Today...

2011-11-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

....Our Thankful leaves.

....DOGGY DAY CARE

.....The smell of Murphy's oil soap

....painting my dining room chairs chartreuse!

.....my starbucks peppermint mocha latte.

.....the holidays are here!

....my rosemary plant

....watching an episode of Mad Men while Griffy naps

.....magazines filled with ideas

....the playground with Griffy

....doing all my Christmas shopping online

.....Steve is almost home.

Plimouth Plantation and I'm Giving

2011-11-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

The kids had no school on Monday.

I thought it was a great day to go to

Plimoth Plantation

It's literally 15 minutes from my house.

And it's the first time I've taken the kids.

Will has gone on a field trip with school

but the other kids hadn't been.

We had such a great day!

Learning how to make a boat in the Wampanoag village

The Indians and Pilgrims are all in full character.

She was making a belt.

I said to her.."wow, that's a big belt"

she just kind of stared at me.

Visiting the huts.

When we got to the Pilgrim's village

I said to the kids..."oh I could totally live here!"

Seriously, look at that view.

Can't you just see the Mayflower sailing in?

Bad picture

but I had to show her open shelving.

Love that.

wonder what her view from her kitchen sink is.

Stephen loves history.

And was pretty much quizzing me on the way home.

We ate lunch there

and of course visited the gift shops.

I bought this cookbook.

I love it!

So many great photos and stories and recipes.

It was on sale

so I got two.

Want one?

Weekending

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

My mom and sister

and her 3 kids came to visit this weekend.

We have so much fun when we're all together.

We celebrated little Richie's 7th birthday

with a candy cake!

I made salmon for dinner with

this yummy couscous salad.

Sunday morning we all piled in to two cars

and went to Michael's.

Who takes 6 kids into Michael's?

My 50% off Martha Stewart coupon

was just burning a whole in my pocket.

I bought the star punch to make luminaries.

I am so psyched!

(sad, I know)

Then we all went out to lunch

and my mom bought me an early birthday present.

Woohoo!

Thanks Mom!

My feet are happy!

And

thanks for coming to visit!

The house is just too quiet.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

Wow we were young..

only married about 2 months

and had seen him about 1 week.

Oh if I only knew then

how hard it would be to

be a military wife.

A pilot's wife.

For the next 8 years

our life revolved around

deployments and being "out in the field"

the PX and class 6

dity moves and The Stars and Stripes.

Steve flew apache helicopters in the Army.

He went to Bosnia for 6 months when Stephen was just a baby.

He loved every minute of it.

I think he misses it.

I don't.

I'm still in contact with some friends we made

all those years ago in the military.

Some of them are still in.

Some of them have lost a spouse.

It's them that I think about today.

When we were nearing the end of our tour in Germany

Steve put in for an extension.

We loved living overseas.

It was denied.

A few months later

while getting stationed in Ft. Knox KY

Steve heard that the guy who took his slot in Germany

was killed in his helicopter.

Steve's helicopter.

I think of his wife and children today.

Thank you.

To all who have served our country.

Today...

2011-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

...It was 66 degrees and sunny

Perfect day for a walk and catch falling leaves.

(photo taken using the instagram app on my iphone)

...I'm roasting chicken for dinner

with mashed potatoes

and stuffing

and gravy

I guess I couldn't wait until Thanksgiving.

...My patience is running thin with the dog.

Yesterday between running him to the vet and Hannah to the pediatrician

he puked all over the car.

And that's not even the worst of it.

Because you know what he did next?

He ate it.

And then I almost threw up.

...A friend sent me this message..

"if Michelle Duggar can have baby #20 at 45

there's hope for us"

Our Annual Christmas Card Photo Shoot Smack Down

2011-11-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Ok I'm kinda obsessed with cranberries lately.

Seriously..the pumpkin had October.

Let's give the cranberry some love.

I found this goat cheese wrapped in cranberries at Trader Joe's

It has basically been my dinner for the past few nights.

My sister in law emailed me a recipe for lemon cranberry muffins that I need to try.

And who doesn't love a Cape Codder every now and then?

Loving all things cranberry right now.

So, we had our annual "Christmas card photo shoot smack down"

at the beach this past weekend.

I say smack down because with out a doubt

every year

there is a smack down.

Someone with out a doubt

ends up

fighting

crying

ticked off

embarrassed.

But...

Every year I BEG and PLEAD

(me tickling Will so he'll smile)

And BEG and PLEAD

(Stephen wanting to leave because he see's someone he knows)

And BEG and PLEAD

(Griffy sneezing

Hannah wiping it off her leg

Steve telling her to relax it's just your brothers baby snot.)

Believe me..

I could go on and on with the photos

but I'll spare my family the embarrassment.

I sit them down and say...

once a year..

seriously..

once a year

you need to stand next to us and smile

Is it too much to ask?

Ah....

the holidays are here.

And my Christmas card is done.

Weekending

2011-11-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

Friday night Pizza

Cars 2

Glass of wine with Kate

Walks on the cranberry bog

yardwork

Lots of ballet

Lots of piano playing

thankful leaves

baking

Steve cooking dinner all weekend

Christmas card photo shoot

I have to add this.

Every weekend I start freaking out about

all that needs to get done.

Steve is usually packing for a trip

and I'm screaming..

"but the yard work..

the dump..

who is driving to Cambridge..

the Christmas picture needs to be taken..

and on and on and on.

And every weekend Steve looks at me

and says..."it'll get done"

And it always does.

He's my rock.

And I'm thankful for him.

trying to get it together

2011-11-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

I cannot get my act together.

And I'm blaming it all on the dog.

Basic things like

keeping my house clean

making out my weekly menus

cooking dinner

taking a shower...

they've all taken a back seat to the dog.

When people see that we have a puppy

they all compare it to having a newborn.

To me it's nothing like a newborn.

I LOOOOOVE newborns.

I'm not loving this dog right now.

Maybe someday I will.

Right now I'm still trying to

adjust to having an animal in my home.

Damn Dog.

Halloween was fun.

Different now though.

Stephen doesn't go out.

Hannah goes out with her friends.

Griffy had no interest in wearing a costume.

Will (9) is the perfect age if you ask me.

This is Will going to school.

Normally I don't buy junk cereal..

we usually save it for New Years Eve..

but I thought, "what the heck"

they're going to be booted up on sugar anyway.

What's a little more for breakfast.

So on Sunday I decided I was tired of winging it every night

for dinner and needed to get back to my menus.

Can I tell you how psyched I am that I know

what we're having for dinner for the next week?

Weird I know, but it makes me happy.

Griffin and I even made my Nana's

cranberry nut bread yesterday.

I love making that bread.

Hazel was smiling down at me yesterday..

I just know it.

It's so good with a bit of cream cheese on it

and a cup of tea of course.

Dinner tonight

2 Soups and a salad.

I made a Minestrone in my crockpot this morning

and tried a new Butternut squash soup.

This one is from the Morning Glory Farm Cookbook

(it's on my sidebar)

It's one of my favorites now.

Loving the drizzle of Pumpkin Seed Oil for garnish.

Today..

2011-10-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

It was 34 degrees when I went to the bus stop this morning.

Some parts of New England even got snow!

I'm so glad I picked up this scarf and these gloves.

You know how much I love teal right now!

Griffy loves his play dough

I love it when he doesn't mix all the colors together :)

You should RUN to your nearest Target.

And buy the new Mrs. Meyers candles.

They're 6.99 and the new scents are so good!

This is Spice Cake.

It inspired me to make...

this pumpkin bread.

I love the name of it.

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread.

Mine only made 2 loaves and I'm sure

that 1 will be gone before school gets out.

I added chocolate chips to mine.

Man it's good with a cup of tea.

(oh...and instead of a cup of vegetable oil..eww...I used a cup of coconut oil)

I'm starting my Christmas list.

I'd love a new pair of Ugg slippers..

oh wait.

I didn't mean my list..

I meant the kids.

I'm loving everything in

The Land of Nod catalog.

I can't believe there are 8 weeks until Christmas.

And today..

I'm happy it's Friday.

It was a

week with the

D.O.G

The Cranberry Bog

2011-10-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year

that the cranberries are harvested.

There is a bog across the street and

I pass it every day.

A million times a day.

And it's been so beautiful to watch.

Every day

rain or shine

warm or cool temperatures

he is out there.

I think his name is Chuck.

And I think he's in his 70's.

He has no idea

but every time I drive by him

he inspires me.

Thanks Chuck.

And seeing all those beautiful red cranberries

makes me want to make my Nana's

cranberry nut bread.

I'll post the recipe on

my cooking blog.

One of these days.

Weekending

2011-10-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

Ballet

Booing

Homecoming games and dances

More ballet

House work

Yard work

Caramel apples

Head of the Charles

Picking ticks off Ziggy

More ballet

More ticks

Homemade Chinese food

Done with driving school

You know what that means

Halloween cupcakes

and decorations

and costumes

It was 36 degrees this morning when I drove Stephen to rowing.

I put the heat on.

First time this season.

And.. I have 2 kids home sick today.

We'll be drinking lots of tea with honey.

Right Now I'm Loving...

2011-10-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

..These striped bags in this months Living magazine.

I thought the bags would be so cute for our advent tree this year.

And I just loved the straws.

This etsy shop is so cute!

...Being Boo'd..

With Monster Mash Jelly Belly beans.

Our turn!

...Mrs. Meyers Apple!

...This soup.

Tabatchnick Lentil..

Sometimes it's just not in the cards for homemade soup.

This one is yummy, healthy and only 160 calories.

...Glitter!

Will had a project due this week.

And of course I break out the glitter.

He would have none of it.

How can you not love glitter??

...This conversation between Hannah and I.

It took place on Sunday when I was at Stephen's regatta.

I guess she's bored with the dog and Griffy already.

...This Latte nailpolish from the Gap!

Sunday in NH

2011-10-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Rowing season is almost over.

This weekend is the Head of the Charles in Boston

and then the following weekend is the finals in Worcester.

This past Sunday's regatta was held in New Hampshire.

Steve had flown home Saturday night at midnight

and I woke up at 4:30 with Stephen to get him to his bus for NH.

Steve stayed home all day Sunday with the 3 kids

and the puppy

and I was able to drive up to the regatta..alone.

I don't even think I put the radio on in the car.

I LOVED the silence.

Don't get me wrong..

I love the happy chaos in our house on a daily basis

but sometimes you just need a little peace.

I left the house at 6:30 a.m and drove the hour and a half to NH.

The sun was coming up as I drove through Boston.

And when I drove home..with Stephen..

Sunday night at the same time

just 12 hours later..

the sun was going down.

It was a beautiful day.

Typical fall day in New England.

One minute I'm bundling up my coat

then next I'm ripping it off.

Crossing the finish line.

They finished 14th out of 36 boats.

Really good for our little club!

We race against big time prep and private schools!

And look at the foliage!!

These regattas are all day events.

The kids are usually on the bus by 5:30am to travel to the venue.

The bring pillows, sleeping bags, homework

and they all pig pile together on the ground.

The parents do the food.

There is a lot of food to prepare/bring/set up/cook.

And a lot of kids and parents to feed.

Somehow it all gets done.

Sunday I helped out.

And it's funny..

we'll whisper to each other..

"look at so and so schools set up

They've really got it going on!"

It was a fabulous day!

It was so great to spend time alone with Stephen.

He's such a great kid.

We're so proud of you!

My Week in Pictures

2011-10-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday 5:00

Monday 10:00 a.m

Wednesday 8:30 a.m

Friday 5:45 p.m

Tuesday 7:00 pm

Thursday 9:00 am

Wednesday 2:00 pm

Saturday 5:30 pm

Friday 5:01 pm

* It was a LONG week.

Steve flying home now from another week overseas.

Happy.

What's the Deal With Dog Poop

2011-10-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Someone shared this with me yesterday.

Do you remember this from Jerry's stand up days?

"On my block a lot of people walk their dogs

and I always see them walking along with their little poop bags.

This, to me, is the lowest activity in human life.

Following a dog with a little scooper.

Waiting for him to go so you can walk down the street

with it in your bag.

If aliens are watching this through telescopes,

they're going to think that the dogs

are the leaders of the planet.

If you see two life forms,

one of them's making a poop,

the other one's carrying it for them,

who would you assume is in charge?"

Jerry Seinfeld.

It's pouring here today.

Griff, Zigg and I just came in from a walk.

And I did NOT pick up poop.

I don't even bring a bag.

He pooped on my neighbors lawn the other day.

I went back a few hours later

with the pooper scooper and picked it up.

I felt awesome walking down the street

with a pooper scooper

filled with dog poop.

Ok.

Seriously, no more talking about the dog poop

right?

Enough already.

In The Face of Adversity

2011-10-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ok so I knew that getting a puppy was going to be work.

I guess I forgot how much work.

I know.

I seem to be complaining about the dog lately.

My neighbor told me a funny story when I was complaining to her

about the dog the other day.

She knew someone that was always saying

"damn dog" to their dog.

Soon the kids were saying

"where's damn dog?"

"time to feed damn dog"

"c'mere damn dog".

That'll be me.

Really..he's cute.

And not a BAD dog.

But, he's a DOG.

And I'm just not used to this.

I have to say that I truly

HATE

picking up dog poop.

I really hate that I walk around my yard now

like it's a minefield.

I just haven't mastered the art of

picking up dog POOP with a plastic bag.

Seriously.

You are like

TOUCHING IT!

This is what I'm facing now

and it's building my character.

In a good way

I hope.

You can still build your character

at 43 right?

Life is crazy busy right now.

Kids schedules

Steve's travel

did I mention we have a new puppy?

I have zero time to sit at this computer.

But, this past weekend

we were able to...

get to the beach

do some yard work

fix my car :)

drive to Stephen's regatta out in western Mass.

visit Grandparents

host Grandparents for dinner

ballet in Cambridge

and have some quality family time!

I love that Stephen rows.

It is a way cool sport.

He says all that time how hard it is.

The blisters on his hands prove it.

The 5 a.m practices prove it.

The building of his character

proves it.

I see it and

someday he'll thank us.

*If you don't like something, change it;

if you can't change it

change the way you think about it.

...Mary Engelbreit

A Few Things I Just LOVE About My New Puppy

2011-10-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

1. That he just puked all over my car

2. The chewing

3. The biting

4. My pooper-scooper

5. That my days are spent entirely around waiting for him to pee/poop

6. Vet bills

7. Every time I load the dishwasher, he is RIGHT there to lick the dirty dishes

8. That instead of drinking the water I just put in his bowl, he has to carry the bowl somewhere else..and by the time he gets there..the water has spilled all over the floor. Every.Time.

9. Did I mention watching him EVERY second of the day to make sure he's not

peeing/pooping in the house?

10. When I walk into my house, it smells like a dog lives here.

He's really lucky he's cute.

Weekend Away

2011-10-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

Steve and I went to NYC for the weekend.

It's been too long since we've gone away...alone.

I was totally stressed about going

and leaving my mom here with 4 kids and a puppy.

Right before we left

I told Steve we should just forget it.

It just seemed like it was not worth all the stress.

I was wrong.

I needed to get away from

my house

my dog

and yes

even my kids.

The month of September was the busiest

I've ever had.

And this past weekend

was just what we both needed.

Thanks Mom

for making this weekend happen for us!

My Week in Photos

2011-09-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Friday 6:30 a.m

Monday 1:00

Tuesday 3:30

Thursday 10:00

Wednesday all day

Monday 8:00 a.m

Wednesday 4:00

Thursday 10:00

Friday 5:30 a.m

Wednesday 9:00

Being Content

2011-09-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

After the last kid left for school this morning

Griffy, Ziggy and I went to the beach

and had it all to ourselves.

I'm kicking myself for not packing a lunch

and camping out there for the day.

These days are numbered for sure

but I'm glad we were able to take advantage

of the warm sun for a couple of hours at least.

I've found that

the older I get

or maybe it's the growing

with each child I've had..

I've become content.

I wasn't so much in the early years

of my mothering.

I seemed to be always wishing

away my days.

For a husband who was home more

during our military days.

For a bigger house.

To live somewhere else.

And in those early years

of mothering

I was alone.

A lot.

We were always living somewhere

far away from home and relatives.

Steve was always in training

or in the field

or at war.

I wished so much for a friend.

Someone I could relate to and chat with

over tea or a glass of wine

about mothering.

Many moves

and children later

I had that.

Lots of friends and playgroups

to fill my days.

Oh I wish (there's that wishing again)

that I could go back to my

young mothering days

and say to myself...

these days are numbered.

Stop wishing the day away.
And be content.

Thanksgiving Weekending on the Vineyard

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

My mom hosted Thanksgiving yesterday at her house on the Vineyard.

When the holidays are here it's hard for us all to get together.

We had a blast!

My sister Jen got a puppy too.

A week after we got Ziggy.

That's Hannah holding Tobi..their new yellow lab.

And my niece Sophie holding Ziggy.

The puppies had so much fun together!

Ziggy loved the ferry!

Turkey carve off between my brother and brother in law.

Steve was flying home from China

and couldn't be with us :(

It was so hot!

We couldn't all fit inside my mom's cozy house

We sat outside under a tent

and it really felt like Thanksgiving.

Hannah and Sophie

toasting their Nana.

Nana's famous chocolate chip cookies

Nana's chocolate cake

Lots of laughs

as always

Cousins and new puppies

Ferry home

Such a beautiful night.

The sky was the same color as the ocean

my handsome boy

Another great day with family on the Vineyard..

My mom can put on quite the spread.

Not only did we eat incredibly well

but we were all sent home

with turkey sandwiches.

Steve loved his mom!

Thanks mom.

For all that you do..

My Week in Photos

2011-09-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Friday 6:20 a.m

Monday 6:00 am

Tuesday 8:30 am

Wednesday 4:30

Tuesday 10:00 am

Wednesday afternoon

Thursday 3:00

Friday 6:30 am

Tuesday morning

Friday 8:15 am

Ziggy's Roses

2011-09-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

My days and nights have changed drastically.

My days are spent staring at the puppy

waiting for him to pee/poop on the floor.

Man puppy poop stinks.

And Will has said that he'll throw up if he even hears the word poop

so we decided to change the word poop to roses.

"Did Ziggy do roses"

"Whose turn is it to pick up the roses?"

Sounds better than poop right?

My nights end pretty early now.

With Stephen's rowing schedule I'm up at 5:00

to drive him.

I really kind of like it.

Except I'm in bed every night by 9.

Last night it was 8:30.

Steve says he's really looking forward to retirement with me.

He thinks I act like I'm 80.

Anyway, thank GOD for DVR.

Cuz I missed Modern Family last night.

The one and only tv show I watch.

I couldn't even stay awake.

Maybe I'll watch it now

At 6:00 a.m.

Puppy Weekending

2011-09-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hannah, Will and I drove to Maine

Thursday afternoon.

We spent the night in a hotel

and had ourselves a mini-vacation

before we went to get the puppy on Friday.

If you're ever looking for a Golden retriever

get one here !

If you were a puppy wouldn't you want to live here?

It's so beautiful up there.

After a 5 1/2 hour drive home

he met the rest of the family.

And the neighborhood!

We even brought him to the annual

Mass on the beach Sunday!

(which usually is on the beach, not the parking lot

but the tide was too high)

See if you can find him!

After Mass.

He is a total chick magnet.

He is my little buddy.

He follows me around and is right by my feet while

I'm at my kitchen sink.

I'm trying not to over do the love for him

as Griffy was not feeling like the center of attention this weekend.

Yes he is cute.

And yes he kept me up ALL night the first night.

But, he's already started to settle into his crate and sleep better.

Ziggy is a part of our family now..

although, some people in our extended families are already

taking bets to see if he outlasts the last one.

He's Here...

2011-09-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

And his name is Ziggy.

And he's just taken over our lives.

(and my sleep)

Home

2011-09-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Steve got home last night

after 10 days in Australia and Indonesia.

I'm used to his travel schedule

as are the kids

but this was a long one.

I shouldn't complain...

all the years we spent in the military

prepared me for him being gone.

Steve brings gifts for everyone

when he returns.

Batik's for us from Jakarta...

A rugby ball for Will from Australia..

He's also started a doll collection for Hannah...

one from every country he visits.

He always smuggles kinder eggs home too.

When we lived in Germany

our landlord, or Oma as Stephen called her,

used to give these to him all the time.

Apparently they were banned here in the U.S.

because it contained a "non nutritive object imbedded in it"

Give me a break.

Anyway, the kids love them.

A chocolate egg with a toy inside.

We're glad you're home!!

Still Summer

2011-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

It is still summer.

I was at the grocery store this morning

and could not bring myself to buy pumpkins.

I'm not there yet.

It's sunny and 80

and still summer on the calendar.

So Griffy and I went to the beach.

Today was the kind of day that I look forward to all summer long.

This is why.

See that?

Not a car or a person near me.

Except for the guy with his metal detector.

We had the beach to ourselves.

Thank goodness because Griff was C.R.A.N.K.Y.

And then he chilled for a while.

And then he fell in the water

and could not recover.

So we left.

But, I am grateful for the few quiet hours on the beach today.

Because in a few days..

he arrives.

I'm sad the U.S.Open is over.

If I can't play tennis

the next best thing is watching it.

Such a great match.

The kids and I had so much fun watching!

And Steve has started his journey home.

He's been in Australia for 9 days.

We are SO ready to have him home!!

9/11

2011-09-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

my little street

we will never forget

I Hate the Mall

2011-09-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

After school yesterday I took the kids shopping.

Big mistake.

I don't know why I put myself

or my kids

through it.

Will doesn't like anything.

Hannah likes too much.

Griffy just wants to run through the mall.

Stephen doesn't even go.

Sometimes I really wish my kids had to wear a uniform to school.

Griffy wants nothing to do with wearing fall clothes.

He got up at 5 with me today and has been a grump

ever since I put the long sleeved shirt on him.

He cried, and pulled at it wanting it off.

I told him if he wanted to ride with me to get Stephen at rowing

and take Will outside to the bus

he had to wear his shirt.

And jeans.

Not happy.

So, after the last kid left for school this morning

WE went back to sleep.

It poured buckets all morning

perfect time for a sleep.

We woke up

in better moods.

Bagels with cream cheese

and strawberries helps too.

And

shopping online is the way to go.

I'm reading Caucasia now.

Anyone read this one?

I like it.

Around the House

2011-09-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

Has anyone read this?

I finished it a few days ago and can't get it out of my head.

I read it in 2 days and basically locked myself in my room to finish it.

I was up all night thinking about it

and woke up the next morning and started re-reading it!

It's that good.

Back to school for me means packing 3 lunches a day and lots of driving.

If I don't like not knowing what's for dinner by 3:00

I certainly can't stand the morning rush and asking what everyone wants in their lunch box.

So, when I make out my weekly dinner menu

I make out a weekly lunch menu too.

These days I'm up at 5:00

FIVE!

Stephen rows from 5:30-7:00 so after dropping him off

I come home and make lunches.

In the dark.

Half asleep.

It's so much easier to just read off the list what everyone is having.

I can barely open my eyes at that time

let alone think.

My coffee table.

Someday it'll be stacked with interesting books

and pretty decorative things.

And I'll look back and yearn for the days when it held

card games, Farkle, and bananagrams.

Griffy's favorite seat in the house these days.

I Too Go Bus...

2011-09-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

...That's what Griffy has cried all morning.

He really misses the kids.

After the last one got on the bus

we went for a walk on the beach and to the playground.

Stephen...a junior this year.

That simply cannot be right.

Hannah..8th grade.

Last year of middle school.

She is on the BEST team this year!

And Will...4th grade.

With an AWESOME teacher too!

Although we were sad to see our summer end

I think it's going to be a great school year.

Happy back to school!!

We've Been..

2011-08-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

Powerless...Irene came on Sunday and took our power with her.

No damage to our home..just some small trees down.

It was a fun and productive day!

While we had daylight, Steve hung pictures for me!

Finally, the big empty space behind the couch is being filled.

My "London Wall" as inspired by Tracy Porter.

We had dinner with our neighbors..

and then came home and played games and read by candle light.

We've been lucky to have our power restored as most of the town still does not.

The first day of school was even pushed back a day.

Hoping Irene went easy on everyone!

Crafting...Griffy and Will painted rocks

Hannah stamped all of our names on some to use as place settings.

I love them!

Playing..in the sink.

He loves it in there.

Griffy is talking so much lately.

I just love his little voice.

Reading...ok. I have been reading so much.

So many great books this summer!

I'm trying to get them all in before the puppy comes.

I get seriously cranky if I can't read.

Last night, I finished Anna Quindlen's Every Last One.

Bawling.My.Eyes.Out.

I can't tell you the last time I cried so much over a book.

Even though it was really really sad

I highly recommend it.

I also just finished

What Alice Forgot.

It's not pictured here because I finished it on the Vineyard

and left it for my mom.

There is a link to it over there on my sidebar.

Read this book!!

It's about a woman who goes to a spin class at the gym

falls off and forgets the last ten years of her life.

She wakes up thinking she's 29, happily married and pregnant with her first child.

She's really 39, going through a divorce and has 3 kids that she doesn't remember.

Great read!

I just finished The Winter of our Disconnect as well.

I picked it up on the Vineyard.

It was displayed at the check out and it was an impulse buy.

The check out girl said she read it and loved it.

I didn't love it.

I love the idea of disconnecting for 6 months.

No screens at all.

And that was what this woman did with her 3 teenagers.

And after reading about them..they needed it.

None of us are on Facebook, Twitter, or are "Gamers"

I think I do a pretty good job of monitoring the screens in our home.

So...

could you go 6 months with out screens?

A few people have asked me when I read.

This summer I got a lot of my reading done on the beach.

The older kids entertain the baby

(notice how I still refer to him as the baby.)

We would also have quiet time

when the baby was napping

and I could read for 2 hours then!

(not a lot of housework done during that time)

And I read at night.

What are you reading?

I have 2 1/2 weeks until..

Gus, Tucker, Remy (RemDog), (Steve and the kids like that one..and if you are a Sox fan you'd get it)

Charlie...

shows up.

Trying to get all my reading in!!

Cranky Pants

2011-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Not all of our summer days have been so....beachy.

Let's take today for example.

I wake up and see that it's another beautiful, sunny day.

So we pack up the car and the cooler and deal with a certain cranky kid that is "sick of the beach"

and tells me on the way to the beach that when he's old like me, he's never going to the beach.

I told him that's fine.

We aren't on the beach 5 minutes and it's hitting the fan.

It's too windy, too hot, a beach chair is broken, blah blah blah.

So I pack it up and we go home.

The kids were like..really?

We're leaving?

They're conditioned by now to realize that when we go to the beach

we're there to stay.

Not today.

I get it.

I'm getting a bit cranky too.

Today I thought...I'm ready for them to go back.

And then I thought..

well, then it'll just be me and Griffy..

and the puppy.

We get him in 3 weeks.

I'm starting to get a little nervous.

Like...what have I done?

I did this last year too you know.

I put a down payment on a puppy and then called the breeder the week before

we were supposed to get him and canceled.

Steve says we have more money invested in dogs that we don't own.

True.

But, it's going to work this time.

Is it bad that I'm most excited about the puppy cleaning up all the food

off the floors that Griffy throws?

Vineyard Vacation

2011-08-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

We've been on the Vineyard.

We go every year for the Agricultural Fair.

The Oak Bluffs fireworks are Friday night

They are the best!

We bring wine and cheese

and then we get buckets of ice cream from my sisters shop.

Stephen actually scooped them for us!

It was so great to see him!

Even though we didn't see much of him.

My mom has taken such great care of him.

I'm not sure if he's ready to come home yet.

Saturday we went to the fair.

Will and Hannah entered art work this year!!

I thought Will won a prize for his horse

but Hannah said, "mom, everyone has a ribbon"

They were just entry ribbons.

Still, I thought Will's was great!

Hannah's "hydrangea in a cup"

Way to go Hannah!

It was so cool to see their art work up there!

Griffin loved the animals.

Time for the rides!

The Sizzler was by far the favorite of the night!

My brother in law spends a fortune trying to drown the clown..

..and he always does it.

And of course we eat.

Griffin had his first corn dog.

Yuck.

He ate the whole thing.

Lobster rolls

And deep fried twinkies.

Yes, you heard me.

Deep. Fried. Twinkies.

Sunday we drove out onto South Beach

with my sister and her family

and my mom

It was the best day!

Hi Annie!

The waves were huge!

Edgartown..

We didn't see him

But did pass the motorcade

One of my favorite shops

Edgartown Lighthouse

A favorite shop in Vineyard Haven

Loved this idea!

Ferry home

Not sure who was on the ferry with us

but we had a Coast Guard escort the whole way back

Another great Vineyard vacation!!

One week til school starts.

And I'm still not ready.

Some Things I love About Summer

2011-08-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

driving barefoot

the smell of low tide

freckles

eating lots of seafood

getting on the ferry

afternoon naps

red sox games

eating lots of ice cream

tan lines

corona light with a lime

heart rocks

tomatoes

sundresses

griffy's crocks

straw hats

never knowing the date

Around the House

2011-08-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

We spend so much time out on the porch

eating, reading, playing games

napping, drinking wine

bird watching.

Will got the binoculars for his birthday.

summer mantel

It rained all day yesterday

I made Ina's chicken with tabbouleh

and

her wheatberry salad

both really good!

Stephen has been gone two weeks today.

I miss him

but he loves it!

He's working..a lot and making friends.

I think he'll come home a little more grown up.

I've never been away from any of my kids for this long.

And whether you like it or not,

you adapt.