Last Preschool Gathering

On Friday, June 18th, Miss Susie had all her little preschoolers to the park for one last gathering. I snapped a few photos - so sad to see Samuel's preschool days come to an end.

Miss Susie on the teeter toter with the kiddos.
Samuel giving me his crazy eye while eating lunch.
Caleb, Samuel and Jude eating up their ginormous cookies.
Sweet baby girl.
Jude is really getting into slides - his fear of them is long gone!

Sweet Ju Ju Bean.

Eclipse Midnight Showing

I hit the "Eclipse" midnight showing last night - this picture was taken around 3 a.m.. I don't think I've done something that irresponsible, um, ever. But, it was fun to be out for a much needed girl night.

Beer and Bathroom.

The boys took a morning to rummage through the recycling bin outside and I found this: "We're selling beer! It's free!" Ugh. How embarrassing.
And the baby took a few moments late one night to help Colin tile the shower floor in our new bathroom. Couldn't you just squeeze those skinny little legs?!
Jude helped as well.

My Odd Child.

Juliet really wanted to spend some time in these ear muffs yesterday - she loves being adorned with shoes, headbands, etc. I love having a girl!I've been busy sewing stuff (I just finished a pair of knit pajama pants for Samuel), so I haven't had much time on the World Wide Web, hence the lack of blogging. I'll try to be better!

My Meal Plan

It's been awhile since I've posted a meal plan, mostly because we've changed the way we are eating since watching Food, Inc. So, now I am nailing meal plans down a bit more easily and here's my current one:

Dinners
Taco Soup/cornbread
Roast chicken/veggies (from farmer's market)
Minestrone soup/bread
Bean/rice burritos (using homemade refried beans)
Spaghetti/salad
Potato Bar (with bacon bits, sauteed spinach/onion and sour cream)
Lentil Soup/bread

Lunches

Quesadillas/peas
grilled cheese/tomato soup
salads
Beans/quinoa/chips
Sandwiches

Breakfasts/Treats

Black bean brownies
Crispy waffles
Granola bars
Cherry oatmeal muffins
Peanut butter/chocolate/banana kefir shake
Pumpkin pancakes
Whole wheat banana muffins

I've been trying to double recipes and freeze half so I'm not spending my entire existence in the kitchen.

Pillowcase Dress

I have just completed this fun little dress from this Simplicity pattern.I actually picked up this Amy Butler fabric as a remnant (read: super cheap) and it was a perfect piece for this dress. I hope the recipient likes it!
One of these days I need to start making my baby girl some clothes!

First Farmer's Market

I must confess that I have a new obsession - my local farmer's market!! I made a last minute trip to Milwaukie's farmer's market and I was astounded at how much cheap produce there was!! This Sweet Leaf Farms was my absolute favorite vendor. The baby remained happily on my back the entire time (a rarity for her!), soaking in the sun, the fun music and all the hippies.
My brother chatting with one of the farmers - it's so good to know where you get your food from.
Joel and Ella.
Garlic - mmm.
I really coveted these flowers - only $10 per bunch. Can you believe it?! Maybe next time I will sneak an extra $10 in our grocery budget and pick up some for myself.

I bought a bunch of these carrots (how could I not?!) for dinner tonight - roast chicken, potatoes, carrots and beets - everything from the farmer's market except for the bird.
Beets.


I will be frequenting this market throughout the summer - I can't wait!

Fun Music

It seems that I'm not the only one enjoying my new "Eclipse" soundtrack:My baby knows what to do with iPod earbuds. Weird.
She walks all over the house now. Which means she also gets into everything, but at least she's happy while she does it (much different than the fussy-all-day baby I've had up until this point).

My Craft Space

This is my current craft space in the living room. Incredibly cluttered - which means I am actually getting something done. I started at 5:30 this morning. This spot has such an incredible view of the rain outside (blech).
And I always have a cup of some caffeinated beverage close at hand. And the light? I just purchased an OttLite on the clearance rack and am now figuring out why it was on clearance - the random shutting off it does at inopportune moments. Unless that is a safety feature?

NICU Reunion 2010

We decided to attend this year's NICU Reunion at St. Vincent. Last year was so crazy I completely forgot the invitation on our desk until days after the event (I've really been trying to be better about putting dates on the calendar). As soon as we walked in, I saw an old friend we both went to high school with and we spent some time catching up - so fun!Here's a rare family photo - you can tell our children skipped naps - and we are still paying for that today =(.
Jude so wishing he was sleeping.
Our "graduate" as they called her.

My Favorite Tea

Upon recommendation from a friend, I grabbed a cup of Paris tea at the Dutch Bros. drive through and my taste buds haven't been the same since. I became mildly obsessed with finding my own stash of this amazing tea, even driving with the kids during nap time to Willamette (West Linn) to a tea shop, eager to purchase this tin:When my husband found the tin and the corresponding receipt on the counter, he asked if we are rich, but I feel this indulgent treat makes iced tea a whole new experience. Needless to say, Harney and Sons are not cheap tea makers....

Memorial Day - Willamette National Cemetary

For years I have been wanting to visit my grandpa's grave on Memorial Day, taking a moment to remember not only him, but his service in World War II. Yesterday morning, the kids, Colin and I made the short trip over the hill on Mt. Scott to Willamette National Cemetery and here's what we saw:

It amazes me that each of those flags (and there were many more than this picture represents) symbolizes days, months and even years each person devoted to our country so selflessly.
And here's my grandpa's grave.