Little harvest.

We began our first garden ever this Spring, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Granted it was the tiniest little plot of land, but I pulled everything out that we'd inherited with the house a couple of years ago, minus this huge rosemary bush that smells oh-so-good, and then tended to the new soil for a couple of weeks before planting our new stash of seeds.

We got a few things from a friend; radishes, carrots, coriander. Then True picked out the seeds that delighted him most at the garden store, including tomatoes, mint, and the beloved green beans. Well over the summer we've added many tiny radishes to our salads, as they grow the fastest, much to our delight. Fresh cilantro graced our Sunday pizzas a few times, and almost daily we were tickled to see another sprout or leaf.

Finally our tiny, little carrots were ready (under three-year-old terms, mind you) and the green beans-True's very favorite food by far- were ready for the picking. I pulled them (whoever heard of a boy who doesn't like dirt?!), True rinsed and scrubbed them, and then we both very carefully and thoughtfully took our first bites.

The verdict? Well, apparently this falls under the "it's the journey, not the destination" category, as they were far too earthy for True's tastes. But I could taste the pride and experience in every crunchy bite.

Carsen at 6.

While her birthday was a good two months ago, these photos of Carsen are just to pretty to pass up because I wasn't on the blogging ball. Wendi again so graciously took my daughter's portraits, and again I was floored at her skill. Thank you Wen!

And Carsen, just take your sweet time, Lovie. Take it nice and slow. Six and then some, I can hardly believe my eyes.

I am.

You've heard of "I am" statements? I'm doing a program that's got me very excited, it's all about personal development. I'll fill you in on that later (tease!). But one of the things I'm doing is my "I am" statements that I've written about myself. You know, you write your goals as if they are already true. I read these out loud to myself at day's beginning and day's end. I figured instead of jotting them down in my dayplanner and searching for them each day, I'd pretty them up a bit, make them more inviting, and all the more true. So I made this little framed message to myself, and I see it first thing each morning on my nightstand. Wish me luck... or manifestation, or realization, or whatever magic helps these dreams for myself come true.

Here are my I am statements:

I am fit. I eat well, exercise 4 times a week, and my clothes feel good on me.

I am at peace. I practice personal development daily.

I have a healthy self image. I speak positively about myself and my family is lucky to have me.

I am a sexy and playful wife.

I am a present and good-listening mom.

I have a nurtured relationship with God.

I show up for my friends.

One disclaimer: This course is for me. The me that I am after being a mommy. I devote nearly every waking moment to my kids and this program is to help me see the me beyond all of that, who I am as an individual, as a creative soul, as a wife, and as a healing, evolving person. Therefore, my kids are barely mentioned above. But I know that a happy, healthy mom directly affects children, so ultimately this is for them as much as it is for me.

Art idea.

Love this idea. This is actually at Arts Aloft, an in-home art studio for kids in Seattle. But what if it was our wall, in the utility room? Or inside an extra closet? Or along one wall in the garage? Pictured here is Carsen's friend Benjamin, when he came to her 6th birthday party, with mom Robin and brother Ian.

Sundays

You've gotta love Sundays in Seward park. They close off Lake Washington Boulevard so bikers can enjoy the beautiful view all day long, sans cars.

My Sister Rocks.

My sister, Amber (right)... I love her to pieces. She's one of the hardest working, supportive, loyal people I know. She deserves all the happiness that life can provide her. And for the most part things look to be turning out that way. I'm so proud of her for being a great teacher and coach, getting her Masters degree this year, and taking on many of the responsibilities of a family life: she went from single girl to living with her partner Trinidad (left) and Trinidad's FOUR kids!
Love you, Sisser.

Lauren

Welcome to our sweet new niece, Lauren Alyssa, who is celebrating being a whopping 4 weeks old! We love you already, Peanut! (She's seen here being held by Carsen and admired by her big brother, Adam.)