Mother Dearest

Mother Earth, that is.  

If you didn't know, today is Earth Day.  I sat at work all day, in my studio with no windows, staring at my computer. Working, working, working.  

I didn't get to enjoy much of our Mother Earth today. However, when I arrived home, I had a little present waiting for me.

My first issue of Organic Gardening!  A while back Katie shared a great Amazon deal she found and I had to snatch it up. 

I mean, would you let this beautiful magazine pass you by?

Well, probably, if you didn't like playing in the dirt as much as I do. But, I simply can't get enough of sprucing up our yard.  I get such satisfaction out of cultivating our surroundings.

But, as you can see, I didn't get one issue, but TWO! Oh yea, today is a good day.  I think it was a sign, from Mother Earth herself:  Go. Grow things!  

I can't wait to dive into them.  Look at the beauty on these pages.

The photographer in me is loving it already. Nature is so beautiful. I can't get enough.  

After a quick millisecond flip-thru of the magazine I became one with nature as I watered our plants.  Look who has come back for a visit this year.  

I had nightmares that the hydrangeas we planted last year wouldn't come back because of our super cold winter, but they made it through and are going strong.

Hopefully one day they will look like this. Ours aren't green unfortunately, but maybe we'll try to tweak our soil's pH to achieve that look someday.


Off to learn how to grow delicious beans. Cheers to Mother Earth, she's the only one we have. Lets remember to treat her well! 

Bringing in a Little More Spring

Well, I guess adding these little touches of spring around the house wasn't enough, because I had an itch to do more.

My mom brought me these sweet little eggs that I added to our table right away.  

I have wanted to try to make some sweet little pinwheels for a while now.  So, I did, and realized that it was so easy, I should have tried them earlier.  A simple square of scrapbook paper, pushpins, hot glue, and dowels. I think they are adorable.  I shoved some scrap paper down in my vase to keep the dowels steady. An instant centerpiece and plenty of added spring cheer!

My next little project that I have been meaning to try out for a while now is so simple and fast, I promise anyone can do it.  In fact, I will probably teach my niece next time she visits.  I could really see her having fun making strands and strands of finger knitted garland or necklaces or scarves. There's so many possibilities.

I came across these two tutorials and combined the two different finger knitting styles to make some fun spring garland for the mantle. This little project is so easy that I already know what's going on our Christmas tree this year - yarn garland.  I just can't get enough of it!

It's kind of quirky and really fun and whimsical, so I simply love it.  
Seriously, you should go grab so yarn, string, strips of old t-shirts, whatever you can find.  Get to knitting! You won't be sorry! 

All in the Family

Last month, Mpix, where I get all of my large photos and canvases printed, was having a print sale.  Yippee! I knew just what I wanted to get printed.  A family photo. 


And, I knew just where I wanted to hang it.  Here, above our little desk in the living room.  You might remember this little corner from Christmastime, with our wreath and red chair.  

Well, a while back, on a shopping trip to Target I came across a ton of frames on clearance. I have been hanging onto them until I found just the right photo for them.  They weren't regular sizes (all poster frames), so I had to work a little faux matte magic in photoshop. 

But, for less than five bucks, I didn't mind a few extra seconds of computer work.

Conveniently, Mpix ships their photos attached to cardboard, so it was pretty much the easiest fix imaginable. I had to order a 20x24 photo and cut it down to an 18x24 to fit my frame. You can see here how I simply added a little extra white space around my photo to give it that matted feel, without bothering with actually making or buying a custom matte. 

So, for about $25, we have a really great family photo gracing our walls.

This photo was taken the day before our wedding in New York City. It's probably one of my favorites from the whole trip.  I am sad that Alan's sister and her family aren't in the photo, but we almost got everyone in - so, I am counting it as a win!


Here's the photo, if you want a better look at it. It was cold, even though everyone looks awfully happy, and warm! (sort of)....

  

Away from Home {at the beach}

This was my view Friday.

Being a teacher means a week long vacation for Alan. Him and some other friends (who are also teachers) enjoyed a week at the beach fishing, and enjoying some needed relaxation. Myself and the other wives (who had to work all week) took Friday off and headed to the beach.  Two dogs, three women, and luggage packed into a rental car was completely worth doing this for a day or so.

Just completely relaxing on the beach.

With our dogs.

At first, Magnus was unsure about his first road trip.  However, he got used to the cool sand...but never got used to the waves chasing him back to shore.

Harley was right there with him, hanging out on the beach...steering clear of the water.

Alan was doing was Alan does, I'll give you one guess

The guys fished day and night, and now Alan is affectionately known as the shark wrangler.

We have returned home and are rejuvenated.  Thank goodness for a relaxing and restful getaway.  

The Big 2-5

Happy Birthday Alan!

Thank you for reminding me to never take life too seriously. And, for making me laugh....every minute I'm with you.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect person to spend my life with.

Thank you for taking me on adventures

And coming on a life long adventure with me.

Thank you for dancing with me in front of an audience, and in our kitchen.

Thank you for teaching me something new everyday. 

I am so blessed to have you in my life and so thankful you came into this world 25 years ago.