Pretty in pink

The only things that would make this view 

even better are photos of hubby and Duce!

Our peonies didn't bloom this spring - they're still mad at us for moving them last June. It's a cruel and unusual punishment, but so long as they greet us with their fragrant beauty next year,

I won't hold it against them.  ;-)

Until then, I hope that Graceland doesn't mind my larceny of this luscious pink variety. I couldn't help myself when I noticed them drooping in front of Briggs, just begging to be clipped. I think they're much happier in this dainty vase, don't you?

It's quite apropos that my ensemble today includes a hot pink skirt. It was intentional, of course. I'm that good! (Not really, actually. Just a fluke coincidence.)

    xo

The blink of an eye

It's hard to believe that April has arrived with green blades of grass and fragrant blooms to entice us with the magic of spring. Cool breezes mixed with the warmth of the cheerful sunlight is always something to look forward to after a wintry season. This winter was especially mild, but it was still time for Jack Frost's chill to give way to the explosion of new beginnings and growth.

Our beautiful daughter will be 2 years old in a week. Looking back, I remember leaving for the hospital still pregnant. The trees had tiny little buds on them, giving a hint of the new life that was about to emerge. Only a few days later, we returned home with our precious baby girl, and what a difference those few days made. The landscape had blossomed, and it was one of the most beautiful springs I've seen. Over the course of time, Jacinda has grown so much. She amazes us every single day. She is speaking and singing things now that were no doubt swirling around in her mind since she was a few months old, and she is finally able to express herself. It is exquisite!

Our wonderful son will be 6 months old, and we've seen enormous growth in him as well. He's very determined to catch up with his big sister. This is a time when he's looking all around him, exploring the world in front of him, soaking in everything that he possibly can. Josiah is such a cheerful baby - smiling, laughing, chattering.

It all happens so fast. Like the arrival of spring, our little ones have grown so much in such a short amount of time. It's impossible to imagine life without them. When we look into their eyes and watch them experience things that bring them joy, it is a very clear reminder that they are each miracles, gifts from heaven. We want to treasure every moment with them, because time seemingly goes by in a blink.

Happy feet.

What a precious thing when you really think about it. These feet will carry my son along countless journeys in his lifetime. He's sure to take some tumbles as he learns valuable lessons, but these feet will help him to pick himself up after a fall and keep on moving forward. The tiny footprints they once made will grow to a lasting imprint on the world.

I look at him now, resting so peacefully, and can see the potential he has to be brilliant in all that he does. He and his sister are like shining stars, and I'm so thankful, as their Mama, to walk with them on the first of many of their journeys.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Country Living Christmas

My favorite blog to follow is A Country Farmhouse, beautifully authored by Trina Burke. Showcased on the blog are breathtaking and inspirational photos of the interior of her home-- which she shares with her husband and their infant twins-- along with her majestic antique collection, gorgeous florals from her own outdoor garden and the Oregon landscape that offers picturesque views from every vantage point on their property. Her musings are equally charming, full of warmth and grace.

I happened upon this blog earlier this year, and I absolutely love looking through it. I'm not the only one. Her blog has become so popular that even a major publication such as Country Living magazine featured their home on the front cover and within their December/ January issue. I was so excited that on our latest outing to Des Moines, I couldn't resist scooping up a copy for myself. It will be treasured amongst my other home-style circulars.

I wrote to Trina recently to share my appreciation, that "like a cup of coffee or morsel of chocolate, her blog is one of my favorite indulgences." That same evening, I received a kind note back from her, thanking me! It may seem simple that hearing from a complete stranger on the opposite side of the country could evoke such excitement, but she has really set the bar for a quality of life that we should all aspire to in our own lives-- clean, wholesome, comfortable, warm, purposeful, simple living.

A Poem

To find the universal elements enough;
to find the air and the water exhilarating;
to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter . . .
to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring -
these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

~ John Burroughs

Glimpse of Autumn

This weekend felt very much like fall, ushering in a significant cool-down of nearly 20 degrees.

On Saturday, intermittent rain showers provided the perfect opportunity to stay indoors for some fall cleaning. (I'm starting to feel the time-crunch before Baby Josiah arrives. Could be any day now. His official due date is October 2, but ya never know.) We knew that temperatures would be much crisper on Sunday, so it felt like the perfect time to bake the first apple pie of the season. Wendell had been looking forward to watching a scary movie that evening, so we capped off the day watching Quarantine 2, along with a generous helping of my famous Apple Crumb Pie, fresh out of the oven.

It was divine, if I do say so myself. (The pie, definitely not the movie. But then again, I'm not much of a scary movie lover. I simply humor my husband, because he is.) The flavors were especially complimentary. The warmth of the cinnamon spice and the tangy zing of the Granny Smith apples and lemon mixed beautifully with the natural sweetness of the Fuji apples. And that crumb topping... I'm surprised we haven't finished the pie off by now!

Sunday morning was a bright and sunny, but very cool 50-some degrees. We knew it would be an ideal day to make a trip up to the "big city" for some Labor Day sale shopping. We shopped 'til mama dropped (well, not really). I was exhausted by the time we got home, but it was a very productive trip.

The potted mums flanking our front porch greeted us with some violet blooms. I'm so excited to see the changing colors of the trees in the coming weeks. Just in time for Baby Josiah!

Classic PB & J

On my way home for lunch, I thought about my options for what to eat. Cereal? No. Leftovers? Yummy, but not quite what I was in the mood for.

Then it came to me.

We have this very large wheat baguette just waiting to be used, and what better flavors than nutty peanut butter and cool grape jelly paired together as the perfect filling. As I prepared my sandwich, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of the textures which were enhanced even more by the sunlight streaming into our kitchen window.

The classic PB & J didn't disappoint. It never does.
That's what makes it a classic... and one of life's simple pleasures!