My Trash and Treasure

a mini-trip

2014-11-05T08:21:00.001-06:00

Back in September (I'm still catching up!) we met my parents in St. Louis for a quick weekend trip. Rowan's immune system apparently sensed a fun trip away and she got pretty ill on the Friday we were supposed to go. We waited it out, and were able to meet up with my parents the next morning, where she was back to her own cheeky self.

Although we've lived an hour and a half away from St. Louis for over 2 years now, we've never done the touristy stuff with my parents! We all decided an Anheuser-Busch tour was in order. So a brewery tour might seem strange for an outing with kiddos. But the littles loved seeing the stables and the Clydesdales. And the grownups all loved the free beer! Win win. We also went to the arch and took the tiny little capsule elevators to the top to enjoy a perfect-day view.

And we took them to our favorite place in St. Louis, the botanic gardens! I can't get enough of the gardens, and we literally stayed until closing. Pretty sure my parents loved it, too.

But really, those fish mouths? Hilarious and only slightly creepy.

It was a perfect little trip away, or almost perfect! We could have used a couple more days. But isn't that always the case?

the ballerina butterfly and cyberman

2014-11-03T10:50:00.000-06:00

Oh, hi there! Remember me? No? I'm Ruthie. I write blog posts here. Sometimes. After a humongous break, thanks to busy times around here, I am back and ready to use this space again to document my family's adventures and share recipes and fun little things. And to kick it all off, I have our Halloween pictures to share.

Rowan likes to combine ideas into one costume Two years ago was she was a fairy princess. Last year- princess bride. This year she couldn't decide between a butterfly or a ballerina, so she combined them. Honestly? I'm was just ecstatic she didn't choose to be Elsa from Frozen. Not that I have anything against Elsa, but I could have EASILY lost her in the crowd if that's what she had been. Fletcher vacillated between a Lego guy, a Minecraft guy, or a Cyberman from Dr. Who for months before settling on Cyberman. I truly enjoy creating their costumes, but I cheated this year and ordered both of the masks that they are wearing. The rest of Rowan's costume just involved gathering elements. Fletcher's, however, was a little bit trickier. I got the idea to cut pieces of silver contact paper to adhere to a grey sweatsuit, but Brian was the genius that sewed it all on so that it wouldn't peel off. Brian is a costume maestro. His Brawny-man costume was pretty great, too, since it involved items we already had around!

I'm completely biased, but I thought the costumes were the best I saw. Halloween night was super frosty, so we had to wear wings over puffy coats and fleece under cyber-clothes. But these kiddos were such troopers and completed their mission to fill up their bags with goodies. Can I just ask why no one gives out chocolate anymore?? I don't want to steal smarties and dum-dums from their stash after they're asleep!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween night! How is it November already?

new little things

2014-08-21T19:11:00.001-05:00

Guys. I'm still recovering from Summer, even though the littles have been back in school for a week now! I'm just not in that groove yet, and I'm sitting here wondering how I ever kept up with this blog and my shop at the same time. It's been a challenge! But a good one. And I've expanded my shop recently to include a few pieces of jewelry. I'm excited! I've made a few on custom orders, but now I'm adding them to purchase straight from the shop.

I've also been thinking ahead to Christmas, and I have a few little ornaments and trinkets in the works! I know it's early, but I was so slammed last year with the ornaments, I thought I had better work ahead.

So here's a request from you, friends. If you could design your own ornament, what would you want on it? Or what would you want on your necklace?

first day again

2014-08-15T06:47:00.000-05:00

I really do feel like I was just posting last year's first day of school pictures! Unbelievable. Rowan is in the older preschool class this year, and Fletcher is now in kindergarten (*sniff*). It's been a strange few days not having him around for most of the day, and I just constantly wonder at how he's faring at school. He told me on the first day that he was worried about school. When I asked him for more specifics, he told me, "Well, I'm just a worrier." I explained that it's the mama's job to worry, not the boy's job. But he's wired in a similar way, so it's probably in his DNA to worry. Rowan was just excited, and ran into school happily when we got there. Fletcher had some tears for the first time on a first day. And it broke my heart. Made me nearly vow to homeschool him on the spot. But then reason got the best of me, and so I kissed him, told him he'd have a great day, and walked away from him with my own tears.

Fletcher wants to be a scientist when he grows up, while ALSO working in the Army so that he can see Papa more. I've tried to explain that Papa will be retired by the time he's old enough, but why crush his dreams? Rowan wants to be the voice of a Disney princess. Yes, she wants to sing songs that are in "Frozen" and other movies. Oy. I just tell her it will take lots of practice, and wait for the next career in her lineup. Last week she wanted to be an artist.

And as for me, I've been slowly working on adding new things to my shop, so now that I have a little more time, I'll focus on that! Hope all you mamas and your kiddos out there had a positive first day of school.

favorite places

2014-07-28T06:54:00.000-05:00

While the kiddos and I were back home we visited one of my favorite childhood places. It's a farm and settlement from the early 1800s. It's a beautiful place frozen in time, and up until just a few years ago, it was still a working farm. I always try squeezing in a trip there when we're back home to enjoy it and feel like I'm reliving a part of my childhood again.

And it's one of those places that doesn't tarnish from memory. It really is just the same as my child's mind remembers it.

What I didn't remember was that some summers the mosquitos are ridiculous. And so my littles didn't find it *quite* so magical, maybe.

Here's hoping for a trip back in the Fall when the colors are glorious, the mosquitos are gone, and these grumpy face turn upside down!

spicy asian zucchini noodles!

2014-07-24T09:28:00.001-05:00

We love pretty much any dish that includes noodles around here. Spaghetti? Yes. Macaroni and cheese? Yes, please! Spicy asian noodles? YES, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY. Sorry, we feel strongly about noodles. So after making spicy asian noodles as a staple for the past few years, I thought I'd try my had at making it with zoodles (the internetish way of saying zucchini noodles). I've made zucchini noodles with just a cheese shredder in the past, and it's a little time consuming. But! I just got a handy spiral slicer, so it seemed like a good time to try! And it was a great idea. Using up the abundance of summer zucchini, and lower in calories and carbs to maintain my, ahem, swimsuit physique. (Ha!!) The best part was that it's so flavorful, you won't really notice the lack of real noodles. Brian is usually not a big fan of any kind of noodle replacement, but he ate this dish right up!

You'll need:
3 to 4 large zucchini
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup sliced broccoli
1/2 medium sweet onion, sliced
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 t. red pepper flakes
2 T honey
3 T soy sauce
2 T tahini or peanut butter (or one T of each)
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
2 t chopped fresh ginger
garnish with:
chopped green onions
sesame seeds
fresh cilantro
fresh lime

First shred/spiral slice your zucchini, and squeeze dry with a clean towel, gently. I really recommend investing in one of these spiral slicers if you like your vegetables this way! It's a very small investment with fun returns!

Set aside the noodles, and heat your sesame oil and red pepper flakes in a small sauce pan on low. Don't bring to a boil. Just warm the oil on low-medium for about 5 minutes, then let cool a bit. Strain out the pepper flakes using a fine mesh sieve.

Heat oil again in a large skillet, and add sliced sweet onions, broccoli, and shredded carrots. Saute until soft, and then add in the zucchini noodles. Saute mixture on medium for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more oil as needed. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, tahini (or peanut butter), ginger, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. I use half crunchy natural peanut butter and half tahini just because.

Take the zucchini noodle mixture off the heat and pour your whisked sauce over, tossing to coat thoroughly. At this point you can serve it warm, or chill it for a few hours in the fridge and serve it cold! I tend to serve it cold in summer. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, sliced green onions and a squeeze of lime juice. Experiment with your favorite veggies- pea pods would be delicious in here, too!

So fresh and summery, but it actually fills you right up. Enjoy!

back home again

2014-07-22T09:15:00.001-05:00

So I took a very long break from blogging. I didn't even think about it. But then I realized I have no idea what's going on with my favorite bloggers, too, and I miss you guys. So I'll be catching up here and there this week. But it was good to unplug a little. Not counting Instagram because that's pretty much an addiction at this point.

The littles and I had a trip back to my hometown planned since the summer is Brian's busy time at work. We were planning on staying a couple of weeks, lounging on the beach, and seeing lots of friends and family. And we did all that! But a few days before we had planned on leaving, my grandmother passed away. So Brian took off from work, and helped me throw luggage in the car, and we caravanned it up together. He took the kiddos to his parent's house and my parents and I headed to North Carolina for my Grandmother's memorial service. It was a bit of a whirlwind, and although it was a sad reason to be there, it was so good seeing Uncles, Aunts, and cousins- some that I hadn't seen in decades.

When I got back, Brian was already on his way back to Missouri. So the littles and I resumed our trip as planned. We had cousin time, grandparent time, friend time, and a load of beach time. My parent's home is just down the road from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. We spent more time at the beach than anywhere else, and it was lovely. All these pictures are from one evening, since I didn't want to drag my camera bag every time we went.

Can you see Chicago there in the pink light? I love looking across the edge of Lake Michigan and seeing that skyline. We took the train in one day and did the Field Museum, which is a wonderful natural history museum. I HIGHLY recommend it for families with kiddos older than 3.

On this particular night, we weren't planning on getting into the water since we had been to the beach earlier in the day. We had planned on watching the sun sink, and then head home. But my kids are water babies. So shirts were stripped, and pants were soaked, and we all loved it.

It started on a such a sad note, but this trip turned out to be so good for my soul. I saw many old friends, a few dear friends, and I got lots of extra time with a best friend that came all the way from Colorado! My parents were wonderful as usual, letting us run rampant through their home (while it's being remodeled!) with my friends and their littles. And every time I go back "home" to Indiana and Chicago, I realize just how lucky I was to have grown up in such a magical place.

So what have you all been up to this July? I'm going to go catch up and find out!

treehouse living

2014-07-01T11:29:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we packed our car to the gills with food, blankets, and books and took off for a treehouse in the woods! We met our friends, Lacy and Dan, and their sweet baby at the campsite, which was heaven on earth for our kiddos. There was of course the treehouse we stayed in, a big pool, a little lake with paddle boats, and tons of nature to dig around in. And I was in heaven because there was air conditioning, hard cider, great conversation with friends, and a good book to read.

It was hot and humid, but it didn't matter. There were cold drinks and a cool place to sleep at night. All the time in and on the water really wore the kiddos out, and so there was a lot of rest time in Dan and Lacy's hammock, and Rowan even put herself down for a nap when she got sleepy.

The treehouse was actually built on a steep hill, so it wasn't in a tree. We could walk straight onto the deck from a dirt path, but when we walked around the deck to the back, there was a long drop down to the ground. We really were among the trees out on our little deck! And our friend's treehouse was right in conversation distance from our deck.

We had a few cooking mishaps including blackened pizza crust one night, and forgetting about the oil bubbling on the fire. So an oil fire gets really exciting in the woods! Once the fire died down, Brian took the dutch oven off the fire, opened the lid, and a yellow cloud of smoke floated up from a now empty pot. A quick trip into town for cooking oil and we were back in donut-making business. Which are necessary for a successful camping trip, if you weren't aware.

The little cried when we had to leave, and announced wishes to live in a treehouse all the time. I may have fallen in love with the idea, too.

and now he's 6

2014-06-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

I won't go on and on about how fast time goes. I really won't, I promise. (But doesn't it?) Sorry. Anyway, cut to the chase... Fletcher turned 6 YEARS OLD yesterday. He had pretty much the best birthday weekend a boy could have. He went camping with Brian and Rowan and our friends who met them there. They fished, they went on horseback (pony back) rides, they had campfires, and they came back beyond dirty and mosquito bite ridden. There was just enough time for a bath yesterday before everyone started coming over for a little party! We invited family friends over instead of school friends, but luckily there are mostly boys Fletcher's age in our family friends.

I made Fletcher's favorite foods, including his favorite junk food that we never actually buy and keep around the house. Of course those are his favorites! So our menu consisted of bacon (yes, just a big plate of bacon), cheddar biscuits, cheese and crackers, mixed nuts, guacamole, pudding, and neon orange colored chips and cheese puffs. He was in heaven.

Fletcher's only request was for a Lego party. Legos are really high on his list of awesomeness. So like I did with a unicorn figure for Rowan's unicorn party, I stuck a Lego piece in his cake and lit some candles. And then I just did the decorations in red and yellow, and figured that would do the job. He thought it all looked great!

He particularly loved his cake, although he did ask me why I hadn't written the Lego logo on it. Let's just say frosting is not my art of choice. I think despite that he had a great day. We all celebrated him, and loved on him, and by bedtime he was glowing from all of the attention and love.

He said it was his best birthday ever.

So here's a little more on Fletcher. He currently loves all things Lego, but I think his real passion is anatomy. He is fascinated by the human body and checks out anatomy books from the library every time we go. If you follow me on Instagram, then you're familiar with his Fletcherisms. One night he was taking a bath and I asked him if he had washed all over, including his bum. And he replied, "Yep, got right up into my colon."

He cracks us all up with his Fletcherisms, but some of them are sweet or thoughtful. He's a gem, this one. He is by no means perfect, but he has an intense love and compassion for others. He cried when I explained why we gave a homeless man money while in the city recently, and he spent the ride home brainstorming on how we could build that man a home.

He is cuddly and affectionate, and says the most sincere loving things, like, "You are the best mama in the world. I love you the MOST." Although he will quickly add, "But I love everyone in the world the most." He also gives the best compliments: "Mama, you make the BEST lunches." "Rowan, you are the BEST drawer I've ever seen." "Papa, you make the BEST pancakes in the whole WORLD."

Fletcher loves chocolate milk, but doesn't drink juice. He eats almost all the vegetables, but isn't a big fan of fruit besides apples. He is most definitely a morning person, and tends to get emotional when he's tired. He is soft hearted, and easily gets his feelings hurt. He will always concede to Rowan in a fight just so it can end. He wants to be friends with EVERYONE, and doesn't understand it when some kids say they don't want to be his friend (boy are they missing out!).

He retains information very well, and is forever curious about the way everything works. But if you ask him what he did today, he'll tell you that he forgets. He's beginning to read just a little, and it's so exciting for us! He loves books, and the fact that he can pick out some of the words is just amazing to him. Brian has been reading through different series every night, including the Little House on the Prairie series, and Narnia series. He likes them all.

His favorite color is red. He still loves trains. He begs me to get a puppy. He loves adventures, and scares me with his fearlessness at times. He loves both set of grandparents and asks often when we will see them next. He wavers between thinking magic is real or not. He thinks Dr. Who is the best show ever. He sometimes refers to himself as "wild boy." Peeing outside in our bamboo forest is his preferred method of urinating. He is drawn to water and is a natural at swimming. He still calls sandwiches "sangwiches" and I never want him to stop.

I could go on forever about this boy of mine. He has changed the way I see the world. He's changed us all for the better.

reading in summer

2014-06-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

There is just something about picking up a book when the days are warm and sitting outside reading with a glass of iced tea. Sounds exactly like what I used to do before I had children. They're getting to the age where I can do it more and more, but other things in life have gotten in the way. Like my etsy shop. But my way around it has been to use Audible. I'm a member, so I get lower prices on the books to listen to over my choice of electronic device. Plus the monthly fee includes one book. It's definitely not as cheap as a library book, but it helps.

I have loved reading as long for as I can remember. It's probably my favorite way to while away a free hour or two. Reading is the reason I majored in English Literature. I figured I'd spend 4 years reading and reading (which I did, but I didn't factor in the amount of time writing papers and essays. Ugh.). But it's been a challenge since having Rowan. Fletcher has always been an independent child, and will play on his own. I remember when I was pregnant with Rowan, I craved books like a pregnant woman craves food, and devoured them one after another in rapid succession. Fletcher and I would make twice-weekly trips to library, and I would read at least 3 books a week. I could not get enough. And then Rowan happened. A placid, sleepy baby that let me keep my book habit going as she would drowse and nurse. But when she got old enough to interact, my book time was over. She became even more demanding of my attention, and would barely look at toys in favor of interaction with another human. In other words, she was/is an extrovert, and I had to change my way of mothering after becoming accustomed to mothering my introverted boy. I tried to sneak in reading, but the only time I'd have was nap time, which I used for chores, and right before bed, where I'd drift off to sleep after just a page or two.

But there was light at the end of the tunnel. Rowan got old enough to go to school, and hurrah! I had time to read again! But then I opened my etsy shop, and that time got eaten up with stitching. Watching tv shows was a lot easier to do with stitching, but just not as gratifying. Enter the audiobook! A life saver. I still pick up an actual book I can hold in my hands here and there, and I sometimes read a downloaded book on the ipad, too. But I always have my phone on me, so it's easy to bring out and plug in my earbuds and go. I still can't really "listen" to the books when Rowan is around, unless she is totally immersed in a movie or art project. She continues to thrive on constant interaction, and I continue to try and give it to her! It's rough on an introverted mama, and by the end of the day I feel like I might snap if she asks just one. more. question. But we all manage, and this summer has been just fine. The programs at the library have been so stellar, and some days we go twice a day to get into both age groups. The littles love books, and I can only hope it stays that way.

So I thought I'd share what I've been reading/listening to this summer. It's been a far cry from 3 to 4 books a week, but it's been enough to fill that summertime longing I feel for books.

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell// Life after Life by Kate Atkinson// Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I'd definitely recommend all of them, but I particularly loved Life after Life. I was so sad when it ended. So sad. Malcolm Gladwell always makes things like statistics and dry information seem so interesting to me! David and Goliath felt very similar to his other books, but still interesting enough to recommend. Wild was probably my least favorite of the books I've read so far, but I still enjoyed it.

And here are my books that are next on my summer reading list.

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper// The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt// A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

I've heard great things about Tropper's novel, so I'm excited to dig in. I've also heard great things about The Goldfinch, but it seems so incredibly dense, that I've put it off. And I've had a few people recommend thumbing through A Grief Observed to help gain a little perspective on what has been a painful season in my life. I've shied away from books on grief for the past 6 months, but it might be time to confront it a little. Maybe.

I have other books on my list, too, but I don't want to overwhelm you! So if you're a reader, please, PLEASE share with me what you've been reading/ what you're looking forward to reading this summer! Next month we'll be staying with my parents in their house just a walk from the beach of Lake Michigan, so I have fantasies about laying in warm sand, dipping my toes in icy water, and getting lost in a good book. But that's a pretty silly fantasy since I'll have a 4 and 6 year old with me!

*I am getting absolutely no compensation from Audible. I just love it. That is all.

interview for father's day III

2014-06-16T08:23:00.001-05:00

Is Papa your best buddy or your best friend?
Fletcher: Both.

What does Papa look like?
Fletcher: I don't really know.

What does Papa do as an Army guy?
Fletcher: Well, um, I don't see him a lot at the Army base, so I don't really know.

What is your favorite thing to do with Papa?

Fletcher: Can I say something I used to do with Papa? Well, Metra, which I used to ride on with Papa, is my favorite train. (Metra is a commuter train we used to take into downtown Chicago when we lived outside the city)

If you could go anywhere with Papa where would you go?

Fletcher: I'd go to um, ahh, ummmmmmm, a factory. No, no, no. I don't really know.

What is your favorite food that Papa makes you to eat?

Fletcher: Bacon!

What does Papa do when you cry?

Fletcher: I forgot about that. I forget what he does.

How does Papa make you happy?

Fletcher: *shrugs* I don't really remember. I don't know.

What do you love best about Papa?
Fletcher: Everything!

What is your favorite place you've ever gone with Papa?
Fletcher: Everywhere that I go with Papa is my favorite.

What do you love more, Papa or donuts?
Fletcher: Papa!

*Blogger's note here: we found out later in the day that Fletcher was sick with strep, so it was difficult getting the answers out of him. Poor guy was so lethargic and out of it.

Is Papa your best buddy or your best friend?

Rowan: Best friend.

What does Papa look like?
Rowan: an Army guy and he goes to work.

What does Papa do as an Army guy?
Rowan: He works.

What is your favorite thing to do with Papa?

Rowan: Hmmm. Buy toys!

What is your favorite thing to do with Papa?

Rowan: Hmmm. Buy toys!

If you could go anywhere with Papa where would you go?

Rowan: Hmmm. To the flower store!

What is your favorite food that Papa makes you to eat?

Rowan: Pancakes!

What does Papa do when you cry?

Rowan: He hugs me. He kisses me.

What do you love best about Papa?
Rowan: Is about he puts sprinkles on my cake!

What is your favorite place you've ever gone with Papa?

Rowan: To Sonic!

What do you love more, Papa or donuts?
Rowan: (long pause, then whispers) Papa. But I love donuts, too.

you can read last year's interviews here and the year before here

onondaga caves

2014-06-11T07:54:00.001-05:00

I looked up from stitching for about 24 hours while my good friend, Kelly, and her son, Alex, came for a visit! Alex is the same age as Rowan, and although we don't get to see them as often as we'd like, we manage to get together with the kiddos at least once a year. And our husbands take all the kids on a camping trip in the summer, while the mamas get an entire weekend to ourselves. Which is a highlight of the summer for me! I'm sure it is for Kelly, too. But this visit will be a highlight of this summer, for certain, even though it was a quick one.

Missouri has a massive amount of caves, and there are quite a few around us. We hadn't checked out the Onondaga Caves yet, so we thought that would be a fun little day trip with the littles. It really was pretty great. The caves were massively majestic, and the hour and a half walking tour was just the right amount of time for the kids. I was really pleasantly surprised at how they listened to the tour guide, and asked questions. And despite the tour guide sharply barking at me, "Don't touch the stalactite!" I really enjoyed the caves, too! For the record, I was NOT touching the stalactite. And although Rowan touched a couple before I could stop her, she never had the tour guide yell at her. Not fair.

Kelly took all these pictures, and let me steal her sd card after our little cave trip.

Thank you so much, Kelly, for the great pictures, and the great visit! Time with friends is just so good for the soul.

tiny dancer

2014-06-02T11:36:00.000-05:00

This girl of mine, she's ALL girl. Except when she's picking up caterpillars and begging to go on camping trips (of course those things are for girls, too; just adhering to old gender stereotypes here like all good mothers should...). Brian's parents got her a little pink vanity for her birthday, and she really got into getting ready for her dance recital with it! Her costume was a 4 year old girl's dream, purple velvet with swaths of swirly pink and purple tulle. And getting up on stage and performing? Let's just say she wasn't one of the shy ones.

That's her on the far left. One of the littler ones in her class, but not at all hindered by that!

She really disliked having her bangs disappear back into a high ballerina bun, and pronounced, "I look like a boy." Ha! Far from it, little girl, far from it.

I know she might enjoy dance for years to come, or decide to ditch it in a year for judo or karate or whatever. So I'll enjoy this slice of girly life while I can. And it all takes me back to when I was a tiny dancer with my friends!

That would be me, on the far right. The one that looks like Fletcher in braids. So blessed to say that these two friends that I first became close to in school and dance are still my best friends today. It's fun to watch your daughter tread familiar ground that you enjoyed so much as a child! Here's hoping she has sweet memories of these days, too.

mini getaway

2014-05-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

Back in February, Brian and I had a weekend away planned for my birthday. We had planned for a B&B stay in the Missouri wine country. Which is certainly less inspiring than California wine country, but suitably close and convenient. And if you know me at all, you know my favorite type of wine is suitably close and convenient! But Rowan came down with a viral rash and was just feeling pretty yuck, so we postponed. And it was probably a good idea since things look a bit more green and floral this time of year.

The grounds of the wineries were lovelier than I expected, and the tours of the cellars was downright delightful. At the risk of shocking you, my favorite part was the actual tasting. Which is why I don't have any pictures of that part, besides a quick selfie from my phone.

The cellars were covered in black spots where portabella mushrooms were grown in lieu of casks of wine during prohibition.

The town was quaint and pretty, but it also felt empty, which was surprising for Memorial Day weekend. But we enjoyed the quiet away from the kiddos for a couple of days. Brian still managed to make friends everywhere we went, despite the thin crowds. He's such a social guy, and is so friendly and curious about other people, while I tend to take a while to warm up to others. He balances me out so well, and getting away together was a great reminder of just how much I need him around.

We ate good food, drank decent wine, and reconnected on our quick trip away. You can't really ask for more on a weekend trip. Brian even found a dog or two to love on.

If you ever find yourself in the middle of Missouri, Hermann is a great little German town just to the west of St. Louis. But if you're listening, Army, a duty station near Napa wouldn't go unappreciated. Just saying.

our guest, polyphemus

2014-05-21T10:19:00.001-05:00

At the risk of turning this blog post into a nature lecture, let me tell you all about this little caterpillar we found last Fall. Brian and the kiddos found him crawling around the wood pile. He was a bright spring green with little red knobs. Brian thought he was a Cecropia caterpillar, perhaps, but we didn't look into it much. We brought him inside, stuck some leaves and stick, and poked holes in the lid. I then gave Mr. Caterpillar the side eye all day, thinking I should just let him back out. But overnight he decided to spin a silky threaded cocoon, and so I let him be. We stuck his homey jar atop our fridge and I forgot all about him. And then in March, I took him down, and doubtful that he was still going to make it, I took the lid off the jar and put him out on the deck. We would drain the rainwater occasionally, and his cocoon home got some snow once in a while as our winter dragged on into April. And I just doubted his survival for some reason. But nature knows what she was doing, even with all our clumsy interventions.

Last week my father-in-law noticed the moth squeezing out of the cocoon, and he helped him out of his home for us all to see. We marveled and watched as his wings s l o w l y unfurled and dried in the breeze. We confirmed that he was a male Polyphemus moth, and I was pleasantly surprised at how long the kiddos watched him. And he hung out on our deck all day long, hanging out his wings to dry. And the next morning, he was gone, off to find a pretty young female Polyphemus moth.

Here's the nature lecture, if you're interested: The Polyphemus Moth is named after the Greek cyclops because of the eye-like markings on his wings. This guy stubbornly kept his wings shut, though. After they emerge from the cocoons, they have vestigial mouths, which means they do not eat. So their life as a moth lasts roughly a week. The males (like our guy) have the beautiful fern-like antenna that detect pheromones sent out by the females. HOW COOL IS THAT? They fly miles to find a mates, and while the females spend their short life span laying eggs on leaves, they males get around, mating with as many females as he can find. I guess that's one answer to the question, "What would you do if you only had a week to live?"

It's been a week, so this guy is probably gone. But for a whole day he really captivated our little family. And we learned so much about a species that I had no knowledge about before, and I learned about him right along with Fletcher and Rowan. That's one of my favorite parts of parenting.

last day

2014-05-15T14:11:00.002-05:00

Last Friday was the last day of school for Fletcher and Rowan. Yessss, very very early. It's hitting me now just how early. That's ok. We like our adventures and summer trips, so we're pretty excited about all the summer has to hold.

Fletcher is consistant from the beginning of the year in what he wants to be when he grows up. He made me guess, and when I was guessing all the wrong answers, he said, "I'll give you a hint. They drive Army tanks." Ohhhh, an Army guy! Just don't let him know that Brian has never driven a tank himself... He's always been in the passenger seat, ha!

Rowan changed things up from when she said she wanted to be a banjo player and drive a car. She said she wanted to be a regular Mama that stitches (*tears*). I love that our kiddos want to be exactly like us when they grow up. I'm relishing it now, because next year it could be astronauts or jockeys. You just never know with my kids.

And here's a flash back to the beginning of the school year.

Pretty sure Fletcher grew a foot taller! And Rowan may have, too. Next stop, kindergarten for Fletcher and the older preschool class for Rowan. Here's hoping for a long lazy summer with lots of time to enjoy these kiddos while they're still "little kids."

Four

2014-05-13T14:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Rowan's birthday. She's 4 years old! How does this happen so quickly? One minute they are tiny babes in my arms, and the next minute they are blowing out four candles on their birthday cake. I remember when Fletcher was born, my mother-in-law warned me. She told me that one day you'll be holding your son in your arms, and the next day you'll be holding your son's son. I can see now how those years can slip through your fingers so quickly. It makes my head spin to think how the years have flown since Fletcher was born!

We had a small party for Rowan, and invited family friends instead of "school friends." I just love those types of parties so much. The kind where you look around and don't have to wonder what that kid's name is, or passing out goodie bags full of candy after big helpings of cake and ice cream. We didn't make the children gather around to watch Rowan open the presents. I didn't have games planned, and there were no official activities. I didn't even gather everyone to watch her blow out the candles, I just brought out the cake and started singing, and everyone just joined in. It was relaxed, and fun for everyone. I wish I could get away with these kind of parties for the rest of their childhood! Maybe I can, maybe I can.

Rowan let me take a few pictures of her on her birthday yesterday. I bribed her with promises to pick as many purple iris as her little heart desired.

She's a spunky one, this girl. She gives me a run for my money every day, and challenges nearly everything I say. She's a limit pusher. Her nickname is "Cheeky" for those reasons. She adores flowers, especially the purple hued variety. Picking weedy bouquets is her favorite. She loves to dress up, preferably as a princess. She loves to wear dresses, but is just fine with a hand-me-down Star Wars shirt. Her favorite foods include pizza, every kind of fruit, yogurt, and pasta with meatballs. She tolerates most vegetables, but really dislikes carrots. She likes broccoli a lot. She much prefers almond milk to cow's milk. Purple is her favorite color, but pink and yellow are pretty nice. She colors and paints the most beautiful pictures. She draws me A LOT. She begs me to let her stitch with me every time. She frustrates Fletcher to no end, but he also loves her, and I'm always so impressed with how well they can play together. Sometimes. She prefers Mama to read her nighttime books and tuck her into bed, but that could change any day now. She loves to help in the kitchen, whether I'm cooking, baking, or just cleaning up. She loves makeup, nail polish, and jewelry, but will let a caterpillar crawl up her arm, dig in the dirt, and kick a ball around. She is constantly humming and singing (currently the Frozen soundtrack- oy!) and the day she goes to ballet/tap class is her favorite day of the week. She is begging for a puppy, but would be happy (for now) with a fish that she could name "Precious Smart Leafy Eats." She's the best neck hugger around, and when she smiles at you it's like the clouds parting on a rainy day.

She's my best girl.

11

2014-05-07T12:28:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday was our 11 year wedding anniversary! I can't believe how quickly the years stream by. I know I say it all the time, but I'm pretty sure I'll look back on my 30's and wonder where the heck they went. Days spent cooking, cleaning after littles (getting bigger), school drop offs and pickups, overflowing laundry baskets, and carving out time with the kiddos make the days feel so long. But the years are short, my friends! These short years have been the best, though, and every bump and bend in our marriage has just made it stronger. The early days of surprise and learning about each other have made way to a softer, more love-worn knowing of each other. And that's what makes this marriage my soft place to land. It's been a blessed 11 years. It hasn't always been easy, and sometimes life has really battered our souls. But we've been lucky to have each other. Here's to many more years of hardship and happiness, pain and joy, loss and love, and the wisdom to see the beauty in it all.

stitchery

2014-05-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

Oh guys. My hands are *almost* numb from all the stitching going on around here. I'm wrapping up and sending out the last of my Mother's Day orders tomorrow, and then maybe, just maybe I'll have some time for this here blog. Maybe. No promises, as always!

Here are a few of my latest treasures added to the shop. Busy hands make for a happy heart, I really believe that. May is promising to keep me busy with the end of school, our anniversary, Rowan's birthday, Mother's Day... and a million other little things. And keeping busy will be good for me in the month that Cormac was due. His absence is deeply, deeply felt in our life.

the cave

2014-04-24T12:18:00.002-05:00

Now that Spring has definitely made an appearance here, we've been going out and exploring more and more. I take the middle of nowhere Missouri for granted a lot, because frankly, it's easy to do it. There just isn't much around here, until the weather cooperates, that is! And then there are a lot of fun outdoor places to have adventures. (But seriously, is a Target too much to ask?) Last Friday, Brian took us onto base where there is a really beautiful caved perched high on a cliff. The littles really really loved it. And I loved it too, but I have a touch of claustrophobia, so I sat out the smaller enclosures of the cave. The cave had openings all around where we could see the river running below, and pastoral scenes of cattle and horses roaming across the river. Just a warning, there be cracks ahead. And I'm not talking about the ones in stone...

There was a large tree growing out of one of the openings. It was peaceful and serene, and we stayed for hours exploring.

Since it was on the base, we weren't too surprised to find group of soldiers in one opening of the cave. But what we weren't expecting was to hear a really motivating and engrossing speech given to the NCO's in training. It almost made me want to become an non-commissioned officer, too!

We have a number of other places on our list to explore before things go from warm and sunny to unbearably hot and humid! Where are you planning on exploring this Spring?

easter sunday

2014-04-21T09:19:00.003-05:00

So the title here is a little misleading because I actually took these pictures of the kiddos dressed up on Saturday evening. Our church here has Saturday evening mass at 5pm. So I thought it would be great to go to the vigil so we could be lazy and relax Easter morning. Just an fyi, Easter vigil is pretty much the loooooongest mass of the year, so we had steeled ourselves to having restless littles. Brian asked me about 20 times what time mass was, and I (maybe a little too smartly) answered him that it was the same as always, of course! Saturday mass is at 5pm, end of story. Except when we arrived at church, the parking lot was empty, and the church marquee read loud and clear that Easter vigil was NOT in fact at 5, but at 7:30. Oy. We turned right back around, and decided that early morning mass would be better than keeping sleepy cranky littles awake past bedtime for the longest mass of the year.

It worked out for the best because these cuties woke up at the crack of dawn. Earlier than the crack, actually. So we all watched an Easter sunrise, slugged back a cup of coffee, and got to mass. The littles were ohhhed and ahhhed over for their darling outfits sent by my parents. I'm pretty biased, but there's nothing much sweeter than my kiddos in their Easter best.

But Fletcher does not enjoy a tucked in shirt, and in this picture above he is untucking. We went to our friend's home to do an egg hunt and dinner, and my kiddos were in heaven with a grand total of 15 other kids to play with. Fletcher jumped the egg hunt gun, and got lots of dirty looks from little girls in pretty dresses, and Brian wore bunny ears. So, perfect Easter, all in all.

And here is Easter from 3 years ago. If someone could explain to me where the time goes, I'd appreciate it!

birthday man

2014-04-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

It was Brian's birthday the other day, and he spent it like any other adult does. He went to work. But, Fletcher decided we should surprise Papa by showing up at his work with balloons. He's pretty much the most thoughtful boy ever. So we did just that, and even took him out for a very fancy lunch at Jimmy John's. Nothing but the best for Papa! When I asked what kind of cake he wanted, he told me a Batman cake (he was joking). Rowan insisted that a princess cake would make Papa happiest, but Fletcher thought a Dr Who cake would be the best. What can I say? I'm a people pleaser.

We all love you, Brian! Hope your birthday was even a fraction of how special you are to us.

last snow (?)

2014-04-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when it is 80 degrees one day, and then the very next it freezes and snows. I know it can be maddening for some (especially for those where the snow sticks!) but I just thought it was so pretty to see the snow against all the blossoms here! I know, I'm crazy. I think seeing that the rest of the week's forecast calls for 60s helps. Rowan and I ran out with my camera to catch the what just may be the last snow of Spring. Rowan excitedly exclaimed, "I'm going to make snow angels!!" But although she checked often throughout the day, the snow never did stick. She was a little bummed. Until I pointed out all the violets she could pick and bring inside. Nothing cheers my girl up like a freshly picked bouquet!

Soccer practice was cancelled, pajamas were left on, the wood stove was reawakened, and hot cocoa made a reappearance. But today it is sunny, and Spring seems promising.

caramelized brussels sprouts + gruyere pie

2014-04-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was rummaging through our refrigerator and freezer to find a good, but quick dinner. In other words, I was looking for a one dish wonder. As I pulled out brussels sprouts, gruyere, and a forgotten pie crust from the freezer, I knew I might have something special on my hands, so I grabbed my camera and got to work! Of course the proof would be in the (repeated) tastings. I have made (and photographed) plenty of dinner makings that just didn't make the blog cut, but this is definitely not one of them! Success! And delicious success. I had two more pieces of the pie for breakfast. I am a firm believer that pie can be breakfast; sweet or savory. If you don't agree, you just don't know better.

1 pound brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 T butter
1 T balsamic
1 T honey
1 t cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 cup shredded gruyere (or swiss)

1 pie crust, homemade OR store-bought

Preheat the oven to 425. Thinly slice the brussels sprouts.

Melt butter in large skillet, add onions and cook until just translucent. Add the brussels sprouts, and cook on medium, stirring often to prevent burning. Add the honey, balsamic, cayenne, salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the brussels are lightly browned, soft and fragrant. The mix of honey, balsamic and cayenne makes for an irresistible combination of sweet, savory and spicy. So, so good.

Set pan aside, and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheese with the beaten egg.

Once the brussels are slightly cooled, stir into the cheese and egg mixture, and then pour into the prepared pie shell.

Top with the remaining shredded cheese, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. And then- ta da! Isn't she pretty and browned and cheesy? Yes, please.

Dig in! I'm thinking about making this for Easter brunch. Because pie for breakfast is a good thing.

trestle gawking

2014-04-09T08:12:00.002-05:00

So in my last post, I said I'd share our "pretty view" pictures tomorrow. I meant to say in 5 tomorrows. Yes. That is what I meant. On the last day of Spring Break, it was warm and sunny, so we all decided some exploring was in order. There are a lot of rolling hills and beautiful valleys here in mid-Missouri. And not much else! Brian found this old trestle bridge right off of Route 66, not too far from us to go check out. It was built in the 40's to bring supplies to Ft. Leonard Wood. We drove to the overlook, and then got out to gawk at the valley below. So beautiful!

We found a cocoon that was jumping around, and it was fun to hold and feel the life fluttering inside to get out.

Rowan was a little scared about walking the wall that overlooked the bridge. I don't blame her, it made my stomach drop a little. It wasn't a straight drop down, there was a sloping hill, so we weren't endangering our lives here.

Fletcher, on the other hand, was a little daredevil, leaning far over and laughing when I gasped. He's trying to shorten my life, I just know it.

We drove around a little more and found this old wooden train bridge. It was impressively large and intricate. And I would not want to be any where near it when a train passed over.

It's always good for the soul to go explore a little. And it's a treat to find special places tucked away just down the road from us. Now that winter has surrendered, let the outdoor adventures begin!