The Lowe Down

Some Resolutions

2012-01-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

The last few years I've been a little lax when it comes to making resolutions. I've been a little cynical almost, knowing that once January is over life sort of fades back into normal I tend to forget my goals. This year however I am determined to make some changes and thanks to one of my friends, I decided a little accountability might help out with that. Hence the posting of them on here.

1. Hold Family Home Evening every Monday night.
This has been a lot easier thanks to the Nursery Manual that the church uses. I bought one of my own and use the lessons from there as they are already geared towards little kiddos.

2. Wake up with Peter every morning, make him breakfast and pack him a lunch.
This has been something I have been very proud of. It takes a lot of effort to have a well stocked fridge- full of lunch pack-able things. So far so good. I have to say the change has helped me with my eating habits as well since I tend to have more lunch-y stuff around, I eat less crap and my meals are a little better balanced. Pete has raved about the difference it has made in his day to not eat crap from a gas station or food on the fly. He has been very grateful to have something healthy and balanced as well.

3. Make/have family dinner 5 nights a week.
I've been learning a lot lately about the importance of family dinners. I've always had the desire to do it and haven't ever been terrible at it, but I can definitely improve and get a little more organized! I truly believe family dinner can make a huge difference in the way our children grow up, the relationships we have with one another, the trust we have in one another and not to mention the health and financial benefits it provides as well. For my last term paper in my parenting class I read a journal article about the importance of family meals. One thing it pointed out that I found interesting was that families bond with one another just by sacrificing their own wills and desires to come together and eat a common meal. Whether or not that is what sounds good to one person and not the others, they come together and share in something, giving up their own wants and desires. I've never looked at it that way but I thought it was really interesting.

4. Exercise 3 days a week.
That seems so pathetic- 3 days is not often enough, but I have to set the bar low so that I don't get discouraged. And by exercising, I mean a dedicated period of exercise. Not a family walk or things that I normally do, but a dedicated work out. So far I've been pretty good, especially since I got my new Zumba dvds, my heart has been pumping pretty much daily. (I'm learning Zumba people are funny..... thats all....)

5. Follow a daily schedule/routine.
Yes, I'm one of those people that functions best when I have a daily outline of what I need to accomplish and when. I've found it helps Carson as well. I'm a better mom, I accomplish more and feel better about what I've done for the day when I lay down at night.

6. No phone Facebooking- and my Facebook days are MWF.
This one seems a little weird and OCD I know, but really, its sad how much you can rely on facebook to entertain you when you've got it on your phone. You can waste so much time, effort and emotion on it- and I've just decided a little restraint is a good thing. There's no reason to check it every day, and since I've made this rule I've checked it maybe once or twice a week. Such a needed break.

7. Blog post/Journal entry weekly
So far I have been a bummer about this one. But I will do better. Journaling our experiences is so important and I'm so grateful for what I've written so far, now I just need to print this darn blog into books!

8. Daily devotional/scripture study with Carson
When Carson and I eat breakfast together, I usually beat him (by a long shot). I like to stay with him though while he finishes so I've started doing a little morning devotional. We usually bless our food, eat, sing a primary song or hymn and then I read us a chapter in the Book of Mormon while he finishes reading. I know its not personal scripture study but I feel like it has been such a nice way for us to start the day, and frankly it just doesn't happen otherwise. I love this time Carson and I have together in the mornings!

9. Weekly Playdates and socials for Carson.
This one is new, but after having our cute little neighbor over for a few hours one day, I realized just how much Carson loves having a buddy to play with. (yes, I know, we should just create him one.... sigh!) So I've decided I need to give him that every week. He loves it and needs that right now!

And that's it. It seems like a lot, some things I have already been doing but could do more faithfully, and some I was just not great at but so far I've seen such a difference in my level of production and the things I am accomplishing. There are so many things I want to learn, do, be and the only way to do so is to set goals. I look at it like a budget or counting calories. Unless you have a goal and have little ways of keeping yourself accountable, its so easy to just spend your time and efforts frivolously. And we all know you will never build your bank account that way. I'm loving this phase of life. Suddenly I feel like so many doors have opened up to me and I am eager to try new things. I love having this one on one time with Carson and while I would love another baby, I'm so grateful for our time as just he and I. Happy Resolution making everyone!

Christmas festivities

2012-01-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well hello and Happy New Year! I know, its been a while.... like a whole month almost. (sigh) What have I been doing? Nothing of importance really, nothing to excuse my lack of journaling at least.

We celebrated Christmas with Peter's family a week early so that they could go see his sister, who lives in Missouri, this year. It was fun as always and we enjoyed a whole day of gifts, greek food, family, dogs, stockings, and more family!

making his "haaaa haaaa haaaa" digga sound.

getting ready to open his wagon from "papa kiss and papa bob"!

Carson's sweet cousin, Gib, wrapped up some of his toys and brought them as a gift for Carson. It was so sweet of him, and wouldn't you know it? They were some of his favorites!

Peter and the newest Lowe family addition, Zoey!

Papa Bob doing what he does best....

Of course Grandma Chris made something adorable- this year it was nightgowns for the little girls. Hannah and Frankie were loving they're "twirlie gowns!"

Mr. Jacob Stanley shared some of his guitar songs with us that he had just played at a recital.

We always love getting to be with family and are so grateful for the love we feel when we are surrounded by those who are closest to us.

For FHE before Christmas we went to dinner at the Lion House Pantry and then walked around temple square to see the lights. I think we've missed doing it the last two years and I am so glad we made it this year. Before I could even say anything, we pulled up to the tabernacle, the spires of the Temple peeking through from behind and Carson yelled, "Mom! A tempo (temple)" I don't know how he spotted it and how he knew what it was. I've told him about it before but I didn't think he knew it that well. It was so sweet to see his excitement as we walked the grounds and talked about baby Jesus. I am always surprised at how much he is listening!

Last year I started a tradition that I am just a little proud of. Christmas is a time for me, when my testimony is strengthened and best shared through music. There is nothing like singing Christmas songs and expressing your love of the Savior through music. We went caroling to a few widowers and elderly couples in my Grandma's neighborhood, and it was, yet again, such a treat. I'm sure those we carol to enjoy what we do, but mostly I think it fills me up. I truly believe that I walk away from each door feeling more loved, fulfilled and satisfied than they do. Although its cold and our hands freeze from holding our hymn books, our hearts are warmed and our spirits lifted. I can't wait for next year!

Christmas (actual Christmas) this year, was great. I'll be honest, my inner Scrooge let loose a little and for a minute there I wanted to call the entire thing off. Ha! How silly is that? Call Christmas off? Am I the only one though, that feels like there is just a little too much anticipation and a few too many expectations around Christmas time? I know the answer to that. Remember, how President Uchtdorf gave a talk specifically about that whole thing? Well, I let it get the best of me for a little bit and Christmas eve was sort of a bummer because I had an attitude about it all. We skipped the cookies for Santa, and Peter went to bed without me.... I was up, begrudgingly wrapping gifts. Christmas came just the same, (recognize those words?) however, and it was such a wonderful day! Maybe I just needed sleep. Carson's perfect little smile whisked all the Grinchy feelings away and I loved watching him open his gifts. We kept it pretty simple this year (although, it looks like a lot of gifts under the tree. Its because I wrapped every last little thing separately.... and lots of small things ended up in huge boxes!) and it was so refreshing to see Carson open his gifts, excited about every last one of them. except maybe the clothes. He wasn't concerned about what so and so was getting or that we didn't get him a certain thing. His innocent little spirit reminded me of how I needed to be and that Christmas is about Christ and being with family.

Carson slept in a little, and ironically it was Peter and I that couldn't wait to get up, so we woke him up.

Can you tell?

Yes, yes we did regift his wagon. Before, it was in a box, and he wasn't sure what to do about it. This time it was all put together.

I think Carson is mid-yawn...

The aftermath...

And of course I couldn't leave the dogs out! They got their own stockings too!

Baked French Toast and Breakfast Casserole made the night before? Yes please. Best decision I made.

All ready for church in Great Grandma Fern's red skirt. I don't know why I haven't worn it in so long!

Sacrament was beautiful. I was able to sing in the choir which was a treat and the icing on the cake when it comes to the true Christmas Spirit.

Next came "Papa Edie and Papa Johns" house where we were further spoiled with gifts, food, and family. There is nothing like being with those you love on Christmas.

Overall it was a year to remember. One that I learned from and gained a deeper appreciation for my own parents from. Although it was fun, its nice to have the Holidays over with for a while and get back into a routine. I'm always grateful for the New Year and the promises of potential and new experiences it brings.

Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T16:16:00.001-07:00

Not many words for these. I think they speak for themselves!

And this last one is probably my favorite....

I think this sums up pretty much how Spanky felt about our tree...for the first week anyway. Too bad it faded and he started taking all the ornaments off.

Nativity

2011-12-14T15:15:00.001-07:00

On Sunday we had our family Christmas Party at my sister's house. It was great to be together and the kids had fun running amok. After dinner we dressed the kids and they each played a part in the nativity scene. Pretty cute if you ask me.

The boys favorite person! Sometimes I think he must be magnetic because the minute he comes in the door, these little guys find him and stick with him!

Some of our nativity-ers.

The two shepherds, Carson and Mason

Papa and Shepherd Carson

The peaceful Nativity

Caring for "baby Jeeesh" (baby Jesus).

My cute little shepherd!

The (not so terrible) Two year old!

2011-12-11T13:59:00.002-07:00

My little baby is growing too fast. I'm loving each new phase he enters, but missing each phase that is done and over with. It has been the most rewarding gift, being his mother, watching him grow, learn new things, and in turn follow his example as he is a good reminder to me of what I should be like.

He loves to:
pray. dance. play the piano. sing. read stories. play with "diggas!" help "pay-ta" (which somehow means "clean-up"). help make mama's bed. wear daddies shoes and mama's slippers. measure flour. play with the dogs. play with his friend "nabby" (abby). "wide" the four wheelers. do puzzles. do airplane with daddy. talk with "papa and papa."

Some of his latest lingo includes (but definitely isn't limited to):
"digga": Digger
"tack hoe": Track Hoe
"waw chuck": Water Truck
"bock hoe": Back Hoe
"bob keck": Bob Cat.... (notice a pattern here....)
"sawa": Sour (what he has named pomegranate seeds)
"shawa": Shower
"tut tut tut": Tuck tuck tuck (when he helps me make the bed)
"satta, ho ho ho": Santa, ho ho ho

He is keeping me busy and yet making me lazy at the same time. He is always on the go but is becoming more and more independent, sometimes I just sit back and watch him do his thing. He is so good at playing by himself and I am always finding him in his own little world having a good old time. I love each and every little kiss I get from him and melt when he says, "Dank-oo mama" or "Ok, mama." The other day he said, "I uh you mama!" I feel like the luckiest girl to be the mother of such a sweet little boy. I hope I can teach him the things the Lord would have me teach him and guide him in the direction he should go. I sure love that little bug.

Carson is obsessed with his daddy lately and every morning when I get him out of bed he asks for Pete. I love sitting back and watching those two. They are the best of friends and Carson enjoys every minute he gets with dada. He always says, "Dada is my buddy!"

This year I had all sorts of plans for Carson's Birthday and parties etc but I decided to keep it simple and go with a Christmas theme. We had a couple of our close friends and they're kiddos (C's friends) over for dinner, cake and ice cream. Its always good to see "old" friends that we don't live by anymore.

Every time I make a cake I usually swear up and down that I will never attempt to make a cake again. This time though I am pretty proud of my creation! It all came together and while it wasn't perfect, it looked pretty cool and tasted amazing! (if I may say so myself...)

Maybe I'm biased..... but I don't think little boys come any cuter than that!

Blowing out the candles!

He devoured that massive piece of cake. All of it!

And for the inside of the cake, I present to you......

A Christmas Tree!

The Mckinley Family!

The Christensons

Keri and her kiddos!

To finish off the night we went for a "sleigh-ride" through the Festival of Lights. It was a good time and I think the kids and parents enjoyed themselves.

Notice Carson hanging on to cute little Adelaide. He had to make sure she didn't fall off.

She returned the love.

The Walton Family

The whole crew

Peter put the lights on the trailer without even talking to me. He. gets. me.

Thanks to all who came and made Carson's day so special. We all had a great time and loved spending time with some of our dearest friends.

Girls Night Out

2011-12-09T23:46:00.001-07:00

Tonight, my mother-in-law Chris, took us girls in the family to the Nutcracker at the Capitol Theater. We started the night with dinner at Macaroni Grill and then walked over to the Ballet. It was beautiful! I so enjoyed it and had a great time out with the girls!

Pooper Scooper!

2011-12-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Don't let the title mislead you, I only wish Cooper would scoop his own poop..... Happy 4th Birthday to Mr. Cooper. Despite his occasional "short man syndrome" outbursts, Cooper has been such a good little friend around our house. He tolerates Carson's squeezing, ear pulling, riding, chasing etc. and always returns the gestures with his famous kisses. If you've met Cooper you know what I mean. He is way too good at licking people right on the mouth, no matter how hard you try to avoid it! I don't know much of our marriage without having Cooper around. We got him a couple months after we got married and since then he has been my constant little companion. He used to come everywhere with me, work, the car, the store, our parents houses, etc. He is the perfect little snuggler and despite his size, he is determined to keep up with everything we are doing. He makes me feel safe and warns me whenever he hears suspicious sounds. I know that I'm just "hearing things" if Cooper isn't up barking when I am scared. Thanks for being our compact protector! We love you Coops!

patee, digga and han!

2011-12-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Translation: Popcorn, diggers and eggs. Three of this little man's favorite things! I love Carson's lingo these days. He is full of words, most of which I understand and some not so much. I feel like he is exploding with words, concepts, and new "skills." This stage has been fun and I am loving just about every minute of it. I say "just about" because he has also learned the limp trick. Something I was famous for when I was little too. Each stage brings fun new things as well as new hurdles to jump. We love our little buddy!

Until I give him popcorn, he'll both sign and say "Patee Patee!" He's a muncher like his mama.

One of C's favorite past times..... playing trucks in"beets!" (beans)

By the way, can I just tell you how much I love getting eggs? It is thrilling to open up the nesting box and have a little gift inside!

Lucille

2011-12-02T14:14:00.001-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to our honey girl! I know, it seems a little ridiculous to post about your dogs birthday but here I am. It shouldn't be a surprise to any of you when I post ridiculous things.... usually having to do with my animals. Lucy has been such a good dog and we just love her. She is such a comfort to have around and is truly a lover. We got her right before I found out I was pregnant, and right before my brother in law Tim died. She was such a snuggler and a good friend to have around as we went through that time. Maybe you have to have dogs to understand that whole concept, however, there aren't many people that meet her that don't feel her love and affection. unless you are a male dog looking to... well do what male dogs do to girl dogs. Carson loves his "giiiil" (girl) and is constantly loving on her and wanting to play with her, feed her, throw the ball for her etc. We love our little sweetheart.

Lucy the Love hog

Juicy Lucy (you'd have to know her to understand)

Floosy Lucy

Sweetheart

Giiiil!

Thanksgiving and Christmas Tree Cutting

2011-12-01T11:38:00.001-07:00

There are a million pictures in this post, so I will try to keep the words to a minimum! This year Thanksgiving was good. Different but good. Some of our family was missing because it was their in-laws turn to have them. We began with the usual Turkey bowl in honor of my Brother-in-law Tim who passed away almost three years ago. Carson and I hung out on the sidelines with the dogs- actually I pretty much just chased Carson around the park.

As is tradition, we left for "the trailer" (which is Peter's family cabin down Argyle canyon) the day after Thanksgiving, aka Black Friday. We call it the trailer because its pretty much just that. A mobile home on lots of land. We love it down there.

Poor Carson fell over in those snow clothes so many times and had quite the time getting back up.

Love my Lucy!

At the cabin there is plenty to do, sledding is always one of the favorites! Thanks Jonner for giving C a run!

Everyone pitches in when it comes to meals! Thanks Jake and Zack for doing dish duty!

Cousins! Hannah, Camron, Alex and C.

We celebrated Carson and Hunter's birthdays.

Diggas!

He was thrilled with his gifts!

Love these boys!

Crazy Christmas-tree-cutting cousins!

Alex, Sam, Hunter, Jake, Camron, Hannah, Zack and Carson!

Our little trooper. Walking through snow is a challenge, especially when you are tiny!

Just taking a break!

Grandpa Bob threatening to whack Pete with a stick if he tackles him in the snow!

Carson's new favorite treat.... SNOW!

"Wait for me dad!"

"Why-eed" (ride!)

The turkey Shoot!

Lovely Lucille! Carson calls her "giiil" (girl)

Pete blasted my turkey with a shot gun.... I pouted a little.

5 year old cheeser grin!

Cooper loves gun shots

Grandma Chris and the..... well we wont' say what we call that gun.

Snow logger!

After falling asleep on a nice slow ride with "papa bob."

Cooper and Lucy would run behind the sleds barking- like maybe they were trying to herd the sledders...

And this is what you do with a two-wheel-drive four wheeler when it gets stuck in the snow. Bobs just the only one who got caught in a picture. We were all doing this at one point or another.

The end of a good weekend. I think this year was one of the funnest years so far. We had so much fun together as a family.

Sometimes I surprise myself

2011-11-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

Can I brag for a minute? I am so proud of myself and I just have to share these little baby boots that I made. They are just so girly and adorable I can't resist! My sister in law just had a baby girl and while looking for a gift for her I came across a few pairs of baby boots online that I loved! I couldn't justify the price though so I decided to see what I could come up with and I am shocked at how they turned out!

They are definitely not perfect- having to make the first one was fine but then to replicate it was sort of a challenge. I made a pattern though so maybe if I get ambitious I can do it again. (p.s. I don't think I can share the pattern because it would be in "kate" language and I doubt I could make anyone understand....)

girl girl girl!

I'm grateful for opportunities to stretch myself and surprise myself. Its easy to get down and think that the effort won't pay off, but every now and again it does. And that is something to be proud of!

Thanksgiving FHE idea

2011-11-09T09:52:00.006-07:00

*disclaimer.... I hate posting without a picture. This picture has nothing to do with my post really but I just had to put something on here so it wouldn't look so boring.

I'm not very good at coming up with Family Home Evening ideas. I always struggle coming up with something creative and fun that will be meaningful at the same time. I am however, sort of proud of this one and can't wait to do it, so I thought I'd share. First though, you get to hear my novel of a story behind it.... It all started when Carson and I were doing our morning scripture reading and one chapter in Alma just really caught my attention. Alma 26 is such a beautiful chapter. I wanted to read it again when I was done because there is just such a warm and feel-good message throughout it. I specifically loved verse 27. It says:

"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst they brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

Its amazing the love our Heavenly Father has for us, and this further confirms that. He knows when we have righteous desires and wants to bless us with them. Sometimes though we have to really work and exercise patience and an immense amount of faith before those desires come to fruition. And sometimes they just won't happen in this life, but as I read that scripture I was so comforted and felt very strongly that the Lord is mindful of my desires at this time. It came to me very clearly that he wants me to be patient and continue having faith through my struggles and to know that I will find success!

As the chapter goes on Ammon recounts the many things that they have to be grateful for. He is rebuked by his brother Aaron for being seemingly prideful, to which he responds that he knows it is not because of his own strength, but because of the strength of the Lord. He boasts of God and his mighty miracles and all that he has blessed them with.

Finally at the end of the chapter in vs 35-37 he says:

"Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.

Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen."

So here is the Family Home Evening plan. Its short, simple and to the point.

Open with PrayerSing either: Count your Blessings on pg. 241 in the hymn book or "My Heavenly Father Loves me" on pg. 228 in the Primary Songbook.

Read: Alma 26:35-37

Treat/Game: Hot chocolate bar. Topping choices: marshmallows, candy canes, cinnamon, whipped cream, cookies for dipping. Each topping (including each individual marshmallow) has to be earned by saying something you are thankful for and no one can repeat what someone else has said. As you drink your hot chocolate, talk about ways that you can "give thanks unto God forever" as it was said in vs. 37

*You could also decorate cookies and each frosting or different thing they put on has to be earned the same way.

Close with prayer of Gratitude.

Halloween

2011-11-07T09:36:00.001-07:00

I just have to squeeze this in here before I forget. We had a fun Halloween this year. It was so fun to have Carson be more part of it and get excited about his costume, the pumpkins and treats.

We finally carved our pumpkins the night before Halloween. I had all sorts of brilliant ideas for how to do them all but only ended up carving mine.... which proved to be a disaster. I later took the drill to it and somewhat destroyed it out of frustration. I guess thats what you call rolling with the punches. Sometimes {most of the time in my case} our decorations may not turn out to be Martha Stewart's kind of magnificent but thats just life. I was just happy to celebrate with my family.

Carson did not like the pumpkin innards!

A brilliant idea on Peter's part.... using the drill (constructively this time) and a large drill bit! I love that man!

Junk in our trunk!

We went as Lumberjacks this year -Pete's idea. I love when he puts his mind to a task, he always has such great ideas. We went to our ward trunk or treat and then up to "papa and papa's" house. (Carson hasn't quite gotten grandma down yet, so they are both papa). My awesome and very talented neighbor came up with my Lumberjane costume!

Carson quickly learned how to say "chicka cheat" especially as he was reinforced with candy each time! It was adorable, I must say.

The haunted bus! I love our ward!

If Carson didn't get candy fast enough, he got a little distracted and would just start running around.

Carson and his favorite friend, Ci-Ci

Axman!

Lumberjack, Jill and lil' jack

We had a very Happy Halloween!

Gratitude Prayers, a holiday challenge

2011-11-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

This holiday season I really want to focus on having the right holiday spirit. Not just the hot chocolate, christmas music, turkey dinner, gift wrapping, stocking stuffer, turkey stuffing spirit..... as fun as it is. While all of those things help to bring back fond memories, I want to make sure that I'm celebrating these two important holidays for the reasons that we have them in the first place.

The other day as I was praying with Carson, I realized just how many things I ask for, but also how many things we have to be grateful for. I thought of a challenge that I think will be fun, and meaningful. For either of your morning or night prayers, set a timer for 3 minutes. Don't stop praying until that timer goes off. Not too hard if you ask me, but here is the catch. Only express those things that you are grateful for. No asking for anything, you can do that in the morning, or at night (whichever time you didn't choose). For three minutes every morning or night, for the month of November, count your blessings and express those things to Heavenly Father.

Don't forget to write down certain impressions or feelings that you have. It will be so nice to look back at those in times when you need a pick me up. If you feel so inclined, report back and let me know how it goes.

The changing of the seasons.... and gratitude

2011-11-02T17:36:00.003-06:00

I know the title of this post is kind of random, but I guess its a reflection of the way I am feeling right now. The temperatures are finally cooling down, my farm-girl, garden-hick, hen-mother-attitude is slowly subsiding and I'm feeling a little anxious for winter and the coziness that it brings. This post is going to be more journal like, rather than a travelogue, craft-brag or a "hey! Look at me, I'm accomplishing everything I would like to in my life right now" facade that it sometimes is. I will continue to post projects (if I ever get around to them) but I really want my blog to be a place where I can come back to and draw strength from. I want to be able to look back at the things I've learned, the challenges we as a family have faced, the spiritual experiences we've had, the successes, failures and joys that we've felt in this whole process of eventually become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to be able to express honestly the way I'm feeling rather than try to convince you all (the 1 million of you who read this *wink!) that I've got it all, I know it all and I'm just an all around amazing do-it-all mom and wife. Because lets be honest, sure, I am capable of some good things, and at times I tend to surprise myself with just what I can come up with, but I'm definitely far from perfect and I would rather allow myself to just see (when I look back) that I {tried} my best. I may fail at some things, but at least I am trying. Something that, I, quite frankly, am terrified of. I hate to look like I tried something and it didn't turn out the way I wanted. I would rather just tell people that I gave it a half hearted effort and I messed up because I meant to haha! How silly is that? Very, I might say.

Anyway, that whole paragraph just sort of came out, and I'm grateful for the reminder it is to me that I am a human being, not a human doing. I'm grateful for the personality traits that I have developed and for those I continually struggle with, that will eventually become strengths to my character. That said, I will just slip right into the last couple weeks of our lives.

Carson has been exploding with new words, phrases, mannerisms, and "skills." I have watched in awe as this little person has captured our hearts and attention with a tight grip. He loves to pray, sing and jump to "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam!" He even jumps right on "beam" and I'm noticing that he is pretty good at keeping a beat with either jumping, clapping, waving or tapping his foot. The other night we were laying in bed at The Trailer (the family cabin) and asking Mr. C to say words. He repeated animal noises, animal names, Jesus, and when we asked him to say "Christ" he immediately chimed back, "Amen!" He really is such a sponge and has been a reflection that we may be doing something right.

He loves doing airplane with Daddy. Peter tells him, "Put your wings out!"

So random, but I guess if you don't like the food you can always tow it with a monster truck. boys.....

cheeeeeese! (with food in his mouth.... nice)

He loves to play at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Both sides. We were able to go spend a weekend with Peter's parents and it was just as fun as we always expect.

We went to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden

He was ok until he looked behind him, then he climbed down really fast!

Carson, "papa kiss" (grandma chris) and a triceratops!

Again, why do we even expect him to notice attractions when we bring the stroller along?

I couldn't resist.... anyone who knows me well (extremely well, enough to see my crazy side) will know why I have a picture of a raptor.

You'd think that 25 cents worth of duck food would be gone quickly. Not for carson. He fed them one pellet at a time.

He got that concentration "tongue thing" from the both of us.

Played on the {BIG} toys at great-uncle John's house

Come on "papa bob!"

On to the next fun toy....

The "digga"

This is man stuff mom...

We didn't even realize that all of us were standing with our hands in our pockets until we looked down and noticed Carson struggling to put his in. Funny how observant they are.

We went for a drive in the ranger

Saw the horses

And the beautiful colors

I love this time of year.

Recently dad landed in the hospital because of a blood clot behind his knee and two in his lungs. He and my mom were out walking and he passed out due to a lack of oxygen. Luckily my mom was with him and was able to convince him he needed to go to the hospital. We are so grateful he is doing better now but it was definitely a scare. One night as I drove to see him, I prayed to Heavenly Father and thanked him that my dad was okay but plead with him not to take him anytime soon. I remember saying the words out loud, "Heavenly Father, I just can't lose my dad right now!" While it was a nerve racking experience, because of it I was able to spend a night with my dad and chat one on one. I haven't done that in a long time and it reminded me just how much I love him, what a great grandpa he is and how precious and fragile life is. I continue to pray that I will never take for granted the ones that I love and those around me who mean so much!

Two weeks prior to the hospital trip, my parents had to put they're dog down due to cancer. We got trigger when I was a sophomore in high school, and he was my dad's little buddy. I cried and cried when my mom told me about it, and although no one outside my family will really understand, I felt like another phase of my life had ended and died. Trigger was named by my brother-in-law Tim who passed away in 2009. I guess his life sort of marks a time period in mine and my family's that was full of love, hurt, challenges, and changes. My cute dad called me and invited Peter and I (the family animal enthusiasts) to come be part of burying the dog. (this is sounding so ridiculous, and even more ridiculous is the fact that I am crying as I type! I promised myself I would write this down though.) My dad had Trigger's body in a box and could hardly speak as he brought me in to see him. We cried and laughed together as we talked about the darn animal. When we went outside to bury trigger, my dad placed his body in the ground and froze before he put the first shovel of dirt over him. He gently sprinkled each scoop over trigger until he was covered. My mom said, "John we probably need to step on it to pack it down" to which my dad quickly and painfully replied, "Edie, not tonight!" We all gathered large rocks and put them over the place where the dog is buried, Carson placing his tiny little rock perfectly in the middle of all of ours. I know how crazy we must seem to care for this dog so much but in all honesty I think it was the onslaught of change that weighed the most on our hearts. It was the marking of the end of a phase and the start of anew.

Last week my dad called me and said he had fallen in love with a little Sheltie puppy on ksl. Being the animal lover I am, I was immediately thrilled and was glad he decided to get another dog. I'm a firm believer in the companionship that dogs have to offer. My dad and I are very similar in many ways, many of them being stubborn personality traits that make us slightly harder to love, for those who are extremely close to us. I guess I have felt like my dogs have really been there for me when I myself haven't even wanted to be there for me because of the stupid and stubborn person I can be. I feel the same is true with my dad. Dogs can love when sometimes people can't and seem to provide a calm comfort when the rest of life is just crazy. (there. my testimony of dogs!) Anyway, they got the cutest little Sheltie puppy, and of course I love it because its a worker/farm dog, just like mine. My dad has been so happy with that little dog and I feel like a little fire has sparked in him again.

Needless to say, he loves that puppy.

Life has been good the last little while. Busy, exhausting, challenging but sweet nonetheless. I'm grateful for the changing seasons of our lives and for the reminder that this life isn't necessarily meant to be comfortable. When it is, change occurs and we are forced to adapt, make the best of it and find joy in it. For that I am grateful. I am excited for the Thanksgiving season and hope that I'll be able to stay level headed and remember the importance of gratitude. I'm finding that sometimes it isn't always possible to have a life that would "reflect" your perfect intentions. Discipleship is about making the best of what we have and are given and look to Christ to know what to do with it. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be Carson's mama and give him my full attention right now. Of course I want more children eventually and am looking forward to our next one, whenever it may be. Maybe it won't be in this immediate season that I'm in, but in the meantime I am grateful for what I do have and the practice I am getting now. I'm grateful to be a wife, even when my husband is at work more that he isn't. I am so thankful for a husband that has a determination and drive beyond anything I've ever seen. He is such a great daddy to little C and I can see that my days of being Carson's number one are few. Daddy is the new best thing, and I bittersweetly love to watch it happen. He is a great provider and friend. I grow to love him more and more as we work through our differences and strive to come together through this battle of life. How sweet that is.

I'm am thankful for the changing of the seasons.

The hens these days...

2011-10-17T10:08:00.001-06:00

I realized I never posted pictures of our new coop. I'm pretty proud of it. Peter wanted to build me a new one for my birthday but we both new with school and work it just wasn't going to happen. We found one that was close to what we wanted and decided to just fix it how I wanted it. I know, I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to my chickens.

It started out like this....

We painted it to complement our house color, changed the location of the nesting box, added some roosting bars and another door for easy clean up. Here is what she looks like now. Still needs a little paint touch up and work here and there but we are pretty proud of how it all turned out!

The door on the left is solely storage space, the door on the right is for cleaning out the coop.

We removed the nesting box and added a door for easier coop clean up.

I never knew how exciting it would be to get our first egg from the hens that I've raised since they were chicks. It really is like christmas every time I find an egg in the nesting boxes. Carson loves it too! He calls eggs "hans." (pronounced like han solo...since you were wondering) We always get a kick out of that.

This is Edweena - my first chick to be laying (and Doris in the back). Hopefully the rest will follow soon.

Petunia the bearded lady. Maybe she should join the circus. I think she and Edweena are at the top of the pecking order right now...

The three brown ones in the back are Goldie, Frannie and Roger. They are at the bottom of the pecking order and can only eat when the others are done. Chickens are so funny.

Miss Ethel, one of my favorites. She has always been the most comfortable with me and has sat on my shoulder as I hand feed her. Yes, totally weird I know. Pete calls me the crazy chicken lady. Meh... oh well.

Carson peeking in to say, "Hello girls! Hello chichees!"

He also enjoys feeding the "Chichins"

The crazy chicken lady....

The Zooooo!

2011-10-14T15:10:00.001-06:00

These posts are a little out of order, but who cares. A couple weeks ago Carson and I went to the Hogle Zoo with Chris, my mother-in-law. We always look forward to the time we get to spend together with Grandma Chris since she lives a couple hours away. Turns out it was a really hot day! We thought the weather would be nice and cool and that the place would be empty. Nope. We still had a great time though!

We saw elephants, which carson thought were Hippos so he yelled, "Hashi, Hashi!" {Thats how he says hippo, everytime, without fail.}

Carson's favorite animal at the zoo wasn't what we expected. He was determined to spend as much time with it as possible.....

It was his stroller. And he drove it like an animal. He thought we were crazy to expect him to sit in it and look at animals all day. He quickly kicked me out of the drivers seat and we saw the zoo "his way."

Sally the camel has.... one, or is that two humps?

In line for the train, Carson's favorite part!

Choooo- Chooooo!

You would think kids would just play with these big globe things.... Carson, however, was determined to drink the water as he was trampled, stepped on and then almost smashed by the ball. Should I be worried?

All in all we had such a great time. Chris and I followed the crazy little driver and just walked and talked through the park. It was a good reminder to me that you have to be flexible with kids. You may expect a day at the zoo to go one way and be lead through it a whole different way! They are a full time job, but come with so much joy! "You don't collect them because they are cuter than stamps"-{General Conference} I love this little guy and have so much fun doing things with him, even when he is a little crazy. Childhood is fleeting and I'm grateful for the time we get to spend together!

It was a fun day at the Zoo!

Harvest time

2011-10-13T14:42:00.002-06:00

I love this time of year. It really is such a comforting and soothing time of year. I always get the urge to stock up on anything and everything that I can, make loads of freezer meals, crochet for the upcoming cold, eat soups, decorate, learn to can/bottle things, make jams, bake, and have my house smell like pumpkin bread. This year has crept up so quickly with the weather being so nice that it wasn't until that freak hail storm that I realized just how quickly this season will blow past.

This year I finally canned something. Last year we bought a camp-chef outdoor cooking stove to help out with my canning endeavors but I just didn't get around to it. Thanks to one of my sweet friends in the ward, I successfully canned 22 lbs of peaches. Yum-o! I'm so grateful to have learned something new. I get so weary at times when I think of all that I want and need to learn but I so appreciate those who are willing so share their talents with me and help me along the way. It is so refreshing to learn a new skill and chisel away at the fear that sometimes accompanies our righteous desires. Canning is no longer {super} intimidating to me.

Check them out, aren't they gorgeous?

This weather has been so beautiful, we've had the chance to take some nice little "pedals" around the neighborhood. Conference weekend was great for that. Speaking of,

did you love {General Conference} weekend? That is yet, another thing I love about this time of year; The Relief Society Broadcast and General Conference. As always, I found the messages to be so inspired and just what I needed to hear. I have a testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am so grateful for the knowledge that we as women are looked after and loved by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk (as I'm sure you all did) about not being forgotten by the Lord. I just thought I'd share some notes that I took from his talk on here for those of you who may not have heard it, and for a little review for myself of what I took down. He gave 5 "petals" of the "forget me not flower" that we should always remember (or never forget...)

Forget not to be patient with yourself! We are not perfect, and the people that we think are perfect are not perfect. Stop comparing. Celebrate our good efforts. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Perfection is a long term goal for a reason. Stop punishing yourself. Be thankful for the successes in your home. God notices and they are not small successes to Him. Even the most simple family home evening may last longer with your family than an elaborate one.
Forget not the difference between a worthwhile sacrifice and one that is not. Ask: Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?
Forget not to be happy now. Stop longing for the golden ticket, there is simple joy in just a candy bar, don't ruin it by expecting to find that golden ticket and "key" to your happiness; a perfect husband, father, magazine home, stress free living, perfect children etc. It is okay to have righteous desires and yearnings, the problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait. Never stop striving for the best that is within you, but don't close your eyes to the rich moments in the simple life around you daily!
Forget not the "why" of the gospel. Don't see it as a long list of tasks or a block of time that we must fit into "our" schedule. The gospel is not an obligation, it is a pathway. It is a light that illuminates the way before us. When we see the why, the gospel becomes a joy, and so sweet. There is majesty and beauty to behold. It transforms the mundane into majesty.
Forget not that the Lord loves you. You are not forgotten.

I have truly felt an outpouring of love from my Heavenly Father in the last little while. We have had stake conference, at which, Elder Niel L. Anderson of the Twelve came and spoke to us, along with our sweet Stake President and Elder Lund of the Seventy, General Conference, and the Relief Society broadcast. I've been blessed to hear the words of the Lord's appointed servants in such an abundance, it has been overwhelming and such a joy to feel the magnitude of what our Savior's gospel has to offer.

Along the same lines of spiritual outpouring, this last weekend we had the opportunity to do the temple work for Peter's grandma who passed away last year. She was Greek Orthodox and a stubborn one at that. She had a fighting spirit which was one of the things we most adored about her, but it also made it difficult when it came to The Church. We often joked that she might as well give in or we would just "get her" once she was gone.

We had such an amazing experience in the temple with Peter's family and felt the spirit very strongly. We were able to seal Helen's {Peter's grandma} parents to one another and their children. We then were able to seal Helen and her husband to one another, along with their children; my mother in law, her sister and their brother who died years ago. Our Sealer was neat and expressed to us his feelings about the work we had just done. We felt such joy and although I can't speak for everyone or share too much because of its spiritual nature, I can say that I felt a strong presence as we were able to perform work for our family members who have crossed over to the other side of the veil. I am so grateful for the learning and impressions that I receive when I attend the temple. What a great reminder of how important our worthiness is and how grateful I am for the covenants that I have made. I have felt over that last little while a strong push to recommit myself to the gospel and do those things which would help me to progress and move forward in the gospel rather than remain "still" which I know inevitably leads you backwards. How grateful I am for such experiences that give us the added measure of strength we may need to keep pressing on.

In other news, not necessarily of a spiritual nature, the three of us are doing well. We have been keeping busy with work and school for Peter, and for me, school, carson, the dogs, the chickens, the garden, homemaking etc. etc. {listing it all out like that makes me sound very busy and accomplished doesn't it?! That was the point...}

One thing I have been wanting to do the last couple years has been to find a pumpkin patch and go for a hay ride. The three of us went to the Red Barn in Santaquin to the pumpkin patch there and had such a great time together. There weren't many people there probably due to the freezing temperatures so we had the place to ourselves. Carson loved the tractor "hay ride" and we had fun just watching him.

My favorite boys in the world.... how blessed can one girl get?

Love that Red Barn! So cute and full of apples, pears, ice cream and other country treats! Check it out!

goofy faces!

on the hunt for the "right" pumpkins!

Have I mentioned I looooove this boy?

Sitting on the "chack-tee!" {tractor}

{PUMPKINS!!}

Damsel in this Dress!

2011-09-27T10:03:00.000-06:00

I live next to an amazingly talented woman. She is the mastermind behind a business called Damsel In This Dress. Pretty much she makes corsets and renaissance costumes. I didn't realize just how talented she was until she asked me to come do a photo shoot with her for some costumes she has created for Halloween. Her basement is full of her costumes, masterpieces and the industrial sewing machines that she whips them up on. I am so excited for this Halloween because I know she will help me come up with something aaaamazing and fun! Michelle's work is truly quality and not like those cheap-skank costume-in-a-bag things you get at wally world. Check out her blog, it is hilarious and full of her ingenious creations! Her voice in her posts is completely unique, one of a kind and reflects the fun character that she is! And you might see a familiar face while you're there :) Happy Halloween costume hunting!

Freezer Tomatoes

2011-09-15T09:35:00.001-06:00

Did you know you can freeze tomatoes? I didn't. The first Sunday that we were issued this whole food storage challenge, I had a counter full of tomatoes that were very ripe and at risk of going to waste. I knew I had to do something quick.

Here is how you do it!

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

2. Cut stems from tomatoes, quickly put them in the water and blanch (let boil) for 30 seconds.

3.Quickly remove them and place them into a bowl of {ice} water to stop them from cooking.

4. Remove peel (which is super easy at this point, it should slip right off).

5. Give them a little squeeze to shed their seeds and innards.

6. Place on a cookie sheet, freeze so they won't freeze into a big blob.

7. Remove from cookie sheet and put into freezer bags. Don't forget to date you bags.

I've heard these are great for soups and I can't wait to pull them out this fall once my {fresh bounty} is gone.

State of Emergency

2011-09-14T18:38:00.000-06:00

Two Sundays ago, our Bishop stood up at the end of sacrament meeting and extended a challenge to 10 families in the ward (ours being one of them). He declared a hypothetical "ward state of emergency" and as part of this, we were asked to live on our food storage and whatever we have in our house for two weeks. Peter and I are the "Provident Living" teachers in our ward, which is a class all about ways in which we can live more providently. Its not a church wide thing, in fact I don't know of any other wards that have a class like that, so there is no curriculum or manual. We come up with the content each week. It has been a challenge but with the help of many ward members, the class has gone well and we have all learned a lot about things like gardening, keeping chickens, sprouting, canning, budgeting/family finance, food storage, water storage and filtering, etc. The bishop told me about the challenge that would be presented so that I could emphasize in class the importance of being prepared and starting {now} to do so. All through August it weighed on my mind and I knew I needed to get prepared in case we were called. Last week though I let our food supply dwindle somewhat and the whole thing slipped from my mind.

On Saturday I went to deposit some checks at Maceys and for some reason ended up breaking into the following week's grocery budget to get a few things. I ended up stocking up on things that I didn't plan to and while I didn't {fill} my cart, I certainly came home with a lot more than I planned.

It is interesting, looking back on the week before this challenge was issued, at the things that I was prompted to do. Even small things such as going to "Zion's Mercantile" in the Riverwoods, a store full of pioneer memorabilia, paintings and antique replicas. Just going in there and seeing some of the things that pioneers used to use, reading church history quotes and being in an atmosphere where you are surrounded by such strong stories of courage and devotion, gave me an added reverence for those who went before. Those who had to live in circumstances where they were constantly, in many ways, in a state of emergency. I've had a strong feeling lately to read up and get more in touch with my ancestors and their stories. There is just so much to learn from them, their struggles, testimonies, their failures and victories. This food storage challenge has only added to that feeling.

Over the last week and a half, I have really been shocked at how prepared I am, and how unprepared I am at the same time. There are things I just wouldn't have thought of keeping an extra supply of at all times. I've made a running list and I just keep adding to it. For example, I usually buy diapers when I see that the box is getting low and when I'm close to running out. This is definitely going to change. What if there were a disaster or something came up where you couldn't just run to the store and grab another pack. Those diapers dwindle so fast when you are counting them. From now on I plan to keep {at least} one entire box on hand at all times. Same with certain cleaning supplies. I've decided couponing might not be so crazy after all, especially when it comes to stocking up on cleaning supplies. I haven't dusted my house with Pledge for 2 weeks now, and I'm starting to go crazy! How about dog food, chicken feed, plant fertilizer and organic pesticide? It would really be a bummer to let your garden die at a time of dire need! Detergents, dish soap, shampoo and conditioner, razors, soap, lotion, allergy meds, childrens meds, wipes, etc.... are all things on my running list. So often when I think of 72 hour kits and being prepared I think of {travel size} things. I don't know why. Obviously if you are going to have to live on what you have in your house for more than 2 weeks, you would want more than a travel size stock.

This experience has really been humbling and has helped me realize just how much we have and how lazy I can be at times. It is so easy to run and get take out, and while it isn't bad to do every now and again, it is really easy to let that "now and again" turn into a habit. You can save so much money and really get better nutrition when you plan ahead and are prepared. Its amazing how much you turn to the Lord when you know that you have to depend on what you have prepared and what you can produce. I find myself constantly praying for my garden and my chickens that they will produce for our family and fulfill the purpose for which we have them. I've been more diligent about not letting food spoil and making sure to pick things from the garden when they are ready because of the knowledge that I will have to use them or I may not have a good meal. How the pioneers must have felt when their crops didn't produce or where overrun with bugs or weeds.

I have enjoyed this challenge and would extend it to anyone that thinks they can do it. Start today and see how far your food storage and supplies {already in your house} will take you. Make a list of things you can stock up on, things you didn't think about, and things you were glad you had. I know that the brethren are inspired and only want the best for us when they tell us to "prepare every needful thing."

Waterer Tutorial!

2011-09-05T13:27:00.001-06:00

finally! i'm so sorry to those of you that asked me about this forever ago, and i have been a slacker at posting about it. i wish i were better at computer graphics and picture editing etc so that i could make this super easy, but i'm not. bummer eh?

the waterer that we made works great, but there are some things we would do differently if we did it again, so i will pass that {wisdom} on to you. for example, we used 6" pipe which made it so we had to get some "special/more rare" parts.

{if you look closely at the bottom, we had to find a "reducer" or as i call it, the "funnel thing" in order to accommodate a 4" cap for the nipples to fit into, which is all they sell.}

anyway, i'll get going and cover all that as i go.

first of all, you will need to buy {NIPPLES}. there i said it. you can't get them at IFA or Cal Ranch so don't waste your time. i promise. i got mine on amazon.com and they shouldn't be more than $2-$3 a piece. mine were $13 i think including shipping and i got 5. they should give you instructions to tell you what size drill bit you will need to make a perfect hole for the nipples to thread into. (too big and it will leak, too small and you won't get it in.

next, you will need large PVC. i would recommend getting 4" PVC {instead of 6" which requires more spendy parts} and then cutting it in half and making two waterers. if you are going to order nipples, they usually come in a pack of about 5 so you might as well use them.

screw your chicken waterer nipples into a 4" PVC cap. i would do 2-3 nipples per waterer.

then, using PVC {sprinkler} glue attach your cap to the bottom of your 4" PVC pipe. easy breezy!

it will not look like ours since we have that "funnel thing" on the bottom but this way will save you a lot of time and money, not to mention you will have two waterers for your girls.

we attached our waterer using 7" sprinkler clamps. we screwed them right into the waterer. make sure though if you do, to use galvanized screws so they don't rust.

i'm not sure this is the "best" way to hang your waterer but it works. if you come up with any better ideas feel free to share!

***do not leave the top open. we need to get a cap for ours, and i think we will just drill a few small holes in it to prevent it from making a vacuum, something loose fitting would be best to make filling it up easy. you'd be surprised what will float through the air and land in the water, not to mention the dangers of having small disease ridden birds flying in and contaminating your hen's water.

also, just a little tip to keep your chickens healthy: put 1 cap full of apple cider vinegar per gallon of water. it helps to clean out their digestive tracts so they don't get sick.

i hope this was clear and easy enough to understand. if you have any questions please e-mail me at

mrslowe820{at}gmail{dot}com

the last days of summer...

2011-09-05T08:14:00.000-06:00

this summer has blown past us. i can't believe i am another year older, and it is just about fall already. i can feel a crispness in the air, the cooler temperatures are just around the corner. for that, i am very excited. i come to every season thinking, "oh yeah, THIS is my favorite season" and i guess that is why Utah fits me. i live for those changing seasons bringing with them something new and something different.

i recently celebrated my 23 birthday, which was great. not {too} eventful {although i did get a new chicken coop!} but it was good just the same. i recieved many birthday wished though and i was fun to be a star for the day! we were headed out to dinner and remembered there was a block party in our neighborhood that night. i'm so glad we chose to go and i couldn't think of a better way that we could've spent that night. i am so blessed to be surrounded but such great neighbors, ward members, friends and family. i am so grateful everyday for the relationships that i have and am able to constantly strengthen.

yes, that would be my child, laying in the gutter and drinking the water as it flows by. not much more to say other than he had a blast at the block party!

one year older and {wiser} too! even though i am constantly reminded how much i don't know, i am feeling so grateful for the many things i've learned in the last year. i am truly feeling {a little} wiser.

so grateful for my sweet friends treating me to some cupcakes and birthday singing! thanks keri and kim!

one of the things i had been wanting to do all summer was to hike stewart falls. i haven't done it since high school but i'm glad i got out one day and just did it. one of my best friends chelsie came with me and we caught up on life. it was a needed little break and such a fun hike.

crocodile dundee in the back pack!

carson had a blast. he'd have stayed there all day throwing rocks into the ice cold water if i let him.

clapping for himself. its his new thing these days...

here's to another year and another season come and {almost} gone.

greek salad

2011-08-29T17:27:00.000-06:00

can you tell i'm obsessed with tomatoes these days?

thanks to my hubby and his half greek family, i've got access to some pretty awesome greek food. including the greek salad i'm about to share with you. it is super easy to make and oh so healthy! try it out and let me know what you think!

all you need is:

1 cucumber {lightly} peeled and diced
2 medium tomatoes diced {garden if you can!}
1/2 red onion chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dill weed
1/4-1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 cups red wine vinegar
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
feta if you'd like {i usually leave it out to keep it healthy.... once i start sprinkling it on i can't stop!}

mix in a bowl and enjoy! i usually just wing it and cut the recipe down so i can have it for lunch. it is hard to mess up and with my husband being the tomato hater he is, i try to eat it on my own time. which is just fine with me.

daddy and his boy

2011-08-25T19:31:00.000-06:00

these two are the best of friends these days. he will always need his mommy, but he has sure been {wanting} daddy lately.

i love it.

and so does pete. can you tell?