at the moment

It's always tough to come home from a week away and face all the end-of-vacation chores like unpacking the car, doing a million loads of laundry, and getting the kids back on a more normal schedule.  I think it's been a little more difficult this week for us because we didn't really transition into the summer out-of-school schedule before heading out on vacation.  Having Tommy home for the next few months is SO exciting for me, but it's definitely going to take some time for him (and me) to readjust to being home all day.  A little progress here, a little progress there, and soon I think we'll find our new summer rhythm.  All in good time.  

Despite the craziness of coming back from vacation and getting used to a new schedule, I'm still finding peace in my days through these things that I'm loving at the moment...

in my basket

  I'm about 3/4 of the way through "Baby B" blanket for one of my sister-in-law's triplets.  The BIG DAY (!!!) is coming up in a couple weeks so I still have some major work to do to get this one done and "Baby C" blanket, too.

 on the table

Thought we could all use a little treat this week so we're trying out a few popsicle recipes from Ice Pop Joy by Anni Daulter.  Stay tuned for "Theme Week:  Popsicles" coming up in July! 

on my nightstand

I recently discovered Fannie Flagg at the library and loved "Can't Wait To Get To Heaven" so decided to pick up the one above to read at the beach.  The rest of her books will be making their way to my nightstand at some point this summer.

in the mail

  Several years ago now, my aunt and uncle in California gifted us with a subscription to Sunset magazine for our anniversary.  Since neither Will or I have ever been to the west coast, I think their secret plan was to get us to fall in love with the photos in this magazine and plan a trip.  Well......it worked!  Later this summer we're spending two weeks in California, so I'm really excited to look through the newest issue to see if there's anything we just have to do!

with the kids

Now that we're home and it's 90+ degrees every day and there's no ocean or backyard swimming pool to turn to, we're going to have to find somewhere else to cool down.  So far, the hose in the yard has worked just fine, but we'll probably end up at the swimming pool someday soon.

at the gym

My trainer is putting together a team to compete in a Super Spartan Race in late August.  If you've never heard of a Spartan Race before, it's basically a long run (you can do 3+, 8+, 13+ or 26+ miles - the Super Spartan is 8+) that's broken up by crazy obstacles like jumping over fire pits and crawling through mud under barbed wire.  I haven't decided yet if I should sign up, but I'm leaning towards going for it!  Am I crazy?!

in the garden

 My perennials are looking great and providing lots of beautiful flowers for me to cut and put in every room of my house.

This might be my most favorite plant in the entire yard.  I saved it from the sunny spot it was in and it's looking amazing in it's new shady home.  Beautiful!

 Love having pretty flowers filling up in the kitchen.

 

Lovely.

 Spaghetti squash!  So far I haven't seen a single squash bug...hope that trend continues.

 

Tomatoes coming along!  I can't wait to eat them.

Hope you've got some things you're enjoying these days, too!  If you have any suggestions for places to go or things to see and do (and eat) in Northern California, let me know!