summer sounds

I was outside this morning watering my hydrangeas and petunias and even though it was early, the air was thick with humidity and the promise of a scorching hot day. I was barefoot in the damp grass and was suddenly aware that the chorus of summer insects was louder than the plane that was passing over my head at that moment. The combination of the air and the sounds and the grass between my toes took me back to an exact moment in my childhood. It didn't just remind me of my childhood. It literally took me back to a single moment. I was 8, walking in the grass on a summer morning, carefree, absorbing the air, the smells and the sounds of summer. For me, these "transporting" moments are rare, I have a terrible memory and I am way too busy to "reflect". It was a powerful, lovely memory.
As I climbed the stairs to go back in the house, I could hear the happy sounds of my children playing. I wondered what exact sounds, sights and smells would be required to take them back to this lovely, fleeting moment one day in their future.

7 year anniversary

Evin and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary earlier this month (January 5) It was a Monday and Evin had to work but that night we went out to dinner. We ate at Sweetwater Tavern, one of our old favorites. We have eaten there 5 out of 7 anniversaries. The first anniversary was because it snowed and Sweetwater is so close (about 1/4 mile) it was easy to get to. The second year was because Arianna was only a couple days old and we wanted to go out but we (I) didn't want to go too far. The third year we went to Dolche Vita, a fantastic little Italian place. The fourth year I think we were both craving Sweetwater and had not been there for a while so we went for our old tradition. The fith year Griffin was only a few weeks old and we (I) wanted to go out but not go too far. The sixth year we went to this French place called Chez Francois. It's way out in the middle of a neighborhood in Great Falls with these huge houses. The food was incredible and the place was warm, inviting and romantic. I would love to go there again sometime.....
There is a new place that Evin found out about from Nick at work. It's a greenhouse that was converted to a restuarant. They serve all organic, local, in season food that looks like artwork on a plate. They are only open like 3 days a week and it's over an hour away so we are extending our anniversary celebration and going there just as soon as Evin's parents can babysit......I'll be sure to let everyone know if it's as good as it sounds.
After dinner we came home and exchanged letters instead of gifts. Evin had the idea and I loved it! We each wrote down the ways we have seen the fruits of the spirit at work in each others lives in the past year. We sat by the fire and read them aloud to each other. It was so encouraging and a simple gift we will each treasure forever. We decided to write a letter to each other every year for our anniversary from now on.

First Post

Happy Holidays!
I have decided it is finally time for me to start a blog. I plan to carve out some time from my hectic life as a Mommy of 3 little ones to post thoughts, random rants, pictures, recipes, crafts,ideas and more......