Blooms Blooms Blooms

Our yard is full of perpetual surprises. We don't pull anything until we see it bloom. Who knows what beautiful mystery we will uncover. 

Queens Tears Bromeliad

Japanese Magnolia

Camellia 

Weeds with pretty flowers

Walking Iris

Shrimp plant

Nun's Orchid

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Amaryllis

Sage

Gardenia

Happy Easter!!

We had a yummy brunch and Easter egg hunt at Aunt Amy's and Uncle Jeff's. It took her a couple of eggs to get the gist of what was going on, but then she had a blast!!!

No Carrots Please

Apparently peas, corn, green beans and lima beans are ok in a veggie mix. But you can keep your carrots!

What Do You Do with A Girl?

TI recently read a blarticle by a dad who was asked what he couldn't do with his daughter because she was a girl. It was great because it really showed the reader(s) that you can do anything with a girl that you can do with a boy.

It reminds me of the day we found out Elsa was going to be a girl. Steve looked so concerned, and I got worried because I thought he might be disappointed. But he said to me that he didn't know what to do with a girl. My response was simple: "whatever you do with a boy you can do with her." And it's true. She can play sports, color, create, explore…I could go on. She can do whatever she wants to do. And they can share their interests with each other as she grows up. So far it's brought me great joy in watching them together. Melts my heart.

Update: I found the link to the blarticle. http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5125151?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

Yard work is exhausting

We spent the day playing yesterday so today was all about getting business done. Grocery shopping, laundry and yard work. 

I busted my butt today in the yard and while I totally see the work accomplished we are so jungle I don't think anyone else would notice. 

Found some little plants hiding in the jungle, and replanted them in a planter by the waterfall. Possibly geraniums. I hope they make it!

If you need some shrimp plants, I've got them!! 

Now it's time for bed!!

It's official

I have a 2 year old! How did the time go by so quickly? 

Reflections on 2 years with my munchkin. 

You only get one chance to do things right, so make it count. You can say oh we will do that tomorrow or next week, but you may not. By the time you get around to doing it the moment is lost. She goes through phases so fast that you have to jump on them, embrace them and do what you can to nuture her while she is still in that phase. 

She has a mind of her own. So this one I knew would be a given. She makes her own decisions. Last night vegetables were evil. Tonight when presented with the same exact vegetables they were awesome! I never know day-to-day what she will decide to exert her will over. I'm just glad she is such an easy going kid that I know tomorrow will be different. Tomorrow veggies are awesome! 

Her sweet little voice is music to my ears. "Hello mommy!" "I luuuuuv you!" "Hush dog!" "Fix it!" "Boo boo mommy!" "Mulk!" (Milk) "Twinkle twinkle little star." "Daaadddddyyy!" "Funny!" "Aaawwee" (when she gives anything a hug.) the best are always the ones where she follows it with "mommy."  

Her favorite tv show is still Calliou, but she has added Sophia the First ("Fia!"), DocMcstuffins and Sherriff Callie. 

Her blankie (or "flushie") is still her go to lovey. She started rubbing the satin edge in a new way recently that is exactly how I used to rub my sheets. 

Everyday when we get home she has to have a cookie...in a cup. Must be in a cup. 

Bubbles and sandboxes are better than sliced bread. 

She has gotten quite well at brushing her teeth and she still calls it "Elmo" because he is on her toothpaste. 

She goes to bed and to nap like a dream.  

She loves her new school. 

We love her with all of our hearts. Happy birthday to my baby...er toddler. 

To weed or not to weed?

At the end of the day on Sunday almost every weekend since we moved I feel like I could have done more. We have an immense yard that will need some serious upkeep. Weeding being the biggest task of it all. 

As I sit here on my lovely porch enjoying the beautiful day, listening to the birds chirp and the waterfall flow I can't help but be annoyed with myself that I'm not out in the yard taking care of business. 

This poor bed needs weeding. But I'm so relaxed and just want to sit. 

Tiny house for a tiny girl

Nothing like eating our lunch of fruit in our tiny house. 

Playing with my little ponies is fun too!

Oh and apparently no dogs allowed! 

Viva Las Vegas

Steve and I took a quick trip to Vegas to celebrate our 5 year anniversary.

We stayed at the Encore. Our resort of choice. 

We ate great food!

Scallops on Polenta with a shrimp sauce.

Pasta with veal and brussell sprouts.

Flatbread with chorizo, italian sausage and andoule.

Chilean Sea Bass schnitzel, fingerling potatoes with micro greens. (In the background baby bok choi.)

Took in the sites at the Wynn/Encore. 

The Wynn tower to the right, the pool in the foreground and the new ferris wheel off in the background.

Went to the spa and salon. 

Got in trouble for taking this photo. No photos in the spa. Even though it was in an area that was just a waiting room (prior to the undressing area). 

And relaxed. 

Happy anniversary to my amazing husband!

Yummy cupcakes from Lake Side.