Gratitude Log- Day 4

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Sleeping in

It has been an exhausting couple of weeks so sleeping in this morning was needed and appreciated.

Paint

Grateful that you can turn ugly furniture into something cute and fresh.  I repainted a chair and some shelves today.  I'm not quite sure about the chair color, but if I decide against it I can just paint it another color I guess.

Home made ice cream sandwiches

Today I ate at least four.  Even though I feel a little sick now, they were totally delicious and worth it.  I might just go have another one while I watch an episode of Doogie Howser with Rick.  

My dishwasher

Ours was broken recently and now that it is in working condition again I am in heaven.  Doing dishes by hand all the time is no fun.

Rick's mad housekeeping skills

Today while I was painting in our garage Rick loaded the dishwasher, cleaned the kitchen, did three loads of laundry, swept the floor and cleaned up the kids toys.  He puts me to shame.

Gratitude Log- Day 3

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Baths

This may be too much information but when I'm confronted with a nasty diaper I often rely on a bath to help me through.  It's gotten to the point that when Adelaide has a bad diaper she tells me, "Mom, I need a bath." Sometimes wipes alone just don't cut it.

Project Runway

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a new season has begun.  I have a couple episodes to catch up on and I can't wait.  I love Tim Gunn and wish we were friends or at least that he was my fashion mentor, I could use one.

Rick's Job

I feel so lucky and blessed that Rick has a steady job in this terrible economy.

Our Garage

This is the first place we've lived that has a garage.   It is so nice to not have bikes and camping gear crammed inside our home.

Naomi

We have been friends since 7th grade and I cherish our friendship.  She came to visit us today and we chatted over dinner, made Adelaide dress up for a fashion show, styled Mav's hair in a mohawk, went for a walk and baked peanut butter cup cookies.  Adelaide just loves her 'Nao.'

Gratitude Log- Day 2

Five things that I'm grateful for today:

A Date with Maverick

Today Adelaide went to a movie with her Grandma and I ran some errands with Maverick.  I don't get to spend much time with just him and it was really nice being able to give him my full attention.  He is so smiley and giggles every time you look at him.  I love his open mouth kisses... probably gross to onlookers but they melt my heart.

Pinterest

I don't spend too much time on Pinterest anymore, but I am grateful for all the inspirational ideas I find on there.  From recipes to family activities to decorating ideas, I can always count on something in my boards to make my day a little more productive.  Today I baked these cookies that I spotted on Pinterest, they are quickly becoming a family favorite.

Friendly People

Today our bagger at the grocery store was so friendly and seemed genuinely interested in how my day was going.  He asked questions about Maverick and was just really kind.  Interesting how when you don't get out as much little interactions really can help make your day.   

Neighbors

We love our neighbors.  We haven't lived here long but already feel like they're lifelong friends.  Adelaide loves to drop by and say hello, pick their flowers (I'm trying hard to get her to stop but they just too tempting for her) and give them fresh cookies she helped bake.   They watered my plants while I was of town and helped my stubborn eggplants to grow.  I'm grateful for their friendship.

Ripe

This book is amazing.  Seriously.  Everything I've made from it so far is delicious and I can't wait to try out more.  Tonight I made the quinoa & red pepper chili, the tangerine & avocado salsa and the kumquat arugula salad and they were all phenomenal.  The book and the author Cheryl, who I had the pleasure of meeting, are an inspiration to me.

31 Days of Gratitude

There is a challenge floating around on facebook to post 5 things you are grateful for each day in August and I thought I'd do it here on my blog.   I love the idea of taking a few moments during this busy summer month to remember my daily blessings, big and small.  

Fresh Blackberries

We discovered that they grow wildly near where we live and we have been having such a great time picking and eating them.  

 Family Visits

My mother in law Nicole, her two cute kids Nathan and Lanie, and their sweet dog Gracie are visiting.  Adelaide just loves having them here to play with and we are all enjoying the company.

 Swimming Pools

Today we had such a fun time swimming at the pool.  Maverick loves to splash around and the rest of the kids loved goofing off while Nicole and I had a great chat.  

Ibuprofen

 I have been getting headaches lately (maybe I'm not drinking enough water?) and I seriously am so grateful for this medicine that helps me to get on with my day.  Sometimes it's the smallest things that can make the biggest difference.

 Prayer

I love how prayer brings peace to my soul and helps me remember what is important and who all my blessings come from.

My First Garden

I'm so proud of my first little patio garden! Some of my plants are doing better than others but overall it is a success.  I get giddy when I pick herbs to use with dinner and love going out there every day to water my little beauties.  And there is something about growing things that you can eat... I think I will always favor foodscaping.  Gardening reminds me of my Grandma, I have fond memories of picking carrots with her and eating tomatoes like apples in her garden.  The scent left on my hands after gardening on my patio totally brings me back to those days.

My lonely strawberry... more are on the way. 

Arugula!

I've only had one successul eggplant so far... 

This was taken a couple weeks ago... my tomato plant has exploded since then, it is huge and I think some will be ripening soon!

Cinnamon Basil... super delicious!

Purple Sage.  I haven't used any yet but I like the way it looks .

Parsley.

Cilantro.

Some spicy variety of Oregano... my other favorite!

Big Girl

Adelaide is a big girl in training these days as she attempts to switch from diapers to her beloved princess panties.  I know she is starting to understand the concept because she explains it back to me and others throughout her day:  "Don't pee in your panties, okay?!" and "Big girls sit on the toilet." But my favorite was when she said very condescendingly to a Veggietale character on screen "I'm a big girl and you're a... cucumber." The way she said it made me laugh.

Sausalito

I can't believe I grew up in the Bay Area but never visited Sausalito until last week!

It is such a darling place with stunning views of the city.

I went there with my mom, my kiddos and my niece Grace.

We got delicious Mexican food for a late lunch
and walked along the water.

Great food & charming little taco shop.

 The girls had a separate table which was good for everyone.  

I'm not usually into the tourist shops but I really liked this shirt!

My mom and I both bought one.

I nursed Maverick on this little bench facing the water when I was interrupted by some guy yelling "Don't breastfeed on the beach!" as he drove by.  How annoying.  I try to be considerate when nursing in public (even though I think people who take issue with feeding your child the way nature intended, with breasts that were created to produce perfect milk for babies are the ones with the real problem) and was covered by my sweater and facing away from the road towards the water.  But seriously?! Good thing he was a coward and didn't voice his objection to my face or I might just have decked him.  End rant.

As we approached this water sculpture I was certain it was a dolphin and my mom thought it was a submarine.  We were both wrong... it is a seal, or an otter... I always get those two confused.

A very friendly man was insistant that we wait for the wind to die down and fix our hair before he snapped this photo for us.

The whole gang.

Adelaide was secluded in the single stroller.

These cute girls loved playing in the grass while we enjoyed the scenery.

Wonderful Day!