my little chefs on a Saturday morning

This morning, after a busy week of work, I couldn't wait to spend some quality, downtime with my boys. We got in the kitchen and started making eggs and toast for breakfast. Parker wanted to make the eggs all my himself...and he did. He was sooo proud. And Cooper was in charge of the toast (sort of). I had to relieve him of his duties when he started just eating the butter and the strawberry rhubarb preserves out of the containers. ;) It was a joy to be in there with them though, watching them so happily at work. Then later in the morning, after the kitchen was clean and a load of laundry was in the washer and dryer, I went upstairs to find Parker playing make-believe with his train, tractors, trucks and sleeping bags. He was so into his little game that I hated to interrupt.

....meanwhile, Cooper was attempting to hide his sneaky little self downstairs. Kinda hard to hide all that cuteness, wouldn't you say?!

our garden project: herbs and vegetables

In 2011, I tested my green thumb by planting a variety of herbs on our deck. Needless to say, my thumb didn't turn out to be so green. The poor herbs died a few months later. I missed my plants last year, so when 2013 rolled around I had already decided that somehow, I was going to figure out how I could not only give the herbs another chance, but how I could also dip my does into some potted vegetables.

A friend of mine came over to help me...since I truly had no idea what I was doing. She was gracious enough to supply me with all of the herbs and vegetables that we are growing for this summer: Patio tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and cherry tomotoes. For herbs: mint, basil, thyme, cilantro, parsley and now rosemary. My little plants make me happy to no end! Admittedly, instead of curbing my desire for a large garden, by diving into this little project, it has made me want to throw all of our stuff in a moving van and hightail it to the nearest farmland available for purchase.

Pictures taken on August 2, 2013

In the evenings lately I have so enjoyed walking outside just before the sun goes down with a glass of wine in hand to check on my plants. And then of course, on a few rare occasions I make a fool of myself in front of my neighbors by squealing and jumping up and down over my budding vegetables...ahem, which I may or may not have done tonight.
The plants are doing really well, except they are all outgrowing their pots. They need bigger spaces. I am hoping to solve that problem next year; I have already started looking at possibilities that would work even in our little patio space.

Fast forward from August 2 to this past Wednesday, August 14. Our first baby tomato was ready to be plucked from its vine. It only lasted long enough for a quick rinse as Parker decided it was the bestest, juicest tomato he had ever seen and promptly popped the whole thing enthusiastically in his mouth. :)  The boys and I picked 3 more this afternoon and those actually made it to the kitchen...no thanks to my tomato-lovin' child. ;)
Have I mentioned how stinkin' happy I am about our little plants!!! They put the biggest smile on my face each day. Truly theraputic...

Picture taken on August 2, 2013

 

"And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." James 3:18