Mulberry Street

 Genevieve has been asking about Easter for months now.  I should clarify.  She has been asking about the chocolate filled eggs for months.  Genevieve must have made the connection between holidays and treats, because she frequently asks, "What is the next holiday?" or more importantly, "When is the next holiday?"  So, you can guess how enthusiastic she was during the egg hunt this year. Emory was happy to tag along and shake eggs.  He always enjoys a trip to the park and following his sister around.  Genevieve is teaching him enthusiasm and I think he is catching on just fine.

Mac and I took the kids to Great Falls to see the high water during National Park Week.  Entrance was free and the sun was shining.  The volume of water is absolutely amazing and frightening.  The kids couldn't get enough of the rocks.  I tried not to hover...too much, while they climbed around or slid down the rock faces.  I enjoy watching them learn and grow, even if it means they are no longer little.

Sometimes you find a recipe that is perfect.  And I believe this recipe is perfect; the flavor and ease of the dish ensures this is a new go-to recipe.  I made this for dinner tonight and we all loved it!  I wish I had cooked up two more chicken breasts, because one serving was definitely not enough to satisfy.  I really liked the method of cooking up the chicken and loved loved loved the sauce - Yummy.  Thanks to Holly for lending me some tarragon last minute.  I now have to buy my own jar, because I plan to make this dish often. Sautéed Chicken in Mustard-Cream Sauce -Great Good Fast; Everyday Food from the kitchen of Martha Stewart Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each) coarse salt and fresh ground pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh) Directions 1. Sprink...

Friday - At 9:00pm Eric and I debated the reality of taking the whole family to support him on his tri the next morning.  The forecast was grim and we weren't sure that Emory would enjoy the confinement of the jogger for three+ hours.  Saturday - At 6:30am Eric departed for Bumpass, VA for his tri.  It was only sprinkling and I second guessed my decision to stay home with the kids. At 7:30am the rain started. At 8:30am the wind blew the rain all over the place. At 9:00am Eric called from his car (one hour before the start) and asked, "Why do I do triathlons?"  It was pouring rain.  The wind was blowing.  He was already freezing.  He, along with every other racer, was sitting in their cars (heaters on full blast) trying to warm up.  At 1:30pm Eric called and said, "That was crazy."  I was relieved to hear from him, because that meant he didn't drown in the white caps, wreck on the bike, ...

We tend to get cooped up a lot.  We spend too much time driving around in the car or get stuck inside during naps.  So, I have tried to take the kids on a field trip, once in awhile, to break up the routine.  This week we went to Frying Pan Park and Kidwell Farm to see some of the new baby animals.  Fortunately, we ran into Denisse and her kids so we took advantage of one another's company.  Genevieve had a blast running around with Brielle and Braden.  Emory looked on from the stroller, bidding his time until, he too, can run around with the big kids.    Below are the timeless pictures from the day.  Thanks to Pioneer Woman's action shots and Photoshop, I converted these images to black and white and added the "edge burn" to draw your eye to the center of the pictures.  It is a cool effect.  What do you think?

Genevieve and I went for a walk after church while Eric cooked dinner.  We took the camera with us so I could capture her silly mood.  She took the lead and stroke a pose wherever she felt comfortable.  Genevieve even directed me where to pose and took a few pictures herself.  It was a great afternoon.  I love my silly Genevieve.  She also spent time "washing" the cars with the snow/ice scraper.  I'm not sure why the hat, gloves and scarves were necessary, but I know they were.

My friend moved to the country.  Every time I visit, I get a little nostalgic for country living.  There is something calming about the long windy roads, old barns, and church steeples.  My friend thinks I should join her and move to MD.  I'm not sure I could.  I spent my junior high and high school years living in the country, so I can check that box.     Photos by Alisha Photo Date: March 11, 2011

Isn't that tiny baby bump fabulous!  My friend Eliza gets to meet her new baby this summer.  I can't wait to meet him...or her.  Eliza is another one of those gender-surprise types.  I like those types - keeps things interesting up to delivery day. Eliza is a fantastic mother.  I go to her for advice all the time and she gives me insights on all sorts of things.  Eliza has fantastic kids too.  Sometimes I can't get enough of their silliness.  This new baby is going to rock their worlds, and I'm kinda excited to witness that.

Recently, the thought came to me that before I had children, I missed out on all the fun my mommy-friends were having.  When I had a child that world of mommy-friendship opened up to me and I enjoyed it immensely.  So, I find it ironic that now I have two children, that has seemed to change.  Managing the schedules of two children has certainly affected the friendships in my life and I haven't been terribly excited about it.   When we're stuck at home during Emory's naps all our friends are at the park and by the time we make there, everyone has already left.  I have to admit that I have felt a little sorry for myself, because I miss the social interaction wtih adults.  Selfish huh.  But then tonight when I was on a walk with my two beautiful children, I didn't miss my friends anymore.  I found myself grateful for the one-on-one time I get to have with my kids....

In the last month Emory and Genevieve have discovered each other as playmates. We are all super excited about it. I've hoped the two kids would be good friends and it's happening. Genevieve loves her little brother very much. I hadn't yet told her that I was taking Emory with me to Idaho. She discovered some of his things in my suitcase and confronted me with tears in her eyes saying, "I don't want you to take Emory. Who's going to laugh at me?" She didn't care that I was leaving for the weekend, but she was very upset that Emory would also be gone. Genevieve has affectionately nicknamed Emory "Budd-o." She plays chase with him and helps him climb the stairs. She sits next to him and whispers in his ear while he laughs and laughs. And she has recently started wrestling with him. Emory loves his big sister equally. Long before Eric or I could induce a smile or laughter from baby Emory, Genevieve could. He knew she was different and was alwa...