The gift of Matt

35 years of goodness rolled into one man.

How could one wish for more

in a husband, father or friend?

Today I celebrate his birth

and dance to the sound of his voice

because of the gratitude in my heart

for the gift of Matt.

Happy Birthday my LOVE

In love with another....

Country

Before we head off for yet another little traveling excursion I had to give a taste of our journeys in Southern France. There were so many reasons that France swept me off my feet ~ the rolling hillsides blanketed with vineyards, the beautiful architecture, the stillness, the simplicity and last but not least was the incredible food. Ohhhhhhh the food. Fresh & delectable produce, mouthwatering cheeses, sensational cappuccino, and don't even get me started on the desserts. Insane.


I can't wait to share more of our french adventures, but for now we are on the road again to visit friends and family.

xoxo

Fathers Day love

Hope your Father's Day is just like that

Since we've just arrived back in the states and didn't get a card out...here's our hallmark moment.

We love you so very much and are wishing you a fabulous Father's Day!

P.S. Pics and stories from France are coming soon. Can't wait to share!

Bonjour mon ami

Tomorrow's the big day. Miss Brianna and I are headed out across the world to embark on new and exciting adventures together in France. Not really sure where we'll end up or what's in store for the next couple weeks, but one things for sure...it will be something we've never experienced before and we're both looking forward to the journey. It'll be strange being away from my Mr. and little one for such a long time, but the reunion will be fantastic!

I'm sure I'll be posting many photos when we return & will look forward to hearing about your summer adventures as well.

Au revoir for now

xoxo

Then and Now

Today's version

Last November (scary)

the day we bought it

My Matt has been reminding me of the last house post when I was wanking about the condition of our house with the hopes that I would someday reveal that there has been progress. We have been working on house projects for many moons now and are really happy with the results. It wasn't bad when we bought it...it just wasn't us. So now that we've put some sweat and love into it, we are feeling more and more comfortable in our little love shack.

Since November we have painted the outside, put a fence/sprinklers/plants/veggie garden in the front yard, ripped open the garage (for more space) plus a new garage door and remodeled a bathroom (more photos to come). Whew....time for a project break (if that's possible) in exchange for some beach time. Have you had any projects in the works? I'd love to hear about them.

xoxo

Sunday fun

Our morning sky

Presenting Boris bunny

Oh, how we are loving the weather lately. Rain in June is unheard of in our part of the country, so every drop is a gift. As the clouds were traveling this morning we decided to get out and play. We let our summer houseguest out to play, too. He loves kicking his feet in the mornings and hopping around the yard. Maya did a little painting and then dad and girls went out for a morning run. What a great start to a beautiful day...

How does your garden grow?

We have gotten so much enjoyment out of watching our garden grow this spring. We have already harvested lots of lettuce, beans, zucchini, brocolli, beets, a few strawberries and some parsley and have loved nurturing the growth of life and sharing the results with our neighbors and friends. My "gard"en dog stands at her post as I shuffle through the greens.

As big as our plants have gotten, some of the tomatoes are not looking so hot (I think because of the foggy weather). Their tips are brown and curling and some leaves are yellowing with brown spots. I cut back on the water to see if that would help and I think it has a little. I'm hoping once the weather gets sunnier, the girls will look happier. Still, I'm loving the food we're producing and looking forward to watching our "butterfly garden" flourish with flowers. The girls and I planted the seeds a few weeks ago and are watching all the seedlings pop up here and there.

Last week as we were out picking produce, our neighbor stopped by and we gave her some zucchini and parsley. Within an hour, she came knocking at our door with this tank of dinner...

complete with crockpot and all.

What a great neighborhood we live in!

Saturday we had Maya's butterfly party. All the little insects had a fun time painting butterfly wings, making bubbles (the dad's had the most fun with this), getting their faces painted by our professional face painters (Bri and D) and just running around in the park.

I bought rolls, deli meat, cheese, fruit salad and bean salad at Costco for lunch which I have added to my list of musts for any future parties. Then to add my homemade touch I made carrot cupcakes (per the little butterfly's request). I made her little birthday crown and her butterfly wings for a special birthday "suit".

Four has been awesome so far!