changing with the seasons

Well, according to my family the spring garden was a success! Of course we are our own worst critics- I do recognize that for the first year, we did pretty darn good. Although there were things I expected to go better than they did. But since the garden wasn't in my own backyard, I found that it was harder to maintain on a regular basis. All in all, I didn't have to buy tomatoes, squash, cucumbers or green beans all summer long- so mission accomplished!
Over the past few weeks we have been getting the cool season crops planted- I'm sure I could have started them earlier, seeing that they are already appearing at our local farmers markets, but again- there is a learning curve here. Currently growing, and doing quite well is a ton of broccoli, cauliflower, a broccoli/cauliflower hybrid, beets, both green and purple cabbage, celery, carrots, swiss chard, soy beans, lettuce, peas, and radishes. We planted some brussel sprouts, kale and kohlrabi from seed last week, so I have to stick my head in over at the garden soon to see if we've sprouted any of those yet. We tried throwing a few potatoes in the ground too- we'll see how that turns out. I'm sure we'll have decent successes and a few failures- it's all part of the process.

As for other things in our lives- I should probably give an update on the other 3 members of this foursome. Rick is loving his new job with the police department. He has already had some adventures worth telling and seems to have found his calling. He is excited to go to work every day- who could ask for more! Funny side note- he's been working nights, so on the way home from school today I was telling Luke that Daddy would be asleep when we got home, so we needed to be quiet. Completely on his own, Luke says to me "Is Daddy being nocturnal again today mommy?" Where does this kid get this stuff? :o) Smart cookie, that one!
Speaking of Luke, kindergarten is an absolute joy. Luke has an incredible teacher and he has managed to wiggle his way into her heart. They have only been in school a month and she told us today that she is already thinking about how sad she will be when he isn't in her class next year! He's quite the ladies man!!
He is adjusting well to the new routine, has made some friends in his class, one of which is a cute little blond girl that lives around the corner- he was already trying to ask her to come to a sleep over!!! I'm not sure I'M ready for that :o)
Now as for miss Addie Lee- she has yet to show much interest in the potty- that will be the next big milestone for her- whenever she decides she is ready. She wants to go to school like Luke, but can tell you they don't let you wear diapers to school, soooo we'll see what kind of timeline she is on, and how badly she wants to go to preschool. I'm in no rush though- I'm still shaking the effects of potty training Luke (what a nightmare that was!).
Addie is stubborn and independent- both traits that challenge me and make me proud of her. I think she will be a leader- she does what she wants when she wants- and if you get in her way, LOOK OUT!! She certainly holds her own against Luke, and already can work it with her sweet side. Daddy is a total sucker!!!! But she is really a mommy's girl :o)
And that brings us back to ME! Aside from chasing around kids, rocking babies, driving to and from school with a carload of carseats, and playdates; life is pretty quiet ;o) I am finding time for myself a few nights a month. I have a bookclub that I enjoy tremendously- I'll try to remember to dedicate a post to that topic at a later date. I have been staying busy the past 3 weekends shooting weddings with Jessica- and I'm really digging that! So much fun, and I'm learning a lot! We recently joined the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley (PPSV) and had the privilege of hearing an incredible photographer/entrepreneur speak last night. It was so inspiring! I felt like I was using my adult brain for the first time in a while, and that felt good.
On the subject of feeling good- Rick has taken on the task of becoming my personal trainer- and what a task that is! We started this week and boy am I sore- in places I didn't even know I had muscles;o) He's got me doing push-ups, pull ups, squats; all the stuff I hate- so it's been GREAT!! Actually, I really am enjoying it. It is nice to have some time alone with him, something we get so little of. And the pay-off will hopefully be more energy, and maybe possibly a bikini by next summer. We both got bikes recently and that has been a nice way to spend the time after dinner- when we all just need a little fresh air. The kids ride in a bike trailer that Rick pulls on a one speed cruiser- so there's a little workout built in for him too! :o)
Well, it's getting late and I really don't want these posts to always be so long. I hope to try to keep up with the Blog here more often- and make the updates short and sweet...so till next time, Be well!