Things that make me happy

My husband cleaning up his tree trimming mess!

My girls' pretty bird houses.
Those glorious oak trees, trimmed and light-filled.

My first lemon!
Strawberry transplants starting to grow.
A freshly planted garden bed with fence and gate.
Art on the playhouse wall.
The walnut floor, even when it is Little People-covered.
The view from my kitchen -- okay, ya gotta look up through the skylight.
Nicaraguan pottery.
The way these Chiapan pillow cases brighten this couch.
This cute bicycle pillow Gam brought.
Happy children playing outside.
My sweet, comfy bed!

Life Under the Oaks

I love the oak canopy that is both natural air conditioning and a green mosaic on a blue-sky canvas.  The trees around our home are grand and gnarled, majestic and magical, broad and bent.  This time of the year they are oak worms, oak leaves, and oak pollen.  And I'm really over that trifecta!  Later in the year, the acorn drop will sound like a hail storm on our sky lights; we'll sit on the deck with caution.  Yesterday Gregg decided it wasn't too late in the season (late Spring this year)to  reduce the load, let in some more light, open up our sky-view.  I'm glad he can (he is an aborist!), and does, do this heavy and hard work.  I just wish he'd clean up after! [Note, the fourth picture above is obviously NOT of an oak -- it's a privet -- Gregg also trimmed it -- just in time to minimize it's amazing pollen drop!]





Gregg is not only the tree guy around here -- he is also Mr. Dough Boy! Tonight he made pita breads to go with the kofte the girls and I made.

Earlier today the girls decoupaged some bird houses that Gam brought them. We cut and tore pictures/colors/patterns from catalogs and used diluted school glue. Gregorie asked how the birds get inside since "The hole is so small, Ma!" Alex decided she didn't want a bird to live in hers; she wants to keep it inside "as a decoration," because otherwise, "The birds will poop on my pretty house!" I'll take pictures of the finished houses and add them tomorrow -- they came out great!

Yesterday we went to the playground and park and the girls ran and ran in the grass.

When we got home Alex decided she hadn't had enough exercise for the day and decided to do some bench (block?) pressing (wink, Lindsey - funny how things seem to echo), after, of course, she changed into appropriate princess attire (yes, Andi, that is the dress she wore to your wedding 4 years ago!).

Tea Party and some other favorite photos from this week!

The egg hunt:




Alex set the table and decided to invite her poodle friend to sit in Gregorie's place:
And just where am I supposed to sleep?
Hot tubbing with Aunt Julia!
A hug to feel better:

Taming the lower garden beds

Before heading out, be sure to dress appropriately -- head gear is a must.

Once in the garden, declare, "I am the queen.  Ye shall yield!"
Then be sure to water your sister well.
And head out for more victories!
Smile at your successes.
Ah, but behold, older sister may know some truths!
The majesty of the oak, for one.
Or the power of a shovel, photographed really close.
Or even, really really really close:
Or, yes, the Mama!  Who surveys the garden space!
teAnd tends to what needs tending.
And tells us we actually have neighbors down there.
But, Mama is proud of the beds, and the helpers!

So, I jump for joy!