All In

I have begun to truly realize what love is...it is inseperable from commitment. I have learned this in tending to my son, this daunting first year of his life. In deeply loving my step-son while taking a backseat to his mother. In getting my hands in the dirt and hoping and waiting to see what sun and rain will do to tiny seeds. In realizing the difficulty of marriage and valuing the difficulty itself. This pouring out, this hand in hand, side by side, step by step... is grueling. My ego shreds. Sometimes the ties that bind, chaffe. I am not in control; I am in love, with these children and this work and this, one man. So I move in closer for another shared breath on shared ground. My heartbeat measures out my time here... I'm in. All the way. And I know that whatever I sow, that, will I also, reap.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, it always trusts, it always hopes, it always preserveres. Love never fails." ~from 1 Corinthians 13

Growing

Everything has sprouted, the lettuce, the spinach mustard and the sweet peas...and the tomato plant, that started it all, has a sweet yellow bloom. I am so joyful over this. I keep running back to the window and peeking out at the fresh and tender shoots. Life is amazing...

We Be Slingin'

I am an attachment style parent (here's a link explaining a bit about just what that means:http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/attachment-parenting/what-ap-7-baby-bs) and a big part of that is babywearing. I have been wearing my baby boy all his young life, and I LOVE it! So many reasons why, here are a few: 1)When he was a newborn it kept him close and gave my arms a rest. He would fall asleep in it as I went about doing chores. We both felt comfortable and secure because we were always close. 2) It makes getting in and out of the house much easier, no cumbersome carseats to lug about; I just slip him in my carrier and then my hands are free to grab grocery bags, lock the door, etc. 3) Eliminates the hassle of navigating small or tricky spaces with a stroller. We have enjoyed many walks through the woods and strolled through many a packed boutique without the frustration of the stroller jamming things up. 4) Babies bring joy and when they are chest height in a carrier, they are in eye range of many people instead of down low in a stroller and this helps baby be social as everyone loves to stop and talk to and smile at a baby!

I have used several styles of carriers, Ergo, Baby Bjorn, Mei Tei. My favorite one, the one I resort to time after time and use the most is my Sling EZE ring sling. I LOVE it and so does my babe. It is comfortable, versatile and oh so easy to use. Some days, it is the only way I get anything done! I recommend them over any other style. Check out my good friend Lorri's site, Lolo's Bow-tique. http://www.lolosbowtique.com/ She has several styles of Sling Eze slings as well as many other earth and baby friendly items. I am sure you will find something you just have to have! I couldn't be happier with mine!

Seeds Are In the Ground

The first bed is built and planted. Alaskan Peas, Simpson's Lettuce and Spinach Mustard greens. A little rain sprinkled right after the seeds were planted...I will take it for tidings of good things to come! Building a second bed for herbs and for when the letucces need thinning; good use of an old train table that my step-son doesn't use anymore. Smiling! Stay tuned!

What Happens To a Dream Deferred or Small Deeds Done

So it has been awhile...winter melted away, my baby has had his first birthday and is toddling about with confident curiosity. My 5yo stepson is away at camp for the first time ever. We have been growing and very busy...almost too busy for a dream. Let me tell you...

About a month ago we went to the store and I picked out a beautiful, organic, heirloom tomato. Just one. For a sandwich. When we got to the register, I visibly winced when it scanned for nearly $3. One tomato. Three dollars. "That's it." my husband growled. "We are not buying anymore tomatoes!" The thought of life without tomatoes jolted my memory...me looking longingly out into the frosty backyard, dreaming of a summer full of ripe fruits and veggies. "I can't wait for Spring." I thought to myself as I browsed seed catalogues and imagined tilling up the backyard. But alas, spring was now half way gone and the mounting heat assured me that summer was coming quickly. Holding my three dollar 'mater, I was dejected. Such a grand dream, but now it was too late. Too late to start a garden, I lamented to a friend of mine. "Listen," she said, "just get a pretty pot and stick a tomato plant in it. It will be fine! Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned."

So we bought a pot, a plant and some organic dirt. We have tenderly tended our plant and are eagerly awaiting a harvest. It has quadrupled in size and we are amazed at the process and how much satisfaction comes from something as simple as watching a thing grow. Today I scored a pallet from a construction site. I went to my local home improvement store and had some untreated lumber cut and I am going to turn that pallet into a plant bed right on my deck. We should be harvesting lettuces and greens which will be great for the fall! I am SO excited. I feel so handy and capable. I have a permagrin! Can't wait to get it put together! I'll post pics when it's done!