A good friend, content kids, a bottle of wine = a perfect afternoon!

When I started dating Ed my 'circle of friends' grew a ton. One of my very good girlfriends is married to one of his closest "boyfriends". Molly has been a big part of my life in the last few years. She was in my wedding, cheered me on through both my pregnancies with so much enthusiasm, and even watched Charley while I went into the hospital to have Henry. Their last year in life has been very exciting and we haven't seen them as much as we usually do. Mostly, because they now live a good hour away. But also the fact that we now have two boys and they are now are parents to their TWO girls...here is a little picture of little Mallory. So adorable and cozy she is!





So yesterday, Molly and the girls journeyed our way for the day/night. The kids played and we caught up. By 4pm we decided it was time for a cool glass of wine. So as the children played we sat in the sun sipping some wine and gabbing - ahh so good for the soul.

Girlfriends + wine = makes for some great conversations.

As the neighbor worked hard in his yard, we sat and sipped wine and watched our little miracles play and chat. We didn't know it but they were also having deep conversations about being meat eaters vs. vegetarians! McKenna and Charley are kindred spirits and they enjoy each other immensely. To hear their little minds working is hilarious. They went out to get the mail together and once again I saw the future.


Not that I would ever push anything. I just think it is funny when there are moments that could be so real. Like here when we met Mallory for the first time and we found them huddled with their baby.


They have a dog, Abby. And she is an amazing dog. Of all the dogs in Henry's life - Abby is the one that he independently enjoys. He followed Abby around, petted her, and found delight in watching every move that Abby made. We think he even said Abby during their visit.



Molly is my natural friend. Her girls are naturally adorable. Molly is naturally herself and when I see them in my heart they are all dressed in soft natural colors. Molly holds many things close to her heart and I am lucky that she takes time to let us share their company. You gals are invited here anytime! Let's do it again soon.

Why....

The Cloud Bullies won out last week. Charley only used one of his swimsuits. Why we couldn't have the hot sunny weather we are having today in MN last week in northern Wisconsin - I wonder?

4 year olds at play....

So Charley and Elly have been on opposite schedules this summer. When we are in town they are out of town. We are doing things that fit Charley and HENRY then they are doing things that fit Elly and EMMA. We have seen each other a little but the reality...fall is more fun for Lynelle and I to see each other. Things calm down. Although the truth is as the kids get bigger and more independent it requires less play dates where we both sit and watch them. Lynelle and I met when we joined a playgroup in our local mom's club. Then we both signed up for a local class when it was just Charley and I - I was pregnant. Time has flown!

Anyways....Charley finally got his wish..Elly came over today. I have been trying to get them to play outside because it is beautiful outside. They did for a while. But they keep appearing at my side telling me they are going to play inside. Right now they are playing store. They both filled a grocery bag with toys...all different kinds, they can barely walk and carry them. (oh joy - you know who is going to be sorting and putting them all away). They said they were shopping and going to my house (I am Grandma) and it will be my birthday and I am turning 16! Oh if only I was turning 16! Meanwhile, when the kids play I am able to get lots done around here. And when the kids are in bed tonight I can dig through the grocery bags and toss the toys that no longer need to be in our house. Love that! They'll never know!

Our Garden is producing!

This past week Ed picked this crop, our first batch, and brought them to the cottage. Delicious! We have cherry tomatoes that are producing a good handful a day! I have 2 more big tomatoes on the counter and enjoyed a yummy BLT sandwich for lunch. We planted 23 tomato plants this year. Eight of them are cherry tomatoes - Charley eats them right off the vine. The rest are producing steady...but I don't think I will get enough at one time to can from my garden (since our garden doesn't get the ideal sunlight). But for the next month we sure are going to enjoy a steady crop of succulent red ripe tomatoes...of all sizes!

Happy Birthday Grandma Charlie!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Normally we extend our up north vacation and blueberry pick with Grandma...usually on her birthday. But this year we came straight home. It was a long week for me being away with the boys. A two weeks ago we gave Grandma her birthday present...tickets to the Wizard of Oz. It would have been fun to see Wicked...but this is more G-rated. It was a fun day. We wish you a happy birthday and wish we were there to sing live.

shaving cream + sunny day =

A happy boy! When I was teaching we would do shaving cream spelling. I had high hopes of doing some letters and sight words with Charley this afternoon. But I ran in the house to grab something and when I returned he was very busy .... covering himself. I think I will just let him have at it and then run through the sprinkler. For those of you who need a fun way to get your kiddos ready for school. Shaving cream and a finger will be the ultimate way to practice spelling words, letters, sight words, math problems...and more. The dollar store sells it for a dollar a large can!

My first friend...

I was born in Illinois and lived there until I was in third grade. We lived across the street from a family that also had children. Corey, their first, would probably be considered my first friend. Their family has been part of the "Cottage Family" for over 20 years. Last year after many many years Cory returned with his son CJ. This year Corey returned with his whole family. They stayed in a cabin and hung out all week. It was fun! Who would have 'thunk' that we would have our own kids up there and that they would find fun with each other. Charley loved playing with CJ. He even ordered what CJ ordered when we went out to eat. We once again brought home one of CJs cars and will hold onto it and return it to them next year :) I also got to know Jen, Corey's wife. It was so fun to relax with margaritas and let our kids get dirty. I joked at one point that I would pay them to come back because CJ and Charley played so wonderfully. It gave me a chance to sit back and take it all in. I had planned to take a picture of Cory and I but of course...didn't. As I look at my pictures I really don't have any pictures of Corey. One of the issues was I didn't want to bring my camera out to the dirty beach - in fear of getting it ruined by water or sand...because you know with little ones it is thrown everywhere at sporadic moments. One of my favorite parts of this week was seeing my son play with Corey's son - my first friend.

This is the only picture I have in my house of Cory and I.

Corey, Scott, and I at the cottage in the late 80's or early 90's. Cory is still a fan of the Sox.

This is the reality....

of a week up north...not only is there tons of clothes, but there are also towels, bedding, jackets, and more.




One must wash every single item - whether it got dirty or not - because it all reeks like cabin. The smell can be ignored when immersed in the fun of the cottage...but definitely not good, when you're not there living in it. So today I will attempt to tackle this heap. If our rickety old washing machine makes it today...well that will be something.

Because there is only one thing

So I was away for the last week and Ed pointed out these glasses which he had carried down from our bedroom. I think there are 8 of them. Most of them he found on my bedside table...but some were stuck in other nuks and crannies around our room. I tend to drink my water for the day at night...although...often these glasses are still full. So I will admit to filling a glass, carrying it up, cleaning off a spot so I can put my fresh glass closest to me...and then being a lazy ass and not bringing it back downstairs in the morning.

So this is the ONE thing, the only thing...that drives Ed nuts about me. The fact that I leave all the cupboards open in the kitchen when I am operating in there...or that I ....well let's not go into all the things that gave him reason to marry me.

What wonderful habit do you have that reminds your husband daily why he chose you...wink wink!?

Grace in Small Things #15 - Going Home

Things I appreciate about returning home from the cottage...

1. Clean floors that aren't sandy, slanted,and gross.

2. A decent bed that has a better chance of giving me a good night sleep.

3. A shower and bathroom that are just ours.

4. Water that isn't full of iron and doesn't smell like rotten eggs.

5. A kitchen full of pans and utensils that are needed...cheese grater, knives that cut, pans, blenders, etc.

6. Internet connection!


Tomorrow we will journey home. It has been a great week and I can't wait to get home and look closer at my pictures. I can't wait to shower for as long as I want with hot water that doesn't run out. I can't wait to give my boys a bath - they will soak for a long time! I can't wait to be home. Being here is such a special time but all the women agree that one week is enough, we all appreciate our "normal lives" as we pack up to return home. I wouldn't change the cottage...well maybe I would remodel the cabins...and add some fish and water to the lake....the water level was seriously low this year. But the friends, the time and how we spend it, the Northwoods supper clubs (where you get soup, salad, and bread with your meal), the margaritas on the dock, the card playing, laughter, and everything else - are perfect! Another great year but definitely time to return home.