deer parts

nice title, right??

after christmas, we took a little hike into the nearby mountains.  it really reminded me of why I love california.  yes, we have a ton of people, traffic, and associated mean-ness.  but, as we stood there surrounded by nothing by pine trees, snow covered mountain tops, and the rushing stream - it was really beautiful.  and the beach is only an hour in the opposite direction!

we explored all the debris the recent heavy rains had washed down stream and discovered a ton wild mistletoe.  and then, we stumbled upon this.

a deer leg.  a small reminder to keep our heads up and eyes open!

see what happens when your head is up?

time well spent

sometimes the best times are spontaneous - and free.

April Fool's Day

My dearest Punky,

I am so sorry that "some individual" thought it would be funny to play pranks on you today.

I'm sure that waking up with a handle-bar mustache painted on your face was frightening.  The fact that your face was painted while you slept and you didn't even flinch was even more frightening to me, though.

It was strange that the milk for your morning cereal was blue.  That cow should see a vet.

I understand your frustration at not being able to put your shoes on because the toes had been stuffed with toilet paper.  If it's any consolation, it's 11pm and we just ran outta toilet paper...and I'm pissed.

I also see how finding a love note from me was "icky" when found in the toilet.  Franky, I'm surprised that you even saw it, as it usually appears you are staring at the ceiling while peeing (instead of aiming).

I do not know why your lunch was halloween-themed in April.

I will have a repairman come look at the kitchen sink.  I am sorry that when you turned on the faucet, the sprayer came on instead (I'm even more sorry about the amount of water that was sprayed all over my kicthen).  The trigger must be stuck.

But most of all, I'm sorry our fun is over - until next year!

All my love,
Momma

spring means...

more sunshine.

more time spent outside, playing, running, jumping!

stopping the ice cream man for an afternoon treat.

watching our garden grow.



open windows.

staying up a little bit later.



enjoying the beach before it gets overloaded for the summer (which is the only season we generally avoid it).

bike rides in the sunshine.


lucky me, my favorite color is everywhere.

happy spring everyone!

lemon-blueberry pancakes

these are so good and easy, i made them twice this weekend (and froze some for quick before-school breakfasts!).

turns out that lemons and blueberries help prevent aging, cancer, heart disease, and help boost brain function and immunity.  even more reasons to devour these:

lemon blueberry pancakes

1 egg
1/2 cup lemon yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 T oil
1 t lemon juice
1 cup flour
2 T sugar
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 cup fresh blueberries

whisk together egg, yogurt, milk, oil, and lemon juice.  combine dry ingredients. pour yogurt mixture into dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.  don't over-mix, the batter will be a little lumpy (the lumps help keep the pancakes airy).  gently fold in the blueberries.
 
the lemon flavor is very subdued, so next time i'll probably add some lemon zest too.  these would also be delish with orange in place of the lemon!  we just topped ours with powdered sugar, but you could also use syrup or more lemon yogurt and blueberries.

i lasted as long as i could

i tried to make the best out of it, i really did.  i tried to put on a happy face and enjoy the sound of the rain, the coziness, playing in the snow, making apple pie, the fireplace, and hot cocoa to warm my hands.




but, it's noon as i write this...and dark.  DARK.  dark enough to need a lamp to see my keyboard. 
i'm jonesin' for some warm sunlight like a crack whore (that's right, a crack whore!).  so, even if mother nature isn't ready for spring, i am!  even if it's only inside my house...

things to come

all the rain we got this weekend really has me excited!  not so much for the rain itself, but for what it will bring us come spring.
 


I love, love Spring - the planting, the sprouting, the green hills and blue skies!


it's definitely time to decide what (in addition to our peaches, and the mandatory tomatoes) we'll be growing this year!

my momma's soup

on a recent car ride:

me: "punky, you have to stay my baby forever ok?"

him: "until i'm 13, ok?"

me: "13?!?!?  that's only 5 more years!"

him: "ok, 15."

me: (sad face and puppy dog eyes)

him: "fine, 100!"

me: "i'll take that deal.  i'll be very, very old by then, baby!"

him: "i'll make you soup.  lots of kinds of warm soup!"

me: i smile, and tell him that the last thing my grandfather ate before he passed away was my homemade french onion soup.  he loved it.

him: "well, right before you pass away, i'm gonna make you a special soup called "my momma's soup."

me: "what does it have in it?"

him: "my special tomato sauce, bay leaf, celery, carrots, green beans, and peas."

i scribble the recipe down on a nearby napkin and try desperately to hide the big ol' alligator tears that are welling up in my eyes as i try to imagine the day when our roles are reversed. when this boy - who forgets  that he's old enough to tie his own shoes, fall asleep without my presence, or serve himself a snack - is the one tying my shoes, making me feel safe and serving me a snack.

this weekend, i loved...

friday night date night with my punkin'.



discovering something new about a very familiar place.



the reckless abandon with which my punk lives life, with complete disregard for the strangers watching.  we should all be so free.






cupcakes that are not just beautiful on the outside!


unexpected messages when ineeded one most.