Summertime Fun

It has been too long since my last post...John and I have been very busy these past few weeks!

For starters, we took a fun and relaxing trip to New Orleans the end of July. Have any of you ever taken a train ride somewhere? We took the train from ATL to NOLA and had an amazing experience. We met interesting people from all over the US and a few from Europe. Accomodations were comfortable and talk about relaxing!!! I managed to take several naps (something I don't do enough of!) and read several books. As we arrived in NOLA, John and I enjoyed an incredible sunset over Lake Ponchartrain with a good glass of wine. It was great catching a cab to the hotel and walking wherever else we wanted to the rest of the weekend...simplicity at its best. New Orleans is such a historic city...we enjoyed wandering around the streets looking at old architecture and browsing the monuments. John experienced much of the city for the first time - we did all the fun touristy things like Cafe Du Monde, muffalatas, and people watching at Jackson square. We even attended Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral on Sunday. It was such a wonderful experience to share with my husband! The St. Louis is one of the oldest working Cathedrals in the US and it is such a beautiful place.

While away, my sweet Mom and sister-in-law watched our pups...what we didn't know was that they were also helping us get started on our kitchen project! It was such a wonderful surprise to walk in and see the painting started for us! Since then we've finished the painting and I've started the decorating. Only thing that is left is tiling the backsplash...it looks great! Another home project we had going in July was our front yard. Evidently the HOA does not appreciate dying bushes and spotty grass. Here's the problem though: Our house is on a large hill and gets less than 3 hours of sunlight/day. Makes for growing anything very difficult. Sooo, we did our best and have replaced what shrubrey we did have with pine straw and a dry rock river bed. Any ideas on hardy plants that can grow on a hill with poor soil and minimal sunlight????

I will post pictures soon of all our summer happenings. What's comming up next for us? A baby shower for John's brother and wife...we are so very excited for them!!

I love my Farmers' Market!

I am definitely enjoying the simplicity of life today! I woke up early and headed out for my long run of the week. Running is my therapy...especially when on the trails near our home. Today I was greeted by rabbits, birds, deer, and an occasional chipmunk. It's so easy to take in the beauty of God's creation on these morning runs. I love being by myself - no music, no chatter...just me and my thoughts. Something every woman needs...my poor husband doesn't deserve to be the sounding board for all that comes to my mind! I came home and John surprised me by deciding to accompany me to the Marietta Square Farmers' Market. It was so much fun! We restrained ourselves to just one bag of fresh veggies and fruit and a loaf of artisan bread. We then had a homemade and delicious breakfast on the square. I so cherish this kind of time with my husband...

I really hope that you can find a local market like this in your town - it feels great taking part in supporting local producers. It was neat watching children sample fruits and veggies for the first time and even dogs are allowed in on the fun (our dogs stayed home this time). Despite the heat many were laying on quilts in the shade of the square. What a great time with family...and as cheap as you want it to be! This will definitely be something we file away for use when John and I have a family some day...

To-Do Lists

Summer. So much to love...so much to dislike. Does it seem like your to-do list grows exponentially during these summer months? Ours has. Bathroom remodel, living room remodel, re-painting of the kitchen. Im exhausted already! I find it so hard not to be consumed by all the stuff. Im going to do better! This holiday weekend I will make it a point to slow down, take in the simple beauty of the day, and give attention and love to my family. I am so very thankful for the country that I live in and the freedom to be able to CHOOSE to enjoy whatever pleases me!