farmer henry misses you ever so.

she’s at it again. this girl LOVES to sniff flowers.

a bowl full of tomatoes just like this every other day now.

i see canning in my near future.

we planted most of these flowers from seed on mother’s day weekend and every day we tend to the garden just a little bit. weeding and watering and checking out all the new growth. it stretches along our walkway to the front door, so whenever we’re coming and going, we take a few moments to toot our green thumbs just a bit. and lately, we’ve been able to spy a hummingbird or two enjoying it as well.

henry is just so proud that he planted the zinnia seeds himself, and now they are over 2 feet tall. and dotty just loves to stop and smell as many flowers as she can whenever we are out there. (even though, i do believe zinnia do not have a smell? it’s still cute to see her excitedly taking sniffs- something she’s loved to do since she was a wee thing!)

what about you? do you have a special garden that you’re watching to grow?

the days of coming back from the garden with a big bowl full of tomatoes are here.

i’ll be back later on with a few of my favorite things to do with fresh tomatoes.

allow me just a moment of horn tooting.

this kid just came home from school with the student of the year award. !!! i was so proud, i couldn’t help myself. anyone who knows me knows that my proud mama happy tears are flowing right below the surface, waiting to be released. i don’t know what it is, but i see this kid doing something great and i just well up. it’s been happening to me for years. what can i say? i’m a tender hearted mama.

then i read the note on the back of the award from his teacher:

henry is always polite! henry always used impeccable manners. he was always respectful to adults. under every circumstance, henry never, never veered from being respectful. in happy situations and when he was ‘under fire’ henry was steadfast with his manners. what self control! what strength! i greatly admire that quality in you, henry. i want to have that same quality. you are stronger than many, many adults! keep that strength and self control and take it with you everywhere you go. you have been a powerful example.

i almost fainted from joy. and honestly, i had a rotten day yesterday that was full of struggle and guilt about working and juggling and frustration and everything else. and for something like this to follow a day like that? it’s a little reminder that everything is a-ok.

toooot toooooot!

so proud of you mister henry, you are a great kid and you are going to do great things.

9 years ago today, this amazing kid came into our lives.

“It’s the last year of single digits!” he exclaimed to us last night as we were tucking him in.

sigh.

wishing my sweet mister henry a very happy day. i love you to the moon and back, a million times infinity!!!!

sending lots and lots of love today to my baby sister who’s celebrating her golden birthday. 27 on the 27th!

happy birthday, niki. we love you!