Strawberry Festivities

I'm sorry to say that we didn't get even one little picture of the beautiful strawberries at the Oxnard Strawberry Festival.... But I did get pictures of us on the shuttle that took us there....
....Of Anders looking apprehensive.....
.....Of Chris looking weird.....
.....Of firemen outfits and
carnival rides.....

That will have to do.

The end.

A little greenery

Today I finally got down to business and started my much anticipated garden. We get very little sunlight and so I'm a bit worried about how the plants will do but I didn't want that to stop me from trying! I picked up lemon thyme, green onion, green beans, mint, and strawberries. I had been given two artichoke plants so I added those as well. While walking around the nursery I saw a beautiful iceberg rose plant and picked that up too. It was so much fun getting my hands in the dirt and getting the plants situated. I'm really hoping that they do well and I'll update as the summer goes on.

My favorite part of the experience was talking to two of the workers at the garden center. One of them was a lovely middle eastern man who had a way with words and who loves flowers. He went into great detail about how to transplant the roses and how they are "like a pregnant woman, very delicate." When I transferred them to the pot I felt like I was delivering a baby, thanks to his description.

Luckily the sun is shining on my new "babies" right now and hopefully it will be enough each day to help them thrive. I'd love to have a strawberry or two and pick my own green onions!

Library

I love our library. At first I didn't like it. The decor is beautiful craftsman style but so big and grand that it felt a impersonal. I missed my home town library with all of it's book variety, hominess and cheerful, helpful librarians. I still miss it, but I appreciate the beauty of our new book haunt.

I realize that this is Anders experience and these are the memories that he will have. This is where he'll learn to love books like I do and I'm glad that his experience will include lovely architecture, rose gardens and olive trees in the courtyard. It's a good place to fall in love with reading.

Fun anniversary getaway

Last weekend Chris and I celebrated our four year anniversary by spending two nights at on of our favorite places, The El Morocco Inn in Desert Hot Springs! What a special place to relax and unwind! the pool and spa are mineral water fed and as warm as a cozy blanket. Every morning an amazing breakfast is laid out, french press coffee included. (Yummy!)

In the late afternoon there is a happy hour with traditional rose water hand washing ceremony, "Morocco-tini's" and lively conversation usually led by Bruce the inns owner.

When we arrived on Friday afternoon we realized that we had left all of our luggage back at my parents house in my car! We had about 10 minutes of despair before we decided to enjoy ourselves despite this set back. We made a trip to K-Mart and picked up swim wear. Chris picked up an 8$ shirt and a multi pack of undergarments and we were set! Luckily I had remembered our back pack with sunscreen and other toiletries.

We stayed in our swim suits the majority of the time and I had my one outfit washed once. It all worked out perfectly.

Anders had fun having his own vacation with Grandma and Grandpa and even got to go to the REAL golf course to putt some balls. Grandpa even bought him his own real metal putter! Good memories were made all around.

I just read a great post on http://thatmom.com about how Christians should and can approach artistic endeavors as well as career. Watch the video if this is of interest to you. It's worth it!