then.and.now: sandbox

number.thirteen

But what minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars, and each moment is a day.    ~Benjamin Disraeli                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

a babe in his sandbox

a boy in his sandbox

Inviting you to join me in my Monday ritual ::: link up with your own then.and.now 

(this moment)

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. 

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, link your 'moment' in the comments for all to find & see.

Joining Soulemama

Nine

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.  ~Thornton Wilder

My Thursday Ritual. I invite you to join me.

A few of this weeks treasures with some random musings along the way!!

 Avi and Michelle (our beloved Nanny) working in the kitchen together. I am so grateful for the laughter and love that Michelle brings to Avi and that Avi brings to Michelle. She has been traveling this past week with another family that she works with and how we have missed her. 

Creating the time to cook and eat a delicious breakfast. Soothes the soul.

Many of our community contributed to the cause to bring this magical friend to Boulder. She thought she'd stay for a week... but we've convinced her to stay until July! So grateful to all of those who helped. Melissa, we are glad you have arrived! 

Learning to wait....

. 

 ... to have moments likes these. 

Which have Avi waking in the morning saying, "Can I go to Carter's and eat popcorn"

 My silly lovely goofed so much that this was the best shot of our family at the park the other day. 

 Love!

 We have been blessed with the geese flying over our home and neighborhood so much lately. 

We love the geese!

I adore the shadow of his hair on his face!!

realities of queer family life

Taste of Tuesday :: Sun Dried Tomatoes

It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.  ~Lewis Grizzard

This photo above still makes me laugh as I was making tomato-less bolognese sauce while those beauties sat waiting.

And sure, it's been months since I've walked into the kitchen just to see all of our home grown tomatoes staring back at me. But it's only been minutes since I've tasted the sweetness of summer... even with all the cold weather and snow outside. This year, in my effort to not let anything from our gardens go to waste, (and doing so without canning because I haven't been brave enough to take on that endeavor) I decided to make sun dried tomatoes. But instead of the sun, we used our oven. Super easy!! 

Sun Oven Dried Tomatoes: 

Quarter larger tomatoes, half smaller romas, and leave cherry tomatoes as is. Spread onto several baking sheets. (Some websites advised not letting them touch, but mine did and they shrunk up just fine).

Set your oven to the lowest temperature and bake for 6-24 hours. I checked mine after 7 hours and they were finally done after 12 hours. But if you are using larger tomatoes it may take longer. 

Just put them into mason jars and freeze. They are great for on top of salads or just as is. On a cold, gray, dark, winter day, there is nothing better than tasting the sweetness of your homegrown tomatoes.

Nine

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.  ~Thornton Wilder

My Thursday Ritual. I invite you to join me.

A few of this weeks treasures with some random musings along the way!!

 Ella came over again - and her and Avi played through all the rituals of the day. Playing, getting ready for work, going to school, eating, napping, and even bathing. "I'm the mama", she said. 

 So thrilled to have our friends Chris and Sara come for a visit with their cutest one, Harrison! 

I have to honor the mama of this family. We had her home for nine straight days as she transitioned out of her full time work and into private practice. It was so great to have her to ourselves!!! And we couldn't be more proud of her bravery for making this huge leap!!

And she turned another year older!!

So we celebrated Jenny style with a little bit surprise, a few friends, and, of course, sushi!!! 

I love this series of photos. Erin is reading Jenn's birthday horoscope to her. 

I still don't know what it said -- but these pictures are priceless!

And finally, a little more Avi and Mama time. 

Welcoming 2013 with a new morning ritual

As I sit alone this morning, my family still asleep upstairs, the chickens starting to wake outside, I welcome in this 1st of the year.  These few quiet moments in the morning will be my ritual this year. 

 Happy New Year. 

May your year be filled with love, community, laughter, abundance, health, light, peace, a renewed and deeper connection to our natural world, sunshine, and some quiet little moments for yourself.