::retreat::

Sunday, the littlest and I left for some time away with four amazing mamas. I had made an itinerary that didn't get used, packed way too much stuff, and was even a little late, but none of that stopped the awesomeness that followed. Even without the itinerary, we stayed up until close to 3am conversing around the table, outside at the grill, around a fire, then back at the table. As for overpacking, I'm thankful for packing too many diapers. Enough said about that!

I'm so blessed to get to call these women friends and sisters. There in that little cabin, we created a safe place without judgement and where we could have unfiltered conversations, {about Jesus!} We cooked a meal together. What is it about eating with friends that can be so magical?

Monday, my love and bigs joined me and we stayed an extra night in the little cabin. The girls had a ton of fun the next day at the swim beach, but I've decided that lakes really do creep me out a little. Maybe I just need some water shoes?

::girls::

The older girls are 8 weeks old already. Chicken time is going by fast! They've been enjoying their coop for the entire last month and it's working out really well to have them free ranging in the back yard. Of course, I have the veggies fenced of, but more or less, the chickens are allowed to roam freely in the back yard. Our cat, Howard, has finally stopped trying to jump on the chicks, so his daytime basement seclusion has finally ended. He's a happy cat.
I'm having a hard time discerning who's who with the buffs. I can tell one of them apart by her wind feathers, but the other two I have no clue. Chicken anklets, anyone?
It has been such a joy watching these girls run around outside. I also find it pretty great that they put themselves to bed every night. So fun!

::asparagus::

Last week we went asparagus picking for the first time ever. Thought it was hot, we had a blast. My biggest picked most of our 6lbs that we brought home and it sure did not last very long. Asparagus and steaks, asparagus omelets, and even some in soup finished off those 6 lbs within a few days.  Next up, we are hoping to go berry picking soon. This is the farm we went to for the asparagus. At only $3 a lb, we will be back next year for sure!

::Bricks::

The bricks from our sidewalk are going to be taken up soon. It's part of the many things I loved about this house when we first moved in. They have most likely been here for over a hundred years, when the neighborhood was established.  I'm hoping to save as many as possible to use in the garden, but oh my, that is a lot of lifting! Especially with a 5 month old on my back :) But my legs don't mind. I'm liking this sore, achy muscles after a long day in the garden. It feels so good!
We are a little excited for the new sidewalk to go in, though. Sidewalk chalk, bicycle learning, and not tripping are on our list of why. Those bricks though, I will miss them!

::favorites:

 ::I could take pictures of their feet all day. I often wonder where those feet are going to take them in their life. Oh do I love them!

::The beginnings of the back corner garden in our yard. We finally have a contained corner for the compost, though I need to replace the bright green zip ties with some twine or hemp. Seedlings are already up in that little bed!

::Fresh::

This year has been such a new and refreshing year so far. I think it's about time to leave the old blog and start fresh! I want this space to be a place of inspiration, beauty, creativity, life, and love for not just me, but anyone else who could use it.

With spring officially here, we've been spending more and more time outside around the yard. It's a small yard, this one we have, but it's a yard nonetheless. This year, I'm finally saying yes to it and working with what I have. I've got one garden bed looking good so far, full of kale, lettuce, bok choy, and swiss chard. I've got another bed that needs to be built. I am so in love with all of the green around me.  I'm still learning this tricky Kansan weather, and am proud to say with fingers crossed, that I haven't killed anything outside yet! Even the compost has things sprouting up in it! I'm hoping for a few pumpkins, but I'll have no idea until this fall. xox