Simple pleasures

I don't think I've mentioned in awhile that we have been members of a community garden for the past 4 summers. There are many things we like about being part of the garden, but one of the added benefits is that there are a few crops that are planted for the enjoyment of all members. We harvested plenty of community rhubarb earlier in the season, but have most taken advantage of the raspberry bushes. I admit raspberries are not my personal favorite, but Eric and the kids love them, and they bring home a cup or two each time they stop by the garden.

Over the weekend, I was looking for a seasoning packet in my kitchen, and I came across a free sample of this pectin I recently received in the mail. Because the sample size only required a little more than a cup of fruit, I asked the troops to pick some more raspberries so I could turn them into jam. They were more than happy to oblige, and making the jam took just 5 minutes. I was thrilled, as I normally make two big batches of strawberry jam each June, and of course those berries take longer to prep because of their stems.

Inspired by the quick and nearly-free jam (two half-pint jars required one cup of sugar, which costs about 10 cents!), I decided to make some homemade bread to go with it. Even though Eric is a huge fan of homemade bread, I confess I have not made it in probably two years! I make quick bread or muffins every week, but somehow making our beloved oatmeal bread has fallen by the wayside.

Enjoying a warm slice of fresh-baked bread with a thick layer of raspberry jam was a wonderful, unplanned treat for us this weekend.

And speaking of bread and jam, I was thrilled to come across a 50-cent copy of one of my favorite childhood books last week in a thrift store. Reading it aloud to my own kids has been another simple pleasure!

Don't quit your day job =)

I found these bits of randomness in my draft folder, and thought I'd share.

My parents recently brought me a box of my childhood journals and books. I had to laugh when I saw a page about what I wanted to be when I grew up in my personalized copy of My Cabbage Patch Kid and Me. Here are my un-edited responses: balirina, artist, candy stryper, teacher, sientist, gymnester (!), vetrinaren, model (!) Wow, quite the list. I did grow up to be a teacher, so at least one of my guesses was spot-on. A gymnester? Yikes!

There was also a book where I wrote down information about my family. Since many of you also read my sister's blog, I thought you'd get a kick out of this. In a section where you were supposed to write down a name for who is the "most," I said Monica was the family member who talked the most and was the bossiest. =) And for myself, I said I was the one who reads the most, sleeps the most and jogs the most. The other two might still be true, but clearly, the jogging thing has changed to my dad! (Whose birthday is today--happy birthday, Dad! We are so grateful you continue to feel so well!!)

Checking in

I haven't had much time to blog lately, but wanted to post a few little updates. Nathan started preschool right after we got back from Kansas City, I've been working on two assignments for the college, and I'm a main leader for our local MOPS group which starts this week.

Here are a couple pictures--Nathan on his first day of school and a shot of his classroom. He's definitely enjoying it!It's also starting to feel like fall around here. I got out my autumn decorations, and was thrilled to add something new to my collection. My college roommate, Hayley, is quite the crafter, and I purchased this set of cute "FALL" blocks from her. Love them!

Not sure I'll be able to blog as regularly for awhile, but I'll post when I can.

What's in a name?

We sang this song in church Sunday. I'd never heard it before, but since then I've been listening to it over and over. Praise His great and powerful Name!

Goin' to Kansas City

The kids and I recently took a 6-day trip to Kansas City to be with family and celebrate my grandma's 80th birthday.

Here is a picture after the birthday party (including my parents, grandma, and two aunts):Nathan and Natalie loved swimming at Aunt Joanie's pool:We had a wonderful time visiting the same children's farm Monica and her kids went to just a month ago. I had to laugh when I clicked on Monica's post, and saw she included about 20 pictures in her post. I'm including two. Typical. =)

It was nice to be with our loved ones and to celebrate my grandma and her special day!