a sense of community

The other night, Eric grilled our first meal of the season. Our hamburgers, buns, and corn on the cob were all much tastier on the grill than they would have been from our kitchen. After some costly car repairs, we decided that spending money on a grill this year wouldn't be possible.

Then we were blessed with one. New friends of ours (Mr T's parents) had a gas grill they no longer needed and offered it to us. Their generosity was so unexpected and we are so grateful. We've always heard the rave reviews about grilling, but experiencing first hand having a cooked meal without heating your home during the summer was incredible. We are looking forward to a summer full of great food.

Lately, we have been experiencing generosity from everyone around us. We have been given so many things (dining room chair, clothes, a computer, an apron, the edging for our garden, and more) that thank you just doesn't seem to be enough. It is amazing what happens when people open up their hearts. We try to be diligent in giving others things that we no longer use or things they need more than we do.

One of my favorite stories is from when Eric offered his old iPod to a high schooler from church. The girl is absolutely darling inside and out, but doesn't have lots of material possessions. When Eric asked her she said "Sure. Just one question - does it work?" Yes, it worked. She was so overwhelmed that we would give her something that was of value. She was so grateful and has gotten a lot of use out of it.

One of my least favorite stories was from a guy who was telling me that he buys a set of dishes almost yearly and throws the old ones away. "You mean you donate them?" was all I could say because I was so surprised. "No. We throw them away." I'm pretty sure my heart stopped for a moment. There are so many people who would love a full set of dishes. There are so many places that take donations and most of them go towards worthwhile causes.

A few days ago, I was in a local thrift store and was touched by the things people were being provided with. Things I take for granted and always buy new - like underwear and shoes - were available for people who couldn't afford them. Our country has different levels of poverty and with the economy in the state that it is in, the term gets used very loosely. But watching a woman be given a pair of shoes because she cannot afford them is a miracle to watch.

Do you have anything that you could bless someone with?

my friend

This is T, my new friend. He has the most wonderful parents who moved into our area from the midwest last year and who attend our church. His parents are gracious enough to let us hold him whenever we want (even if we hog him an entire softball game) and we've enjoyed watching him reach new milestones (can you see his teeth?).

I've been told that we might even get our very own play date soon (so that his parents can have their own date).

Oh Mr T...there is a special place in my heart for you

Mary, Mary, quite contrary...

This is our veggie patch.

It isn't growing very quickly, but it is making some progress.

Our neighbors gave us the edging so it has a more polished look.

Our tomato plants are not very tall, but they are looking very healthy. We are growing cherry and yellow tomatoes, but neither have flowered yet.

Our sugar snap peas are already starting to get little pea pods. These are Eric's favorite and I can't wait until he has a bowl fresh from the garden.

We just got our lettuce and used our first to pieces last night. We tend to not need a lot of lettuce at once, so this is the perfect solution. By the time we bought it, only iceberg was left. Next year we'll spring for something a little more hearty and flavorful.

Our cucumbers are sprouting "real" leaves. Someday soon they will make the perfect addition to a salad.




Beans are easy to grow, so they were quickly added to the list when we ordered seeds. For our first year gardening we wanted to have at least surefire crop. Some of of the bean pols are starting to flower and we are looking forward to seeing the pods soon.

Sadly, none of the flower seeds I was given survived. I started almost all of them inside and it was very promising. They started to get a little tall outside from all the sunshine and died when it rained for weeks without any sun. I was looking forward to a fence lined with beautiful blooms, but next year is another chance.

I think that is one of the hardest things about gardening for me. Once something has died (because of no sun or being eaten by birds) it is over. It isn't like when we run out of something and can get to the store. Once they die, it is over for the year. I can't think of any aspect in my life that I have to wait a year for a second chance. All of that hard work, love, and energy that will yield no blooms or crop. It isn't any wonder why farming generations were so patient and worked so hard.

Eric and I are so dependent on instant gratification. The day we planted the cucumber seeds, I half expected that once we watered it would magically grow in a matter of minutes. I ended up staring at the wet ground praying for a miracle that a plant would come from that tiny seed. We have grown so accustomed to buying whatever produce we choose at the grocery store. We don't think about whether it is in season, if it was a good year for the crop, or the hardworking hands that picked it. Waiting for our my own vegetables to grow, I am much more appreciative of the beautiful tomatoes I get from the store.

update on promotion interview

Eric's interview is next Thursday at 10:30 am

maybe the sun didn't get the memo

The calendar says that it is officially summer, but New England is still living in spring. A very rainy, chilly spring. Our kind, Italian speaking neighbor is disappointed that his grape vines will not bear fruit this year, our veggie patch doesn't seem to be growing without any sun, and the forecast doesn't seem to be any brighter.
We hear from friends and family in other parts of the country that is over ninety degrees. Meanwhile, we are waiting for anything over 65 and the opportunity to stop wearing winter sweaters in June. With friends coming soon from out of town, we are hoping for one day of sunshine during their visit.

I tend to think of summer falling in the months of June, July, and August. This means that our summer is almost a third over and it hasn't included nearly as many bike rides, walks, and picnics in the park as we had hoped. The other night we braved a walk in our neighborhood before the night rain came (we had morning and afternoon rain that day) and were amazed at our luck. Large and small tree limbs were scattered as evidence of the beating they have been suffering. The wind we've had lately even cuts through heavy grandma blankets during softball games. Hopefully, July and August will have more sun.

Eric kicked off the official start of summer by successfully transferring to his new store. It was a rough last few weeks closing the older store and he is settling in with the new staff and busyness of a store that doubled its business over the weekend. While it is still in the works, Eric may have an opportunity to interview for a promotion next Thursday - July 2nd. It was all very sudden and we are praying for God's provision. We are asking that if you think of us, please considering praying about this opportunity. As with anything, there are no certainties. Even if he gets the desired promotion, there is also a very heavy prayer request that he would stay in this store instead of driving an hour from home each day. We are leaving it in God's hands.

We are also trying to enjoy each day as it comes. Often we get wrapped up in anticipation for what is coming - - sunshine, Sara's visit, Brazil, a friend's deployment ending, a friend's baby being born, this promotion - - that we forget that every day is a blessing. Even the days when your fridge is fifty degrees and the milk you just put in your mouth is bad (that would be today) - we should be grateful that we are alive and so blessed.

all it takes is a phone call

When things get very busy and our life gets a bit overwhelming, we tend to forget to reach out to others. And then in one small instant, we can be connected again.

We extended invitations to lunch in our home, spending an afternoon shopping for plants, and bike rides. In return, we received invitations to the zoo, an intimate birthday celebration, and lovely dinners. Suddenly, something as personal as ice cube trays in a beautiful bag were being slipped into our car by new friends who found a need they could meet. There are few things in this life as beautiful as this.

In a few short weeks, our home will be filled with a little boy's precious laughter and the company of a dear friend. It will be so good to connect with her again. To share a favorite meal (yummy BLTs), catch up, and share life again. Only this time, we won't have hourly time constraints and the weekend will be ours.

Real relationships are such an important part of this life. Our lives have been so enriched by the friends and family that we have made. But sadly, they are the first thing to be abandoned when life gets busy. Often the priorities our heart do not reflect in our daily life and we are taking steps to change that.

We would like to encourage you to write down your goals, wishes, and dreams. They don't have to be as complex as solving world hunger or as difficult as scaling Mount Everest. Some of ours included spending more quality time as a couple, calling our mothers more often, and spending time in the park. Posting these wishes in a place you see often is a very good reminder and helps you to live each day walking towards those goals.

When Eric and I compared lists, so many of our dreams were similar or worked towards the same goal. Some of the items listed came as a surprise, not only to the the other person, but for the author as well. When I really focused on what I wanted from my life, I was surprised at a few of the things that came out of my heart. Knowing each other's individual goals also is helping us encourage one another.

the sloth is my hero and other random thoughts

When it was snowing and we were bundled up, I dreamed of a warm June with lots of picnics and outdoor fun. June finally arrived, but it is the coldest and rainiest I've ever known. I even made soup the other night just to warm up the kitchen and my bones.

Homemade minestrone is my new favorite. A large pot makes lots of extra lunches.

Our veggie patch was started weeks ago, when it seemed that the weather would bring lots of sun. From this old picture, you can hardly see the tomato plants and the sugar snap peas are stealing the show. Almost overnight, our cucumber sheets shot up, our beans are getting very tall, and the tomato plants are out growing the peas. It is amazing how much happens while we are away at work. What started out as a patch of grass has turned into a bustling area of growth. I am looking forward to our first harvest.

Last weekened, I went on a zoo trip with our Connecticut family - Debbie, Pietro, Elena, Joel, Cristi, Ben, Gian, Kaitlin, and Carissa (Yoshi & Kita stayed home and Eric had to work).

the girls

I love the zoo.

I love the moon bear. From the front, he appears to be all business.

But seeing how he sits makes me smile. Sometimes I need to be reminded that things aren't always what they seem.

The zoo has a new baby giraffe. Even though the little guy was half the size of his parents, he was stunning. This also proves that only tall, skinny people can pull of a bold print.

The elephants were majestic and wrinkly as ever. I doubt they ever worry about stopping that sag. Have you ever ready The Saggy, Baggy Elephant?









My darling friend Elena and I usually communicate by email. Spending time with her in person is such a treat!






Did you know that donkeys play dead?


I'm not sure if his back itched, it was time for a dust bath, or he was just showing off.







The Flutterby exhibit was incredible. There were so many gorgeous butterflies in such a tiny space that it seemed heavenly. I love polka dots, so this was my favorite butterfly.






I've decided that if this whole accounting thing doesn't work out, I might put in an application at the zoo. I'm thinking that I could fill in for the snow leopard when he is tired of laying around.





My hero is the sloth. When she goes on vacation, I'd like to fill in for her. Isn't she beautiful!
The last time we were there, we saw her being handfed by a zoo keeper because she won't even feed herself. Unfortunately, the little monkeys kept stealing her food. That is one thing that I would change about the position - I wouldn't let monkeys steal my food. All the other job requirements I would be able to handle - - growing out my hair, sleeping all day, and letting my nails grow wild.







The star that tends to steal the show is the elusive red panda. He isn't what comes to mind when you hear the name 'panda,' but he certainly doesn't disappoint. He is so cuddly and fun to watch.







One of my new favorites is the porcupine. We must have been there when they were exhausted, because both were asleep. One in a box and one on a large limb. Staring at their adorable faces made my heart melt. While they look cuddly, I'm sure that it wouldn't be a pain-free embrace.




I learned so much from the zoo trip:
animals get to sleep all day
I wish I slept all day
God created each animal to be unique and fulfill a purpose













This is the lovely boquet I was given as a thank for teaching 5th & 6th graders at church. They really brighten up our dinning room. It is nice to feel appreciated.

Sushi could not look more pleased in this picture. He was hanging out with me while I picked out my clothes and I "tried them on" him. The shirt is laying on him, so it didn't disturb his precious resting time.

I'm starting to notice a theme? Are you?

Lots of sleeping animals....zzzzzzzzzz

Just because I like when things match, here is a picture of what is by our front door. Yes, these are all my shoes. Do you notice another theme?

One other important lesson...

Public service announcement: Stay away from poison ivy!

the unofficial start to summer

Even though the official start to summer is a few weeks away, we are enjoying the beginning of our summer already.

Sushi had his first trip outside of the year. Instead of venturing to the park, we hung out in the backyard. He intently watched a squirrel eat in the neighbor's yard while I sat on our picnic blanket. He was so happy to smell the grass and watch the birds. Last year when we took him out, he would be as happy as a clam for days. Last night, he cried for hours in the window. We'll have to start taking him out more often.

About a month ago, some of the girls met up at the annual Harkness Plant sale. I picked out a few lilies that they grow right on the property. A darling friend and I headed out to Salem to find even more goodies that afternoon. The Salem Herb Farm is one of the most magical places on earth. They have the best variety of happy plants and llamas, emus, doves, cats, and a beautiful property. I came home with so many incredible things - daisies, black eyed susans, cilantro, thyme, sugar snap peas, and a star gazer. It has taken the past few weeks to get them all in the ground and pots, but we finally found homes for them all. The daises are already in bloom and have more buds than I have ever seen. I bought a wildflower variety that needs little care and it is doing fabulously. I have been able to bring fresh flowers to friends and our for our dinning room table and still have plenty left on the bush. It looks like we will have a plentiful summer.
Our tomato plants that we started from seed are doing well, but two of them have had all of their leaves eaten! It is a good thing that we have extras that we were going to give away. In the little bit of time that we've started gardening, I've learned so much about sharing, patience, and our neighbors. I have been given handfuls of coneflower plants, someone lent us a rototiller so Eric wouldn't spend all day digging, and we've been able to share our seedlings, flowers, and cat nip. Everyday there is a new joy, especially as our beans and cucumbers are starting to peek through the soil. I cannot wait until we can harvest things from the veggie patch!
Everything that we started from seed has been transplanted and is doing well (except for the moss rose). Our sunflowers are so little and I'm thrilled to see what will grow from what was given to us (thank you Cindy!).

Things are going well as we plan for Brazil. My Portuguese flash cards and DVD have been getting a lot of use as the trip date approaches. This weekend, I might post-it note the house with the names of commonly used things (so far I've only done this to the bedroom).

Our schedule has dramatically changed. Last week marked the end of: youth band, youth group, Wednesday night at church (we taught 5th & 6th graders), and my women's study. We are starting June with fewer commitments and looking forward to the break. The softball season has started and even though it doesn't seem warm enough to play or watch - we have been having a great time. Monday's game was a nail biter that ended with us winning by one.

I am battling poison ivy. We didn't realize that our entire back fence is lined with the horrible plant until I broke out in a terrible rash (legs, stomach, arm). As if the terrible itchiness wasn't enough, I have more bug bites than I can count. I have tried more lotions, creams, baths, and homemade recipes than I care to admit, but I am still miserable. Last night's baking soda bath worked well, but this morning it is back to being itchy.

After a tumultuous change, my mother is doing well in her new environment and it is such a blessing to know that she is truly happy.

Eric's store will be closing in two weeks. This week has been very bittersweet for him. While we are so incredibly thankful that he will be able to transfer to another store, it is hard watching others be laid off. With so many people leaving the store, it has fallen on him to pick up extra shifts, manage this transition, and try to keep morale up. With no store manager, the loss of jobs, and the dismal look of the next few weeks, this is no easy task. He of course is a trooper and is doing all of this with a smile on his face.