dreaming of sunshine (or of moving south...)

Sunshine.

I am getting a little desperate for it. We had a bit today, but, as is often the case here in the pacific northwest, it only lasted for a short while.

I am really looking forward to the warm weather, the sunny mornings, lunches outside, sun hats, sun glasses, bon fires, mowing the grass, picnics, days at the beach.

I want to get my tomato plants in their pots, the gardens to start to really grow, flower seeds to sprout, and the croquet game set up in the upper pasture.

I want to ride our bikes to the Saturday market more often, put sunblock on the boys, fill the water trough up and let them use it as a pool, need the umbrella over the sandbox to provide some shade, linger over dinners outside by candlelight with good wine and good friends.

I want to pull out our shorts, summer skirts, flip flops, swim trunks.

I want to entertain in the gardens, eat our own vegetables, make sun tea, throw open the windows, watch for butterflies.

Come on spring, we are waiting~

photos~ 1- weheartit; 2- shannon fricke; 3,4,5- martha stewart; 6-brabourne farm

for grandmas and my french famille~

Today was absolutely gorgeous. Stunning, really. As it hasn't been anything but crappage as of late, I enjoyed every. single. minute.

After spending time working on the property and enjoying a fabulous slow-cooked dinner (which cooked all day so that I could be out in the gardens for hours) the boys and I had a bonfire. We watched the sun slowly sink into the western sky, roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed s'mores.

While doing this, I thought of two things. First of all, with tomorrow being Mother's Day, I thought it would be fun to shoot some photos of the boys to send the Grandma's tomorrow.

Secondly, I thought of ma famille francaise. You see, while I was *living* with them, I introduced them to wonders of s'mores. Would you believe those poor children had NEVER had s'mores? Never! It was tragic, really. But fear not, auntie Kim fixed that little oversight and now, all is right with the world again~

~photos shamelessly stolen from french family...

Anyway, I thought it would be nice to share a few photos with them so that they could see where we make our s'mores here on the farm. And, maybe, tempt them to come visit and see for themselves... :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day tomorrow ~ whether it is enjoyed with children of your own, or your mothers.

xx

(what are those fabulous actions on my photos you ask? check back tomorrow for more on that!)

Tex Mex deliciousness!

I apologize for being so absent lately. Things have been busy on the farm, I have been in full-planning mode for THE FRANCE TRIP, as well as looking forward to my weekend with some of my favorite ladies this coming weekend. I love when life is rolling along, busy but exciting. I do wish I had more time to post though, as I really do have all sorts of fun things to tell you~

Today was a bit crazy, in an inspired sort of way. I had a few errands, an appointment, and then the day was mine! Lately I had been reading the back-posts of a fabulously inspiring blog written by a hilarious friend of ours (and edited occasionally by her equally amusing husband). She is an incredible cook and there seems to be no end to what she can prepare. Thus, when I came across her "tex-mex" post - something I have never attempted, it looked so amazing that I HAD to see what I could do. I mean, honestly, my family would LOVE it and as I am forever searching for fabulous ideas to please this family's palate, this seemed like just the thing.

~this delicious recipe found here - thanks Kasey!

I found a wonderful tex-mex cookbook with some delicious looking recipes at our local Half-Price Books - one of my favorite bookstores. I decided on what I wanted to make and made a list of what I needed. I hit the grocery and then came home to spend the afternoon playing in the kitchen. It truly was an incredible spring afternoon and once again I remembered what I love most about Seattle. You see, handsome husband and I love our cozy, gray, rainy Seattle days. I love to cook hearty stews, he loves to paint, we read, watch movies, play with the boys, and generally enjoy our wonderful home. But then these gorgeous days appear - far more often than we usually remember. And when that gorgeous sun shines, the people of Seattle truly appreciate it. We are grateful for our beautiful weather. We smile more, there is a bounce in our step, drivers are more patient in traffic, shoppers are courteous at the grocery, far more greetings are passed between strangers. And springtime sunshine? It inspires me to cook party food, summer food, European slow-cooking. It also makes me want a good margarita, or a mojito. Heaven... Don't even get me started on summer fruit - strawberry angel food cake tonight for example~

Handsome husband should be home soon, boys will gather around the table, and with the windows open, we will enjoy a summer-like dinner together. Nirvana, in my opinion~

(oh, and 13 days my friends, 13 days...)

spring comes early to the farm

glorious glorious sunshine~

I honestly can't believe how beautiful the weather has been here in Seattle these past few days~

Things are beginning to bloom on the farm, there is growth on nearly every bush, plant, and tree~

The girls have enjoyed free-ranging in the sunshine~

Even the four new babies enjoyed the sunshine streaming in their window~

We spent most of our day outdoors, trying to get some work done, and enjoying the warmth on our faces. Free vitamin D!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend mes amies~

xx