Treasures

For as long as I can remember, every Sunday morning, my dad has gotten up very early in the morning to head to his favorite flee market. The flee market is located in the small town of Medina... so in my dad's eyes, Medina=flee market. The following quotes come out of my dad's mouth on quite a regular basis, "went to Medina", "saw it at Medina", "got it in Medina". Anyway, last weekend, when we were staying at my parent's house, I decided I needed to go see "Medina" for myself.



The first found treasure was this adorable little end table... for $17. I haven't decided where I'm going to put it yet... or if I'm going to paint it... I do love that yellow.



The other found treasure was this bell that my dad purchased before I even got there (I had to meet him there since I wasn't willing to get up at 5). I had mentioned that I was looking for a nice big dinner bell for the farm. Something that would be loud enough that it could be heard from woods or barn. This certainly will be heard. It is huge, and so loud. But I love it. No more yelling "dinner" out the door (which I despise).

Anyway, Medina. I see what all the fuss is about. It was pretty fun. Probably not get up at 5 in the morning fun, but fun nonetheless. I'm sure I'll be back.

Slowly, Slowly

I am starting to notice a gentle rhythm to our new days.



It has taken awhile but I can see now (and feel) that we are beginning to once again reclaim our mornings and afternoons.



They look a little different. On some days that is good. On other days it can be more difficult.



But in any case they are beginning to feel like they are ours again (as opposed to feeling like my very part-time job has completely overtaken us).



And I have to say, with each day that goes by, the more I feel like this new piece to our lives feels just right.

Morning Alone With My Boy...

Morning Walk

It's Been Awhile...

since I've been in the mood (and had all the ingredients) to make pancakes. It was a good way to start our week.

Sunday Afternoon

Weekend Away

This weekend we spent a few days at my parent's house. We enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and Ryan and my Dad did some work on their porch. Of course there were two little helpers working as well...





But my favorite highlight might have been the shoes Grace decided she needed to wear as she was working...



It was a lovely weekend.

Still Harvesting...

Evening Walk With My Girl

The Rest of My Sunday

After our morning apple picking adventure, we came home to do some baking.



I made three dozen apple cinnamon muffins (and some more bread)... along with a really big mess. I think Sunday has officially become my baking day because at some point in the day it always looks like this...



But I kind of love this Sunday baking mess. It's the perfect way to end the weekend... and start the week.

Recipe for Apple Cinnamon Muffins

4 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup melted butter
4 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp baking powder
4 pinches of salt
2 tsp cinnamon
8 small apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped

For topping
3 tbsp raw sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400. Mix egg, sugar, milk and butter in large bowl. Sift in flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add chopped apple and mix coarsely. Do not over mix. Spoon mixture into muffin cups and top with sugar/cinnamon topping. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Apple Picking...

at my new favorite orchard... with some of our favorite friends.

Yellow

Some pictures from the week. I love that golden light... the first sign that autumn has arrived.

Alone Time

Tuesday and Friday mornings, with his big sister at school, Jackson has been enjoying some (much deserved) space to himself. Don't get me wrong he loves playing with Grace, and most of the time they play pretty well together. But I also think it is nice for Jackson to have a little alone time, where he gets to call the shots, doesn't have to share, and can just be himself (a luxury Grace had for two and a half years). Toddlers need this I think. And it is so delightful to watch him so happily keeping his own company.