I'd do it different.

Fishing. It was never my favorite. As kids in summer, my mom and dad would take us out and I’d maybe last an hour before I invariably had to go to the bathroom or just grew restless. I liked things with more action and fishing, to me, was action challenged.

My dad loves fishing. He has patience and can sit for hours. When I was a teenager, there were a few times my dad would ask me along for some ice fishing. We didn’t have a fancy ice house, rather an upside down 5 gallon bucket was home to the bottom atop a frozen lake. I never went. I couldn’t see why I’d want to. My sister, on the other hand, often went with my dad. When I was a kid, I never understood why Tracy would go but now I suspect it was to spend time with her dad. I was quick to answer and slow to think of the benefits the hour drive to and from the lake as well as sharing an activity my dad loved could bring. I only saw a cold bottom, limited conversation from my quiet dad and catching a fish I didn’t want to remove from my own line. Today, I’d do it different. Knowing now what I didn’t then, I’d go fishing with my dad when he asked.

Poppy's you make me smile!

My new yard is a wee bit like Christmas, and I love it! Every couple weeks I'm making new discoveries as things begin to bloom. I was delighted by the recent poppies that popped in a former sea of green. These flowers are just FUN to me.

dirty thumbprints

I get by with a lil help from my friends.....

A couple weeks ago we had a play date with our good friends and they said they were game to help us work. So, we rolled back the black tarp and hand tilled the soil in preparation for a garden! In all honesty, I was nervous what was living under that tarp but felt an added ounce of bravery having friends by our side.

More hands DO make for light work. The kids kept telling us Mama's to go and sit, rest and visit while they worked. We were tickled by their enthusiasm. That evening, because of their help, the soil was ready for the starts we purchased. Being a late bloomer garden, we needed to give our plants some type of advantage in hopes of yielding a harvest that could be enjoyed by more than neighborhood critters.

Garden updates to come...

*As a side note, my friend April is so photogenic! Seriously, you are adorable girl!

Basil Burgers - Yum O

We made these last weekend and they are scrumptious. Of course, we are nuts for basil! We have 2 plants, but need at least 46 more. Enjoy!

The ingredients:
3/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves, minced, FRESH!
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup dry red wine
2 tsp garlic salt
2 pounds ground turkey or beef *We've used both.
8 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
8 hamburger buns (Butter and grill)

-In a large bowl, combine the basil, onion, bread crumbs, wine and garlic salt. Mix in the meat and shape into 8 patties.

-Grill the patties over medium. Once cooked, top with cheese and sit a-top a yummy grilled bun.

first day of summer... put a bird on it!

Today is the first day of summer! Officially that is, where I live we welcome it after the 4th of July.

So, I had a goal of 23 bird craft projects BEFORE summer and I have fallen way short. It seems my flock is less feathered than I intended. BUT in honor of the summer solstice, here is a small flock of 6 bird note cards from my latest put a bird on it self imposed challenge. Enjoy!

Materials:
- Paper
- Vintage picture book paper for bird silhouettes
- Vintage ribbon found at garage sales
- Buttons and bling
- Glue

- Scissors

*Fun fact about Robin, using recycled items to create makes me all grins!

bed rest

Don't these words sound lovely? I mean I love my bed and what adult doesn't salivate at the thought of rest? Yet in the context of how these orders were given in my life, they are not so lovely. I am 29 weeks pregnant today and last Friday I was placed on bed rest.

If you watch Seinfeld, you may recall the episode that George winds up in the hospital, before summer and it was to be the summer of George. I can relate to George about now. I had grand plans for active adventures with my kids this summer and that has all come to a halt.

In the rubber burning halt, I've learned a couple things already. First, life must slow down. The pace is definitely competitive to a banana slug, and nothing speedier. Yet, this isn't all bad. Second, I need allow others to help me. With no family in the area, it is obvious that Ted and I cannot do this alone. My fear, or pride, is that I don't want to be a burden to others. I've received this lesson many times in recent years and apparently I have more to learn on it. :)

So, just to warn you I may go blogging crazy because I suddenly have a lot of time on my hands! Writing is definitely on the new to do list. Bed and rest I like you words separately, but seeing you together again is honestly not my favorite.

Our daughter

Ted and I have known for 4 years that we would try for a 4th baby. For various reasons, it just took a while to get to the point of having another. We had been convinced for 4 years that we would have a boy and his name would be Samuel Joseph. Well, at 20 weeks we discovered that our Samuel did not have the right plumbing for such a name. :) Oh, our surprise! So, we eagerly await the arrival of our 3rd daughter, name in progress.

2 years ago, a former neighbor gave us a generous donation of items for a yard sale fundraiser. Well, included in the mix was a box of girls infant clothing from the mid-40's. I opened the box and couldn't bare to sell the precious items at garage sale prices. Handmade slips with sweet buttons, dresses with trimmed lace... too adorable. I held onto the box and thought I would come across a friend that would have a baby girl and may be blessed by the vintage treasures. Well, that didn't happen. While packing up the Tilley house, I came across the box and was tickled and blessed by the surprise that it is MY daughter who gets to wear these vintage treasures. I have included a couple of photos of the modeling to come in a few months.

My sweet 4th child and 3rd daughter, I can't wait to meet you! I am elated to see you and learn who your Creator has made you to be. You are an answered prayer, a fulfilled promise for a 4th Bailey and an unexpected blessing to our family. We love you and can't wait to show you just how much. But sweet pea, don't come too soon for we hope when you arrive you come right home with us!