Two years ago today. I wanted badly to share some words/thoughts something/anything positive but my heart can’t bare it. So much healing still to be done….

Keep on.

Celebrating Tristan and the official LEGO age! April 13, 2008 the day I became a mom. At my home when they handed me this 8lb 4oz perfect little being I squealed through tears of joy “IT’S A BOY!”. I was delighted beyond words and cant think of a better way to describe the way I feel about this growing little boy. That was the best day of my life.

Tristan you’re a joy beyond words. We’re all better for knowing you. You’re strong and thoughtful and so very patient with my rough way of navigating through parenting. Thank you for being you and know you’re  loved and will always be loved exactly for who you are.

My favorite moment during the party was seeing Collins reaction to the superhero LEGO set. It was like he couldn’t believe his two favorite things were in the same box! Tristan asked for a “big rainbow cake” and we filled mason jars with candy for each child to take home. So much fun celebrating.

Here’s a letter I wrote some time ago on Tumblr. We haven’t went for that haircut yet (mainly because my heart can’t take it) but I imagine at least a trim is in the near future. World be warned!

I assume neither of you will ever be “clean cut”. If by chance you are, well that’s perfectly awesome but I figure you’ll both be too busy working on your bikes or climbing mountains etc… however starting at age 5 for your birthdays (Tristan you have a little over a year) a trip to a nice barber shop for a fresh cut and shave on me is going to be tradition. Then I get to be your arm candy for dinner because let’s just say I’ll always deserve it on the day I gave birth to each of you. Also like it or not you’ll probably always get hand made somethings from me. every. single. year.

All my love

Couldn’t ask for more.

Had the pleasure of playing host to some dear friends yesterday evening. I always forget how much joy I find in entertaining friends. Such a blessing to me.

I made Kale/white bean/sausage/ale soup and my favorite flourless brownies from the Whole Foods app (one of my favorites).

Update for kale soup.
1 onion sliced thin
4 cups chopped kale
14 oz sausage
1 can of beer
3 cups northern white beans cooked
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
A little paprika
Sauté onions and sausage in large pot with a little olive oil until cooked and tender. Add kale cook till just wilted. Pour in beer and let simmer for a few minutes before adding remaining ingredients. Salt pepper to taste let summer on low for 20 mins or so. That fed about 5 people.

*thats a rough idea of what I did. I used my own broth and home canned tomato sauce so I’m not totally sure on proportions but you get the idea. I also used a Guinness flavored sausage which wasn’t the healthiest option but so delicious! Mmm I’m making it again tomorrow as soon as I can get more beans cooked.

Flourless Brownies
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/3 c melted butter
1/4 cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 c cane sugar
1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350.

butter an 8-inch baking pan. place the black beans, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth. Remove the blade and gently stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until just set in the center. Cool before cutting.

Also a number of people asked about my english muffin recipe. I use the one in Old and New Traditions . It’s the first bread book that taught me and got me interested in artisan bread baking. It was my mothers and I managed to sneak it away with me when I moved out.

Also ALSO for the questions on preserving and making Jam. I’ve been using The Art of Preserving but most all the recipes you can find on the Williams Sonoma website. Example Strawberry Preserve the Lemon/Ginger Marmalade I made the other day and Mixed Berry Jam are all great recipes.

Happy Making!

 

Today we had the glorious experience of attending our very first maple syrup festival. Such a beautiful day / full of good (the best) friends & delicious breakfast foods. Heart and tummy full!

I received word today that my own Lady (the goat) kidded last night with twin buck babies. Shes been boarding at my parents farm this winter. Can’t wait to meet these sweet faces. Now to plan a quick trip…

*apologies for neglecting this space lately. Life has been… creative. Be here soon.

**lovely comments from a few of you. The flag wasn’t intended to reflect my political view. Simply as a piece of art that went along with the day.

-handmade shirt “By Bek” (younger me)
-Nord’s Bakery &
-Sunergos (Kenyan) Coffee

*spotted this shirt in the back of the closet this morning not knowing if it would fit T yet. Turned out perfect. I made this shirt long ago for a little brother who was crazy about cowboys and wanted a “cowboy shirt” for his birthday. Pearl snaps and all it’s a sweet thing my mom passed to me when my littles were born.

xx

So much change continually (need to share soon) but learning to still live in these beautiful moments that I’m so blessed to have. A few images I captured today during our evening chore shift.

I can’t help but share my excitement even thou I know while I listen the rain falling outside there will be MANY more berries to pick in coming days and possibly weeks. I’ve picked around 3 gallons so far, it never ceases to amaze me the joy that can be found in something as simple as foraging wild berries. Here’s what I’ve done so far.

Muddled berries with coconut sparkling water and a few drops of stevia, my new summer go to drink

I follow the simple directions on an ordinary box of pectin to make my Jam. Process it for 10 minutes and viola!

Simple Blackberry Crisp

Fill the bottom of a baking dish with fresh washed berries and sprinkle the top with a 1-1 ratio of flour, rolled oats and brown sugar combined with a few tablespoons of butter and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. bake at 350 for about 30 mins till the berry juices are bubbling around the edges.

ENJOY!