this just made my night...

Alison's favorite

We got to visit our former neighbor Alison. Last time we saw her, Elsie was still wearing her newborn outfits. 

We were scheduled to see her on a Monday afternoon, but something came up for Rory. I called to let her know that I could bring the kids or we could reschedule for another time when Rory could come. She said, "I love you Becca, but I really would like to have Rory come too." And then when we were together she mentioned again that she was so glad Rory could come. 

Rory was her neighbor first. Before we were married and before I moved in. And the two of them are good friends. He helped her with her garden beds or changed light bulbs that required a ladder. 

And wouldn't you know, while we were there, Rory was able to fix her dvd player...something that has been bothering her for five months. Rory figured it out, sat with her as she memorized how to switch the tv and dvd back and forth and she laughed with joy that she will finally be able to watch her learning dvd's again.

I sat back and took it all in. Neighborly love.

living on the land

Rory and I are taking a class together through University of Minnesota Extension. The class is called Living on the Land and is helping us with the practicalities of the dreams we have for our property. There are 28 of us in this class and everyone has or hopes to one day have a small hobby farm. On our first night the class discussed all the topics this series will cover: woodland management, planting an orchard, raising chickens, helpful equipment to purchase, permits for selling at a farmers market, fencing for different animals...

Rory and I spent a good chunk of time writing out the things we want to tackle this spring and summer, drawing up a master plan for our land and all the while getting so excited for every day that is ahead of us. We've got some work to do, but at the moment it looks so, so fun.

painting and parents

We had an awesome weekend here that included a sleepover with Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Paul. Rory and I went to a marriage seminar at our church on Friday night and Saturday morning so my folks came to watch the kids.

On Thursday night I had the brilliant idea to paint the bathroom while they were here. So before they came I got the paint, prepped the room, taped part of it and asked them to bring their painting clothes. My mom, dad and I painted the first coat on Friday before Rory and I left for the marriage seminar and then mom and dad painted the second coat on Saturday while we were gone laughing our way to a better marriage. How awesome are my parents?!!

The seminar was great and now I have a lovely robins egg blue bathroom. Thank you mom and dad!!!

John Denver

Country Roads from Becca Groves on Vimeo.

We're enjoying a snow day here. And as always, John Denver. 

Solo by Ivar, special guest Elsie joins in at the end...