the rooster scooter

The timing could not have been anymore perfect. Just after sending three of our roosters to "a friend's house," Uncle Carl gave Ivar a Rooster Scooter.

I picked up the rooster scooter on my way back from the retreat this weekend, where Uncle Carl showed me the hatchery and all that was involved in making this happy rooster.

This rooster scooter has already gotten around a bit. He made his way to the Carver County Fair where he took home a blue ribbon! And now he's at our place, getting to know the other chickens at the grovestead. Uncle Carl, you hit it out of the park with this one.

good writing

My friend Meta (above with her son Jasper) is one of my favorite writers on the planet. I love her way with words. I love how she processes life and her ability to put words to things I think are too tricky to articulate.

She's done it again. I read this post and thought the whole time, I've got to pass this on...

the soul sisterhood mother daughter retreat

I just had the most lovely weekend. Surrounded by seventh graders and their inspiring mothers, I got to focus on motherhood...without my own kids nearby. It was restorative, restful and ended up being a powerful few days to remember my focus in mothering, my purpose and why I do what I do. 

I got to help out at the Soul Sisterhood mother daughter retreat. 

The mom's and daughters were remarkable. On Saturday night a photographer came to take pictures of each mother with her girl(s). You can see those pictures right here on Leslie Crane's facebook page (scroll down to see all the mom's and daughters). The pictures are stunning and make my heart swell a bit because I know those mom's now and how fiercely they love their daughters. 

Best of all, I got to work with Amanda and Melanie, two dear women who quickly became fast friends. We had an awesome time together and hope to work together for the future mother-daughter retreats. I already can't wait.

If you are interested in bringing your own daughter on a mother-daughter retreat, be sure to check out the website for more information. Or, if you would like to find six other friends of your daughters and invite their mothers, you can set up your own retreat on the Soul Sisterhood calendar. Retreats focus on our identity in Christ Jesus, creativity and crafting, deep conversation and healthy meals. You can read more of the mission and vision here.

our first eggs! (and other news)

+ Oh my word. I just changed the water for the chickens and found two fresh eggs. Our first eggs! Which basically turns today into a holiday. Eggs! Two of them!

+ On Sunday, my new stroller was delivered. It's a joovy sit and stand and for the first time since having Elsie, I can cart both my kids around in one stroller. This changes everything.

+ My toenails are blue. I'll spare you the picture, but last night I told Ivar I was going to get my toenails painted. He asked what color and I threw the question back at him. He said, "blue, like your eyes. Because I like your eyes." My heart swooned and I believe you'd have painted your toes blue too.

+ Ivar seems to have spurts of emotion that must be released. Sometimes they come out in tantrums, sometimes in silliness. My favorite was a few days ago in the car when he started panicking in the back seat, screaming, "I can't see my eyes!!! I can't see my eyes!" I looked back, and he was trying. I had to calmly explain that no one can see their eyes.

+I am taking an art journaling class online and it is so good for me. To have my modpodge out, to be free writing with a pen, to be squirting out paint, cutting out ribbon and paper and gluing it all down. It just feels so good to play.

+This weekend I am helping lead a mother daughter retreat for The Soul Sisterhood. I am so excited to meet the moms and daughters and to put my retreat leader hat back on. This will be my first two night stretch away from my kids since Elsie was born. I'll miss them, but I think we can agree that it is time!

Happy Weekend everybody. Or as said in our house, Happy Incredible Edible Eggs Day!

red barn farm

We spent a glorious evening at Red Barn Pizza Farm, a beautiful place that operates as a csa and brick oven pizza joint. The gardens are stunning and the rolling fields in the distance made me want to be a painter...it is just such a pretty time of year, everything green and bright.

Our pizza was awesome (though pricey!), and the weather was perfect. Most of all it was a great night of catching up with good friends. And for taking pictures by tall corn.