Summer Camp

Eleanor and Brendan started summer camp today. They look excited don't they?

Fifteen minutes after these pictures were taken, they were both wrapped around my legs crying hysterically and begging me not to go.

Then I got in my car and cried too.

Separation can be hard.

Petite Pommes

We going to have a lot of apples come September. I think we might have to set up an applesauce stand or something. These little guys are cute, aren't they?

Can't Stop Talking About CSAs

I guest posted over at Pivotal Productions yesterday about one of my favorite topics -- why a CSA is a good thing for your kiddos.

If you aren't sick of hearing me extol the virtues of boxes of kale and squash, have a read.

One Mother's Work

made pancakes
and bacon
extracted splinter
played with horses and firefighters
kissed Daddy goodbye
drank too much coffee
nursed baby (repeat eight to ten times)
made my daily attempt to combat the laundry onslaught
canceled trip to the zoo because of rain
talked to mother-in-law on phone
took a thirty second shower
made three beds
wiped marker off the wall with one of those magic sponge things
blew up the slide for the backyard kiddie pool
told Ellie that I would be happy to watch her babies while she played hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins when she grows up
went to post office
got groceries
emailed
received unexpected freelance check in mail
decided to use it to open savings account for Colin
made grilled cheese, strawberries and smoothies for lunch
wondered what it is about the show Calliou that the kids like
provided bathroom assistance
vacuumed under couch (yuck)
put a Deigo bandaid on someone's face at his request
made an appointment to have a massage on my birthday
took a thirty minute nap with the baby
administered antibiotics to myself and Brendan
watched happy children splish and splash
coaxed Colin into swallowing a few bites of banana rice cereal
grilled (and unfortunately burned) chicken
cleaned yogurt smoothie out of crevices in my table and deck
let kids have ice cream for dessert
clipped the baby's lethal finger nails
bathed three monkeys
said no, don't, and stop too many times today
forcibly brushed Brendan's teeth
played janitor by cleaning up a million broken pieces of glass
and then played nurse while getting the glass out of one small foot (ouch)
read The Jungle Book
convinced daughter that it would be uncomfortable to sleep with her butterfly wings on
kissed three sleepy heads
told the dishwasher to work its magic
tried to type a coherent thought
gave up
took an extra minute to floss
closed eyes.

Our Prima Ballerina

Ellie performed as a butterfly in her dance recital yesterday. She adored the experience from start to finish.

Butterflies in waiting.

Just a little bit of lip gloss.

Ready for the show.

"I can't wait to hear the applause," she said.

Oh how I love this beautiful girl.

The Year of the Blue Lake Pole Bean

Until a few days ago, I didn't even know that it was the year of the blue lake pole bean -- right here in Chicago. Did you?

You might have heard about the One Book, One Chicago program which encourages Chicagoans to all read the same book and then attend various events and discussion groups about the selection.

Well, One Seed Chicago is the same idea. This year, Chicago is growing blue lake pole beans. Participants can share pictures, growing tips and photos on their website. Every household in Chicago is entitled to a free package of seeds.

I love this idea and I don't like to feel left out. Our seeds came in the mail today. I am a little bit late to the party on this, but I found some room in my already crowded garden and planted our first bean crop.

Click here to order your seed packet and get them in the ground asap.

Me in Mindful Metropolis

This is the June issue of Mindful Metropolis. See where it says "Got Green Kids?" right on the cover there? I wrote that story.

Mindful Metropolis is a new magazine from the staff of the former Conscious Choice. I really support their desire to create a Chicago-focused magazine for like-minded Chicago folks.

I hope you'll pick it up and have a look (I usually get mine from Whole Foods).