World Breastfeeding Week

World breastfeeding week will be celebrated August 1st to 7th this year. Even if you're not breastfeeding, you can help those who are by encouraging and supporting their breastfeeding journey. Please support this important and lifesaving initiative. I am!

Fall is my favorite season. Not only is it the season of my birthday, fresh donuts and cider, finally cooler temperatures, agricultural bounty, but it's also the start of the holiday season and the time for my favorite annual publications - the thanksgiving editions of the food magazines. Oh there's nothing better - it's food porn and I'm an addict. I love the pictures decorating the shiny pages of perfect food; golden turkeys, fluffy potatoes, browned casseroles, vibrantly colored vegetables.

My addiction to Thanksgiving isn't limited to the food. The seasonal decorations and the table settings are also a focus of my addiction. Autumnal colored linens, elegant holiday china, cornucopias, leaves, pumpkins and gourds, mums; I can't get enough. I hit the store to collect all the Thanksgiving editions of magazines I don't already subscribe to (yes, there are ones that I don't subscribe to thankyouverymuch), then I head to the library to check out all the cookbooks they have too. I plot and plan the menu, the table, the snacks, and the dessert with my mom and sister beginning more than a month in advance - discussing holiday menus past and assigning items for preparation.

This year we have an additional reason to be excited (and thankful) - two new family members trying holiday food for the first time (well, one actually trying it herself, one trying it second hand).

We have favorite dishes that return yearly to grace the holiday table (sausage stuffing, sweet potato casserole) and new items being tested for the first time. What are favorites on your holiday table?

Hear ye, Hear ye

I have a new water softener and I'm excited. Which is kind of sad now that I think about it. I still remember the days (thankfully pregnancy brain hasn't caused me to forget everything) when I was excited for new Barbies, Christmas presents, first dates, and gossip. Now all it takes for me to get worked up is my husband doing chores, new water softeners, and reruns of Law & Order. Oh, and not having to work tomorrow (but who wouldn't find that exciting.)

The hubby will be having a birthday this weekend, which I still think is exciting though he's insisting he doesn't want to celebrate. I don't understand this refusal to have fun on birthdays thing that's come up lately. I mean, think about the alternative. Sound more fun? Didn't think so. So suck it up and have a good time. In my opinion you're lucky to have one.

The only downer to this birthday-shmirthday jazz was the following conversation I had with the hubby (recorded below for your shock and appall).

Crappy Hubby: "You realize I'm still going to be in my twenties when you're in your thirties?"
Fantastically Irritated Me: "Yes. Thanks for the reminder."
Crappy Hubby: "And you're going to be in your fourties while I'm still in my thirties?"
Fantastically More Irritated Me: "Do you want to see this birthday that's coming up or are you looking to end it right here?"

No one likes to be reminded of their own mortality.

Long days ahead

My hubby installed the air conditioner in our bedroom window last night insisting he was too hot to sleep anywhere but the basement without it. It's going to be a LONG summer at this rate.

Another branch on the family tree

Addison Laura Bak
7 lbs, 3 oz. 20" long

Here comes the bride...

Weddings are always so much fun. I don't know if it's the love in the air, the beautiful bride or the free food and drinks that always get everyone in such a joyous mood, but weddings always seem to bring out the best in people. Maybe it's the reminder of young love or fresh beginnings. Or the alcohol. Our wonderful friends Stephanie (the best stylist ever!) and Chad we married this weekend and the wedding/reception were full of all the things one should be; great food, family, free drinks, wild dancing and lots of laughter and love.

Next in line?

Grateful

I'm not a very "religious" person, but I've always felt luck and blessed in my life to have a wonderful family, a loving husband, great friends and enough health, wealth and happiness to keep my days full. I probably don't say it enough, but I'm so grateful for all the things I have - and all the things I don't. As today is the 6th anniversary of September 11th, I wanted to express my appreciation for everything that makes my life so special - and recognize those who have sacrificed to make it so.

Thank you.

Celebrate

Yesterday we had my sister's baby shower (she's due early Oct.).

The Happy Parents

Me

Vacation (again!)

Palmer family vacation 2007

Bumpidy-bump-bump

Preggers x 2

Bump magnified

I've got a teenager...

Happy second birthday Chloe! (Doesn't that make her 14 in dog years? Does that mean I have to let her start dating?)

Auntie to be

I've been trying forever to snap a picture of "the tummy" to show you all - success!

Ancient History

It seems like forever ago (okay only 2 weeks ago) that my family made our pilgrimage to Traverse City, but since I made so many promises to do so, I thought I'd share with you all how it was.

We stayed at the Grand Traverse Resort. It isn't actually in Traverse City (it's in Acme) but it's only about a 10 minute drive to TC and the resort is so big it's worth it. Our condo overlooked the golf course, which the boys did brave while the ladies hit the gym.

There are a few highlights of our trip definitely worth mentioning. The tour of the Old Mission Peninsula wineries was scenic and delicious - with Chateau Chantal as the absolute creme de la creme. Not only is it a winery but also a beautiful bed and breakfast.

The Spa at Grand Traverse Resort is FABULOUS. The hubby treated me to a half day of relaxation and pampering (I know, I'm a very lucky girl) including a pedicure, facial and haircut. My sister and mom enjoyed some pampering as well; mom-to-be got a pedicure and massage and mom (or soon-to-be-nana) got a facial and pedicure.

For lunch the hubby and I tried the Apache Trout Grille. We tried to get in with the family for dinner one night - 2 hour wait. The food is okay - nothing too fancy/special - but the view and drinks are the main attraction. There's even a tiki bar!

And finally, the scenery. Let's face it - Michigan is a beautiful state. (Not to say we shouldn't do our complaining about the temperature, wacky seasons, lack of good employment options, but) with its forests, lakes, sunrises and sunsets, Michigan is a great place to get outside and enjoy.

Laundry, dishes, unpacking...

Just because I know you all are dying for them, here are some more vacation photos to tide you over until my vacation catch up ends.

Old Mission Lighthouse

Refreshment

Beautiful little piglets, courtesy of my sweetie.

View from Mission Point

Michigan Wine Country

Rested soul

Ah, its good to be home, even if it is to mountains of laundry and a dirty house.

We had a fantastic time on our trip - golf, swimming, sunning, wine tasting, eating, spaing and playing. I'll give a better rerun tomorrow - here are a few pics to tide you over.

Long time no hear

Yes, I know, it's been forever. Some quick updates.

My sweetums celebrated a milestone birthday. To commemorate the occasion he requested a delicious meal of... Jack's Naturally Rising pizza, frozen corn and Jello No-bake cheesecake with Cherries. I tried not to consider it a comment on my cooking abilities.

I've been feeling rather creative this past week, which lead me to paint my bathroom orange and make these two fabulous items. (Yes, I said orange. It's awesome and I love it. You all shouldn't be so afraid to have some color in your lives.)

Curtain for bathroom

Super cute apron

I'm in love with Amy Butler's fabric (which is now available at Fields). I recently purchased one of her books, In Stitches, and have been making aprons like it's my job.

My garden has been kicking production into high gear - I've been giving lettuce away like nobody's business. Here are a few other things I picked this week:


I visited the beach for the first time in years with my friend Alicia, and let me say - you have got to go. Van Buren State Park is just south of South Haven - less busy, way less commercial and well, fabulous.


We're off to Traverse City tomorrow with the family. Hope you have a fun (and safe) holiday!