There's an "S.P." for everyone! (Subtitle: Spain wins the World Cup)

Thank God that Iniesta scored for Spain & ended an otherwise frustrating and uneventful World Cup! We heart you Iniesta. You are our favorite player. And see, Jefe: there is indeed a Special Person for everyone!

NW Green Market + Mariah = A More Colorful Life

The New Wilmington Green Market debuted this June and has brought a burst of creativity and community to our little town! Who knew that this staid, conservative Presbyterian town had a bit of hippie in it! With our dedicated friend Val leading the way, we have been working hard to attract good faith organic farmers (including a few pioneering Amish), green artisans and musicians (for a few weeks anyway: the Amish Community's bishop said it was either "no music" or "no Amish" and we couldn't imagine giving up Dan Miller's yummy veggies and natural cheeses!).

Since we are a fledgling market, many of us have decided to jump right in and become vendors ourselves. My contribution has been "Simple Pleasures" (aka "S.P."). Jeff jokes that the "S.P." stands for "Special People". Well, since Mariah is indeed a special person and dear friend, I created this little mermaid cake topper set for her 4th birthday. Happy Birthday Mariah Bonita Swanson! I have watched you grow since the day that your mommy called to tell me that she just might be pregnant. How lucky we all were that Maureen's hunch was correct!

Life Imitating Daddy

Let the photos speak! Lizzie stole Jeff's spot at the table when he momentarily left his crossword puzzle to run and errand. Too funny!

Special Delivery for Grandmas J & J!

More COOKIES!

The Making of the Mother's Day Cookies

"How was your week?"

"Crummy." "The pits." "Making me wish and pray for a super early retirement."

These would have been likely answers had someone asked me this question at 3:15 today. Or the day before. Or the day before that. It's just been that kind of week.

But here are the answers as of 9:27 p.m.: "magical." "beautiful". "A gift."

Our kids can drive us crazy at times, but man oh man, even on the worst of days, they make us thankful.

While my "work week" was not so hot, there were a few moments that made up for all of the ick:

Lizzie enjoying the cool breeze, groovy music and good company at North Country Brewery; Nat drawing an amazing picture from his favorite book; Greeting my favorite Amish family after a long, cold winter and having them place their precious 4-month-old baby in my arms; Nat, Lizzie, Buddy and I roasting marshmallows over a hurricane candle on the porch this evening and hearing Nat say, "Mama, this is my favorite part of the day".