Let's try this again...

I've been reading all the blogs about life, family, home repair, happiness, cooking, etc lately, checking out all the fancy pictures and wondered exactly how long it's been since I last blogged myself. 

Helllllllloooooo?

Um, wow. Over a year and a half. Awesome. Maybe I should just wait and make it an even two years. Or maybe I should get over it. And try again.  

This summer was another summer of weddings - awesome weddings I might add - so we weren't really home a lot therefore no major renovations this summer in the 90 degree heat. As major as we got was laying landscaping fabric/mulch and planting 15 tomato plants and a bunch of herbs (and summer squash that ended up being a bunny buffet...). 

And, did I mention we have a 2 year old? Said 2 year old recently stole my hammer and announced that Daddy's tools belong in the garage. I explained to her that Mommy has tools too (a whole lot of them!) and she was all like "No! It's Daddy's!!" Clearly, the girl needs to learn girls have tools and boys drool...I mean just that girls have tools too. 

Just to clear up a few things...

FAQs:

Q. Do you still shower in the basement? 

A. Sure do. Chris made a great curtain enclosure so you almost forget you're in the basement. I tell myself people pay big money for huge showers. Plus, not ready to shell out the $$$ for the bath remodel yet. 

Q. Did you fix your upstairs yet? 

A. Nope. We make it work for right now. Also, people pay big money for "open" living concepts, right? See A. above regarding $$$.

Q. What's the next project?

A. On my list or the Hubs? I am currently developing an unhealthy hatred of the playroom/guest room wallpaper. It's hideous. And all of you who say "It's really not that bad" are being kind. And lying. It's pastel-y swirly ugliness and it's days are numbered. 

Well there. I did it. I blogged. And I even included a picture. Go me. Maybe we'll do this again soon. I mean, don't hold your breath. But maybe. 

  

Growing Green...

We've got a few things - other than my belly - growing around this next of the woods. The vegetable garden has started to really take off!

They used to be just lil' guys...

The "Early Girl" tomato plant, dubbed the kudzu tomato, takes the cake so far. Now, all those green fruits need to turn red!

Home Grown Vegetables...

Last weekend, Chris and I planted our vegetable garden. We picked up our plants from a local grower that we had ordered as a fundraiser for the Gweimen Centre, an organization that helps provide assistance and education for widows and orphans of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

 

First, we arranged all the containers on the back walkway.

 

 

Then we filled them with stones for drainage per Grandma Versluys' advice.

 

 

And a few more pots...

I put together the tomato cages with adjustable arms so you can move them as the plant grows.

Then, we planted all the herbs and vegetables. 

Two tomato plants (with Marigolds to deter pests- also a Grandma Versluys suggestion), a pepper plant, parsley, arugula (from seed), basil and mint...

Another two tomato plants with more Marigolds, another pepper plant, chives and cilantro...

And the extra Marigolds and chives from last year found a new home next to the house...

 

 

Now, I just have to remember to water them...regularly. However, it's been raining every three hours for the past few days so I'm good. And to feed them  Miracle Gro  weekly.  And hopefully, they'll grow lots of vegetables. Now, I just need Mom to teach me how to can salsa and I can be in tomato-induced heartburn heaven in a few months.