blogger mom

I'm a little fussy right now simply because I would much rather be in bed. I'm so tired tonight. We had a big weekend...good, but busy. But, tomorrow is Riley's last day of school and there is a loaf of strawberry bread in the oven to take to his teacher. So, I might as well post while I wait for it to bake.

Not much makes me happier than picking something from the garden and cooking it immediately for dinner. This week we've been trying to use up the peas. So far we've had them for three meals and have at least another two meals worth waiting on their overgrown vines out back. They need to be eaten so the plants can get pulled out. Tonight Eric had to work so it was just the kiddos and me for dinner. They have learned to love their peas this week. Actually they are learning to love all the things we grow, they feel connected to their food which makes them excited to eat it. Tonight Trey declared with a full mouth, "Daddy is the best pea farmer in the world!". They ate their dinner well and were rewarded with hot strawberry rhubarb crisp and a glass of Snowville milk on the front porch.

The garden is beautiful right now...yellow flowers and green tomatoes, tall leeks and onions, the twisted vines of the peas, huge purple cabbage leaves. Just walking and checking the progress with a cup of coffee can completely relax my entire body.

As I mentioned, tomorrow is Riley's last day of school. We received wonderful news a few weeks ago. His teacher will be moving with his entire class to second grade. We couldn't be happier. We love Ms. Steffes and are thrilled with the way Riley has developed in her classroom. He's so excited to be in her classroom again in the fall. He has learned so much this year. He is an amazing reader and excels in Math. He's learning how to make and choose good friends, and he's learning how to handle himself around peers who don't know how to be a good friend. I spend a morning each week in his classroom and I always leave feeling so proud of him. I can't wait to have him home on summer break. He's a great kid and I love having him home with me.

One last thing...while we were camping we drove into Oxford on Saturday morning to find a local farmer's market. We weren't disappointed. Oxford had a great little market right in the center of their charming little town. We met some new farmers and were able to stock up on local food even though we were out of town. So, a few days ago I searched the internet for a farmer's market in Topsail, NC. We will be heading to the beach with my family in a short 11 days! It looks as though there is an excellent market in Topsail every Wednesday that should be a lot of fun. So, here's my challenge for those of you who are trying to commit to local foods. If you are traveling over the summer, try and seek out local food from the area. You will probably have the opportunity to interact with some really great people while you support their local economy. And, if you are traveling south, you should find some fruits and vegetables that aren't in season yet up north. I also do plan on fully supporting the Topsail Island Trading Company by purchasing several pounds of local fudge while I'm on vacation for two weeks! I will also be supporting the local IGA and purchasing a case or two of Cheerwine. It's vacation.