Putting my garden to shame

Fortunately my best friend is now in Michigan so I can actually see her more frequently, which is awesome, especially for special occasions like her son’s 2nd birthday party!

So one poopy diaper, a lot of loud jabbering and over 2 hours later we arrived at our destination. Ella loudly jabbered on and on in the backseat until we were about 2 miles from our destination, then finally fell asleep. Shoot. We let her sleep for about 20 minutes with the car doors open as we sat and watched nearby. But then she was ready to go.

The party had a “farm” theme, which was ideal, since they live on a farm. There were chickens (Ella’s favorites), a very, very large garden and a big pond, and lots of land to run around on. Oh yeah, and a neighbor brought over a pony!

In new places it’s always a little nervewracking though to make sure your kid is safe. Two bodies of water, a high deck, stairs with no gate! Ah! Luckily my good husband took over plenty, giving me time to visit with friends.

I think my favorite thing was just walking through Chey’s garden with her. Row after row of cilantro, basil, peppers, squash, brocolli, green beans, potatoes, and … you get the picture. She has grown everything I can nearly think of. She even opened a little vegetable stand to sell her goods at. And no surprise, it’s as cute as can be. With it’s sweet hand painted signs and flowery tablecloth.

I love the whole idea of a garden. I love vegetables. I love the outdoors. I love eating nonprocessed foods. But for some reason I have the hardest time getting myself out there, starting a garden. This year my friendly neighbor (they’re not all bad!) even tilled an area for me. And I still didn’t! Terrible. My sister said it best once when she said “I just always find something better to do.”

Oh well, I at least think I inherited my mom’s love of cooking. I guess I just didn’t get her green thumb …

Take a peek at the photos and check out the darling cupcakes she served too.

How cute are those? The “butter” is laughy taffy. The “kernels” are jelly bellies.

I think she got a taste for hot peppers in New Mexico!