Hey there! 

I'm the geeky little girl next door, who has suddenly found herself all grown up, and somehow a wife and mama to four little chicken heads.  It's an adventure--with a fair amount of monotonous tasks and some human waste thrown into the mix.  But I hear that's how most adventures pan out anyway.

I'm on the same mission as many of you

...to enjoy my kids and family;

...to bring good tasting and good-for-you food to the table every day.  Every--single--day...and at least 3 times a day. 
With passion and flavor too if you don't mind. 
And since I really, really, really don't want to buy the next size up in pants, food quality and nutrition are also on my mind.  (Notice I didn't say the 'd' word.  Or the 'e' word.  It's because those two things are *never* on my mind.)

...to make a home and garden that reflect the joy of each season, and that are tough enough to survive my crazy kids.  I want lots of flowers, and herbs and veggies and stuff that I will use.

...to discover new things.  Speaking of which,  I have always loved wildflowers.  As a kid, I was told, "they're weeds".  But now, I've discovered that the beloved weeds of my childhood are actually herbs...and they do cool stuff!  I love nothing better than saving a $40 copay to solve little health issues at home using foods, herbs, and some good old fashioned Mama love.  So I'm taking notes, and using my family as test subjects...stay tuned.

...to notice, and enjoy and delight in the people and world around me.

...and finally, to make the most of what I'm given. My Mom read the book Cheaper By the Dozen to us when I was a kid, and it awakened in me a fascination with efficiency...something I incorporate into my life frequently.  Can I do it faster, better, cheaper?  It's a little thrill for me, and you'll see this shamefully popping up all over my blog posts.

I love hearing from you all in the form of e-mails, comments, and even snail mail.  I'm honored and humbled that you've chosen to spend a little time here, and it's my hope that you'll feel welcomed, at home, and maybe even a little inspired whenever you stop by my slightly cuckoo nest!