Zucchini. Zucchini. Zucchini.

This summer we had our first big garden in a long time.  And perhaps I got carried away planting certain things…one of which was zucchini.  I couldn’t help it.  I have such fantastic memories of walking around my grandparent’s garden.  Their zucchini plants towering around me as I walked the rows.  I had to recreate the magic within our garden.  And so, this summer our family has enjoyed zucchini everyday, everyway.

• Zucchini Pancakes
• Zucchini Bread
• Quiche with Zucchini
• Torte de Courge
• Stuffed Zucchini
• Grilled Zucchini
• Zucchini Frittata
• Zucchini Relish
• Cous Cous Salad with Roasted Zucchini

… the list goes on.

Saturday Morning

…before the summer heat lead us inside.

• Stroll along the creek.
• Berry Picnic.
• Farmer’s Market $2 bouquet!!!
• Happiness.

Play in the Dirt

  While at an outdoor wedding this weekend, Ella found her “happy spot” in the dirt!  This reminded me of how much I loved playing outside as a child…and how few children I see these days out in their front yards.

Five great reasons for kids to go outside and get dirty! – brought to us by www.simplemom.net

1. There are types of bacteria that are naturally found in soil which activate the neurons that produce serotonin – a key chemical in many bodily functions, as well as a natural anti-depressant. In other words, dirt can actually help make you feel happy.

2. Dirt is also great for the immune system, especially in children. Research has shown that early exposure to the naturally occurring microbes in soil will help build stronger, more disease-resistant kiddos.

3. In our technologically savvy generation, kids just aren’t getting enough time to play outside, and that has now been linked to attention disorders, depression (yes, in children), and obesity.

4. Children who play outside laugh more, which means they’re happy!  It also means their blood pressure and stress levels are lower.

5. Kids who play outside grow in their character development: they become more adventurous, more self-motivated, and they are better able to understand and assess risk.

Berry Season

Two of my favorite things:

1. The Farmer’s Market;  the beautiful bounty that our farmers bring us.

2. Getting creative in the kitchen with the treasures I find at the market.

This week’s inspiration came with the gorgeous blueberries from Pennington Farms.   The craving for muffins set in the minute I saw these gorgeous little jewels.  With my sister in town offering Auntie-time for Ella, I had just the right amount of time to let my creativity loose in the kitchen…Blueberry Pecan Muffins! {wheatfree and oooh sooo delicious}

One Year Old!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ella has officially turned ONE!  We had two celebrations.  One with her friends, and the other was a joint birthday party with her cousin Parker, who is nine days older than Ella.  For the second party, my dad’s side of the family, along with Ella’s grandparents from New York, got together for an Italian feast…and a feast it was!   My parents created a big pot of homemade meatballs {Ella’s favorite} and my Aunt Marie {Ella Marie’s namesake} brought an elk lasagna.  I made my grandma’s baked chicken and my grandpa’s famous chocolate cake recipe for the adults to enjoy after dinner…along with adequate veggie dishes to balance out the abundance of “carne”.  To family…cheers!

Bringing Joy

Ella’s first Christmas.  Our first Christmas as parents.  At seven months old, she wasn’t exactly concerned about what Santa would be bringing, or sugar cookies, or what the count of gifts were under the tree.  {thank goodness}

To see Christmas through her observant eyes was such a joy and a reminder that the truest gift of Christmas are the memories shared.

The Mete family is definitely known for great, often hilarious, memories!  This year, Dad dressed up as Santa. Siena and Parker were not amused, Ella was curious, and the adults rolled off the furniture in laughter.  Pants, a bit too big, not to mention too short.  Mom, unsuccessful in “plumping” Santa with a pillow.  Tark’s silky bloomers..need I say more.

Ella’s Christmas Eve ended with a special gift from the East coast, a beautiful book of The Night Before Christmas.  With each turn of a page, we heard Grandma’s voice telling the story and sending her holiday wishes to Ella from New York!  So sweet, so special!

Joy * Joy * Joy

Introducing Solid Foods

Food is one of those magical things in life…and one of my utmost passions.  Ella seems to share my joy, she can’t get enough!  It’s fun to venture around the farmer’s market and see what fresh produce can become her first flavors….butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, free range chicken…

And we’ve discovered that some veggies make great teethers!  Definitely not as great as her new favorite RiNGLEY Sun teether, but nevertheless something different to explore.

Her list of “firsts” continues to expand.  What will be next?

Good Laughs

How cute is this?  Two cousins, Parker and Ella, born nine days apart!

Our family just enjoyed a weekend in Bandon.  It was fantastic to all be in the same place at the same time without any commitments, just time to enjoy each other!  From goat balls to bocce balls, our family certainly knows how to have a laugh!  Let’s not forget the wooden dolphin.

It was so much fun to see the three cousins together.  Siena is a fantastic, loving, big cousin.  I can’t wait until they are all old enough to run around and play together.  Thanks for the great weekend familia!  Tons of love…

Great Grandma

All three cousins with Great Grandma

I had two dreams growing up, my first dream was that I could dance with my grandfather at my wedding.  My grandfather past before I got married, however he came to me in a dream one night and when I asked why he was there, he said “To give you your dance!”  The dream was so real, I’ve counted it as so.  My second dream has been for my grandparents to meet my children, to link the generations of our family.   My Grandma still lives in the same house where my father was raised, and to take Ella over tovisit Grandma adds one more layer of memories to that house . Seeing the smile on Grandma’s face as she holds her great grandchildren is a gift that is truly priceless!

Introducing Ella Marie Girard

Please meet our beautiful daughter, Ella Marie Girard.

She was born at home on May 20th 2010.  7lb4oz . 21″long

Wow, she’s now five weeks old today!  I can’t even begin to explain the amount of love we have for her…and how excited we are to begin this journey into parenthood.  I also have a whole new appreciation for the female body!  From pregnancy to nursing, my body continues to surprise me with the ancient wisdom it holds.