Our Garden of Eden

For the last several years, Jeff and I have been gardening. We found two existing fruit trees (one pear-one apple) on the property when we bought the house, and about a year after we moved in we started a garden. We have grown tomatoes, potatoes, corn, green beans, carrots, hot peppers (Thai-tiny fireball peppers!), watermelons, zucchinis....several other trial and error veggies also.

The fruit trees definitely produce enough that I have learned to make my own applesauce/apple butter/apple-cranberry sauce (an adult fave), and can all those items. I also did pear butter last year, which turned out pretty good. We canned/froze quite a bit of our crops last year also. Needless to say...we won't be growing green beans this year...possibly not even next!

Any who, this year we are growing: carrots, corn (we will conquer this elusive veggie!), potatoes, jalapenos, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, cantaloupe, asparagus, garlic, and strawberries. I am also going to get my hands on some raspberry, gooseberry, and rhubarb plants this year! REALLY excited! HA! With that being said...we are expanding our garden by over 100%! We are going to be busy little bees this summer when it comes to pulling weeds, watering, etc! I'm glad I have some cheap labor (in the form of nieces & a nephew)!

Did I mention that for the last year we have been raising chickens? HA! Yes, we are your average little farm...in the middle of Archbold! We only have hens, so no noise for the neighbors. I can't complain too much about the stinky little birds...we get one egg from each hen a day!

We have our seed order in, and soon we will be able to get the sod cutter rented...and start planting! I just wish everyone had the great opportunity that we have (and the yard space!) to be as self sufficient. It is a really good boost to the self-esteem to know that I can provide for myself.
I think it might just be the idea of a fresh start to life, spring always brings a sprouting of fresh foliage...just showing you that life will renew itself, heal itself, grow again...exactly what I need right now!

The times they are a changin'

I realized today (not that I didn't know how old I was getting) that I am going to be 27 this year...in a few weeks to be exact! Jeff will be turning 30 on Thursday of this week...I remember when we first met...we were just KIDS! lol...well, maybe not kids. Time sure does fly by, and I'm actually looking forward to the next couple of years. I think this is going to be a very adventurous time for us, and I can't wait. I am in better spirits for today, never know what the rest of the day will bring. I'm still feeling quite anti-social, and leaving the house has been limited to things that I HAVE to do. I return to work tomorrow, and I'm fairly anxious. I think I'm just not ready to have to deal with people, and their questions. I'm a really private person when it comes to the really intimate details of my life, I'm not a "sharer".
It's a very sunny Monday, and I think that it is time to get my day started and do something of importance...you know...laundry, chopping wood, cleaning house, etc....BLAH! :) It has to get done though!

So I must say, I wish I would have never spilled the beans. There have been some complications, and it seems as if we will no longer be parents. I am really sorry, but no I don't want to talk about it. Our lives are going on a different path right now, and my 101 list will have a few deleted; although I am still excited to complete what is left. I want to thank all our family and friends, you have been very supportive. I am taking a couple mental health days, and will be gearing myself up for the 101 list to commence upon my return.
Thanks again, and much love.

My 101 in 1001 days list

So I was browsing around at other peoples blog lists, and I came across the Day Zero project. I looked through the website, and I decided to start my own list. I'm hoping this will keep me motivated and on track with things that I want to accomplish. Sort of like a HUGE to-do list. I am a perpetual list maker...maybe if I can finish even 90% of the things on this list...it will make a dent in my life-long goals! :) HA! I have just realized that in the last few years I have stopped pursuing some things that were once an important goal of mine...kind of getting lost in the shuffle of "real life". I am planning on printing off a master copy, and posting it somewhere that I will look at it everyday in order to keep on track with this thing. Well, I will keep updates on here about my progress in this little endeavour. Wish me luck!

spilling the beans

Hello there! This is just a quick post...just to have something in here for right now. Jeff & I have been together going on 7 years, which seems like a lifetime some days. We live in Archbold...bought a house about 5 years ago. My life basically consists of work and school...with a little fun mixed in. We are currently expecting our first (possibley only) child; due in October. It was a surprise, as we were doing everything (or so we thought) to NOT have children right now...but obviously things did not work in our favor. I am still getting used to the idea, and being that I'm 10 weeks and have not been sick once, it feels like nothing is different. I am quite lucky because the only problem I have had is just a consistent tired feeling, and a headache that has just been a dull constant pain most days. I consider myself extremely lucky to not be hugging the toilet! :)
We go in 3 weeks to hear the heartbeat...hopefully that will make this whole situation a little more "real" for us.