In my backyard...

I love our backyard!!! What do you have in your backyard?
(if you post about it on your blog... I'll link up!)

When are you full?

Tuesday we celebrated Dakota's birthday, however Saturday we had the party! Several friends and relatives came to visit for ice cream and a BBQ. We had been wanting to have a get together BBQ for some time, and didn't really know "how". People always ask, "why? What is the occasion?", so we figured Dakota's bday was a great reason! :-)

We had a few relative's come from out of town on Friday, stay for the party Saturday, and then headed home on Sunday. At first, I was a little worried I would be zapped from all the people, however it was one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had.

The preface...

I am an introvert. I like being around people, and work with people every day, however I need my ME time each and every day. I need to recharge with a book, or crafts, or something by myself! With people being around the entire weekend, I was concerned I would not be rested, end up crabby with a headache and not want to be around anyone by the time Sunday came around.

The party was great, it was fun having overnight guests, and all in all everything was super. Yes, I was tired, but not once did I feel like I wanted to run and hide :)

Then, Sunday afternoon, after waving goodbye to the last person, I walked into the kitchen and sat.

I felt good! I felt full.

I do not know how else to explain it. It was a peaceful, calm, "i am okay and happy" feeling. It is the first time that I can remember that I didn't feel the need to run around doing the 100 things on my 'to do' list. I wanted to sit in this state of euphoria forever.

I enjoyed the rest of Sunday doing little things, however not really feeling the need to worry about getting anything done, or accomplished. I was just happy moseying around the house and and relaxing in the backyard.

Then Monday morning decided to come. UGH. Unfortunately, nothing since Sunday has been a feeling of calm and peace. I want to find that again, yet I'm not even sure where it came from.

So my question... where do you find peace? When are you "full" and just happy?

Happy Birthday Dakota!

Let's get this party started!

Birthday treats... pulled off the counter. Sneaky little guy!

Birthday Supper! Yummy!

Went for a walk around the Lake!

Birthday treats!


UGH. I think I ate too many birthday treats!


Nap time!

** Also posted at: Dakota Diaries

My hard drive is full

Just great. Right? I have a bunch of great photos to share from the holiday weekend, my garden, the flowers in our yard.... except I cannot upload anything.

So here is my attempt to update you without photos :)

Life is still busy, however I'm starting to wonder if I will ever find a time when I'm like "hey, things are slow!". :) Work is busy. Summer has proven to be a very busy time at the college. There are not as many students, however catching up on paperwork, files, prepping for fall, and collecting data to prove the program value has kept me busy. It is good.

I entered the June photo contest of the month! There is still time to vote!

Husband and I have a new patio set. His parents got it for us for our 5 year wedding anniversary! YEAH! It is great. I find myself wanting to just sit there and gaze at our yard, in a trance like state. Our flowers are coming up nicely. We also planted grass in parts that were not previously grass. It is spotty, yet coming up great overall. Our garden is so - so.

The corn was "knee high on the 4th of July", so good there. Strawberries are viney, however, not really producing anything. The tomato plants have many green tomatoes on them... I'm visioning making salsa soon (any good, not to spicy recipes?)! The potato plants are doing well for being planted so late. Then the pumpkins, watermelons, cucumbers and muskmelons... no so much. I'm not sure what is going on with them, but I am disappointed.

I had also planted sunflowers behind the garden, against the fence, and then all around our new back yard fence, at each post. They were coming up nicely and I was visioning a beautiful sea of yellow... however something ATE almost all of them! I'm so sad!

The 4th was nice, though we didn't do much. Running late for fireworks, we stopped at a local place... which turned out perfect. It was on a hill, and we could at at least 15 different firework shows all at once, all around us! Very nice!

So that, is that. I hope to have more updates soon, with photos!

Have a great week!

PS! Don't forget to ask your questions on "What do you want to know about me!".