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hump day nuggets: rosy (giveaway!)
April 21, 2010
hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week

I am in love. In fact, sometimes I feel shy about answering the question how are you? because I don’t want to seem all rose-colored glasses about my life. But, in truth, I’m rosy.

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When I made the choice to not return to my job (that I loved) after my second kid, I knew I’d at least equally love my new life. But really, I had no idea how fortunate I’d feel for the experience of hanging out with these two incredible souls all day, every day.
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Now don’t misunderstand. It is really hard sometimes. Like really hard on days when I am so tired and ugly and frustrated I feel like I am barely hanging on, like it’s all I can do to not scream. But I had those SAME EXACT days when I was a museum development director. And, I think those days exist if one is doing anything worth anything. It’s hard. It’s rewarding. It’s great.
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nuggets.
:: Margot is a huge help with her sister. She fetches fallen socks, straightens sun hats and sweetly sings songs. Lately, however, when I ask Margot to help me out she grabs a random, nearby object such as a coffee mug or toy and says, Sorry, mom. I can’t help. My hands are full. Yesterday, there wasn’t anything to grab so she held her ears and told me her hands were full.
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:: Ruby has happily discovered her toes.
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:: Last week I noticed our lawn was obliterated. Which proves how little I pay attention to our lawn…because people round here have had green yards for weeks and I just noticed our brown plot.
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Over the winter, our chickens had free reign over our two-lot backyard and had definitely been feasting on every millimeter of green this spring. We put them back in their run and within a few days, bright green lawn is peeking out. Although this experiment would terrify lawn-lovers, I think our yard, after a season of scratching and chicken poo, will be better than ever.
:: And our garden will be better than ever too. Hundreds of tiny seeds planted, hundreds more to go.
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:: Margot is SO into it. Fascinated by the concept of a seed turning into her favorite food (me too), she visits her garden daily. Her list has grown to include carrots, one pumpkin and little tomatoes. She flipped when she saw the Matt’s Wild Cherry Tomato seed packet. And she was really bummed to learn we can’t plant them just yet.
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:: But we did get to plant carrots, mostly purple with a few orange (at her direction).

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:: And Ruby’s the perfect little garden companion.

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:: Not much better than line-dried clothes. I am so glad I don’t live in a community that forbids clothes lines because I’d surely get slapped with some sort of homeowner’s fine.
Also I think clothes pins are a fantastic invention. Other fantastic inventions include scissors, zippers, coffee mugs and macbooks.
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:: She’s developing notable independence.
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:: Andy stayed home with the girls last Saturday and I went to a fundraising auction with a friend. It felt good to wear heels, hang with friends, drink hoppy beer and bid on art.
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:: Our first (itty bitty) harvest! We’ve been eating fresh chives on just about everything.
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:: And, our first outdoor dining experience of 2010. It was perfectly cool. The kind of chill that warms by the second until, at the end of breakfast, you are peeling layers off, itching to dig in the dirt.
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:: Margot’s weekly art class.
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:: Margot and our dear friend, Ben, have the most fun together.
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:: Seriously. My kids are so fabulous.

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:: Our Earth Week pledge, inspired by the Biomimicy Institute, to turn off the tv and get outside is going well. While we don’t watch much of our tv anyway, the commitment has sharpened my focus on my surroundings.

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This week, I vowed to get out with my girls and do nothing but thoroughly explore a different outside space every day. Monday we were in our backyard, gardening, all day. Tuesday we picnicked at the edge of the Clark Fork River.

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We spent our time talking about birds and rivers, mountains and the sun. Margot’s inquisitive mind absorbing how sand is formed, where water comes from and why it’s cooler in the shade.

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And Ruby, well, I think we are all born with a deep and thorough appreciation for life, love, comfort and beauty.

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All that reveling in our world led to a hilarious photo shoot.

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The Biomimicry Institute is giving one of you a copy of Ask the Planet, an incredible, award-winning children’s cd. In their words, The music and lyrics in Ask the Planet are designed to reconnect children to nature, create a sense of awe for the environment and teach them about the concept of biomimicry.

For a chance to win the cd, simply leave a comment and I’ll randomly pick a winner on Sunday, April 25.

WHEW. Those were some epic nuggets! Happy happy Earth Week out there!

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57 Comments


Ann
April 21, 2010 at 11:43 AM

Naked picture of Margot waiting for her dad– I laughed out loud! Soooo funny.



6512 and growing
April 21, 2010 at 12:40 PM

Love your appreciation for the little and big things. Thanks for helping me start my day out right.



Amber
April 21, 2010 at 1:02 PM

I just love how down to earth you are..I just love your blog!



Amber
April 21, 2010 at 1:03 PM

I just love how redundant I was up there 🙂



Judybusy
April 21, 2010 at 1:07 PM

Wonderful pictures as always. We’ve also enjoyed our chives already–spring is very early this year in MN. Do you grow sorrel? It’s another very early herb that’s great on scrambled eggs.



nocton4
April 21, 2010 at 1:08 PM

such great photos, just so gorgeous
happy days.
xxx



paige
April 21, 2010 at 1:12 PM

I am so glad you are in love. You have one of the most important jobs in the world now.

You are teaching your girls to be good stewards of the Earth, and you are helping other moms learn how to do the same thing.

Love you four lots. xo



Pam
April 21, 2010 at 1:26 PM

Love all of the pics (Bug, naked, save for the orange shoes, waiting for Andy) – yesterday’s photo shoot is indeed hilarious! Last night, a little before 6:00pm I was down in the classroom showing Bev Margot’s masterpieces of the day. As well you know, Bug was really working that big paint brush yesterday so her art is still “drying” (my hand … See Morebrushed against one of the pieces and was then once again covered in paint (although it did not harm the art work – still plenty, plenty left on the paper)). Say, have you found your phone?



Sarah
April 21, 2010 at 1:30 PM

I love it….we’ve lucked out with such nice weather for Earth Week!



sarah
April 21, 2010 at 1:42 PM

nics! i have chives in my front “garden” – how do i “harvest” them? just cut them off in the middle? pull out long things?
s



booksNyarn
April 21, 2010 at 1:43 PM

Love the nuggets, Nici! Spring is certainly ushering in renewed appreciation for loving the Earth – Happy Earth Week!



Tisha
April 21, 2010 at 1:53 PM

your blog makes me look forward to wednesday! your girls are adorable and surely Margot is a genius.

why is it that the older sibling likes to put the younger more helpless sibling in an almost choke hold? i thought it was just my almost 3 yr old…i think they might just be showing be too much love. yeah. lets go with that.



Kara Brown
April 21, 2010 at 1:53 PM

I love this blog! I came here from Kelle’s blog, and I so enjoy both of them now. Your children are gorgeous! Your pictures are so fabulous, and I love how you write. So beautiful. 🙂



Tisha
April 21, 2010 at 1:53 PM

oh and the nudey pic…priceless!



Britta
April 21, 2010 at 1:53 PM

Your posts always help me recenter when my little one is being so CRAZY. I remember the good things from our past week, too.



Judybusy
April 21, 2010 at 2:02 PM

Sara, for the chives, just snip them off with scissors close to the ground, then chop them into whatever sized pieces you like!



Nicki
April 21, 2010 at 2:16 PM

ok – LOVE the “my hands are full” excuse! And the waiting for Daddy picture.

Love you blog.



Katie (Mama May I)
April 21, 2010 at 2:32 PM

You’re kiddos are little darlings~it helps to have such fabulous parents!

Happy Earth Day week to you ,too!



jen
April 21, 2010 at 2:39 PM

i LOVE that you are so in love with your life right now. that’s the way it should be.
and you got a chance to wear heels.
what a lucky mama.
smiles.



Dana
April 21, 2010 at 2:40 PM

I love starting my day drinking my coffee and reading your words and enjoying your great pictures.



joan
April 21, 2010 at 2:50 PM

Margot’s new hair do is so cute. Love hearing Pam’s comment on Margot Bea’s art piece. Maybe it will be dry when I come over for Mother’s day. This blog is the best breakfast on Wednesday mornings, but I never get my fill. I love that you are loving your life and raising my grandkids to be wonderful women like their mother. And to have Andy as their dad, well he is quite the mookers genius. XOXO



Joan
April 21, 2010 at 2:55 PM

By the way Ruby is a true sport evidenced in the photo shoot. She must really love her sister. Plus she is get to be a big girl too, standing alone on the picnic table.



cake
April 21, 2010 at 3:18 PM

i know the feeling. of being so lucky to spend your days like this. i have to fight feeling guilty, because it is so sweet, i want everyone to get to have that time.

check your mail box this week!



Ash
April 21, 2010 at 3:28 PM

Really appreciate your perspective and your writing. And, frankly, your toughness. Running in Montana does not seem for the faint of heart.



Mary
April 21, 2010 at 3:35 PM

you have such a lovely blog! your girls are so darling! where are Margot’s orange shoes from?! 🙂



Earth Mama
April 21, 2010 at 3:41 PM

That last pic is great. Baby sister arm eater! Love it! I appreciate the life beauty you portray in you post. It’s true, life has so much goodness to offer, it’ll make your heart soar!
Thanks for the giveaway too!

:)Lisa



Jean
April 21, 2010 at 3:43 PM

I do love your blog so much. The combination of your writing with your photography is just plain wonderful.

Great post today. It’s great to be in love with life.



Crystal Pence
April 21, 2010 at 4:16 PM

Oh, I love Margot’s dress… did you make it, and if so what pattern did you use?



Kerry
April 21, 2010 at 4:23 PM

I read a lot of mamma blogs and yours is certainly one of the very best. You are a talented photographer, writer, crafter, and mamma extraordinaire! Keep it coming! It inspires me to get of my rear and out with the kids. Thanks!



Beth in RL
April 21, 2010 at 4:26 PM

Each and every week I look forward to the time spent bringing clarity to life as a mama from your perspective. It provides inspiration, joy, and a greater sense of purpose. And our chives have beeen a staple as well, it is fabulous to eat the food you have grown… Cheers and many thanks!



Chris and Lori
April 21, 2010 at 4:29 PM

Love the last photo. I bet Margot was a yummy snack for Ruby. Love your blog and wish I was able to stay at home with my two girls.



hyzen
April 21, 2010 at 4:42 PM

Love your blog, and I’ve enjoyed following along with your latest adventures, because my daughter is a little younger than Margot, and we have another baby on the way this fall. It is inspirational to see you and your two girls together, and I hope mine develop such a bond. This CD sounds great–I’ve never heard of it before, but if I don’t win, I might just buy a copy anyway!



g and r
April 21, 2010 at 4:44 PM

I also came from Kelle’s blog and so enjoy your pics and thoughts.



Ali
April 21, 2010 at 5:09 PM

On behalf of The Biomimicry Institute, thank you Nici, Margot, and Ruby for showing (and telling!) everyone how absolutely lovely spending your days outside can be. You are fantastic TV Rebels!



Ellie
April 21, 2010 at 6:08 PM

Nici,
I found your blog accidentally and have been reading it with great pleasure for the past week or so. I lived in Missoula for almost 5 years, and it just happens to be my favorite place on earth. I fantasize about going back to live there and, in the meantime, your blog provides me with lots of warmth and inspiration. Your girls are wonderful, and you are doing a terrific job of raising them close to the earth.



Domestic Diva
April 21, 2010 at 6:36 PM

sounds like life is good, which is always great to hear! love rosey!! did margot get a haircut? she is looking so big!

happy earth week to you …



Erin
April 21, 2010 at 7:05 PM

What a beautiful blog 🙂



Jodi
April 21, 2010 at 7:29 PM

I really think there is nothing better than staying home with your kids! I am happy that you are blessed with the opportunity!



Holly Days Closet
April 21, 2010 at 8:22 PM

I agree there is nothing better than staying home with your kids. I loved it even more when I home schooled. Now I get to stay home with my daughter and her daughter and I’m loving that even more. Life is good.
Holly



Danette
April 21, 2010 at 8:25 PM

I read your blog every week, we have much in common with kids almost the same age. I like checking in on how another Mom is doing it all. Thanks for the weekly inspiration.



Melinda
April 21, 2010 at 9:32 PM

Thanks for helping remind me to slow down and appreciate what’s around me even when it’s hard to look/hear beyond the whining, crying and fussing. Beauty can be found even in those trying moments.



happyappler
April 22, 2010 at 1:10 AM

love your yummy blog. wrinkle-butt took the cake, but all the gorgeous girly pics were fab. not quite gardening time here in maine, but your pics made me itch with excitement.



Amy
April 22, 2010 at 2:45 AM

Have I mentioned how much my boy and I enjoy hump day nuggets? Because we do. And seeing Bug and Rubes together makes me want to have another one. They are so adorable.

Ask the Planet sounds like a great collection and I think Caiden would get a kick out of having his very own CD. *fingers crossed*



Melissa
April 22, 2010 at 3:57 AM

dude, cannot believe i am only just now getting to the nuggets. worth the wait!

i also love the nakey photo . . . and am always amazed at parallels. avi has also started the “but my hands are full, mommy,” thing, and baby sister has yet to arrive!!

glad you are enjoying sunshine and chives. happy earth week to you, too! xo



Sylvana
April 22, 2010 at 4:51 AM

Your kids are so cute. And how smart is Margot – “My hands are full”. Hilarious.



Efka
April 22, 2010 at 5:09 AM

I can certainly see, why you love your life 🙂



Heidi
April 22, 2010 at 6:07 AM

nici!!! i think this is such a beautiful post. real life,real photos…your photos rock. i know i say it over and over again, but that’s cause they take my breath away.

bug with the hair cut and green thumb to boot. froggy rainboots on wrong feet…so cute. b does that all the time!

eating outside, girls night. you rock it out. really, your girls are amazing like their mama!
xoxo



Tammy B
April 22, 2010 at 3:36 PM

Love the naked butt with the shoes on. And love the sister pics with her arm over Ruby’s face. Such great pics, and such inspirational words. I look forward to each and every post!



Brandi
April 22, 2010 at 5:44 PM

“My hands are full” That’s an excuse to remember! 🙂 Again, your blog as made me smile and given me “nuggets” to think about! Thanks



anne c
April 23, 2010 at 5:15 AM

I met Janine Benyus at a conference several years ago, and was moved -literally – to tears by her presentation. Thanks for spreading the message of the good work the Biomimicry Institute is doing!

And yes. Right up there with the two-year-old who told me about singing “Fire on the Mountain” in the car with his dad after going to Costco for pizza, “Hands full” could very nearly be one of the best lid tidbits of my day today. : )



Ann
April 23, 2010 at 4:57 PM

Our family can always use a new CD to sing and dance to. I love the photos of your girls – mine is right between them (Nov.2008) so I feel like I see where she is going and where she has just been in comparison to your girls.



Domestic Diva
April 23, 2010 at 6:47 PM

Lovely! Thanks for the chance.



Ellenjohnrubicon
April 23, 2010 at 8:54 PM

You had me with the title (Rosy is my younger daughter’s name). I also love the stinkeye pic of Margot. So glad you are loving this life (I stay home with my two ladies). It’s something to behold two babies become people, right before your eyes. One of life’s greatest privileges, I think. Thanks for the giveaway, too!



Jessi
April 23, 2010 at 11:20 PM

Margot is just so precious. She reminds me of mine, they’re about the same age 🙂



My Love is.....
April 25, 2010 at 1:39 AM

OH!! so much to love in this post… the gardening, the sister love but best of all that nakey bum waiting for her daddy…. a common sight in our house as well 🙂



Crystal Pence
April 27, 2010 at 1:34 PM

I just wanted to say my Margot has the same wagon and loves to pull it around/fill it with dirt too! Fun times!



jen
May 4, 2010 at 11:18 AM

I told you you’d love staying home!!



  • hello and welcome

    I’m Nici (pronounced like Nikki) and I live in western Montana where I raise kids, vegetables and the roof.

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