I'll take the woman's role. Thank you very much.

Edited: he's fixing the dryer vent in the basement crawl space of the what the kids call "the spooky room".

Flavor of Iowa

Farmer's market has been part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. For my parents, selling vegetables and other farm goods has been supplemental in providing for 6 kids. With the help of us, of course.

I used to despise the work at times. Gardening acres of ground is no small task, let alone hauling it to town 2-3 times a week to sell. The benefits and beauty were hardly noticed. I longed to be on the other side of the counter buying bouquets of flowers and putting fresh food into the basket on my arm to take to my little house with my husband and kids.

But sometimes what goes around comes around and I've found myself back at the market on the wrong side of the table with my husband and kidlets.

Andy and I have been selling homemade sweet corn ice cream. It was his idea ever since my sister tasted the flavor in Puerto Rico. Since 'corn' is Iowa's middle name (and 'pig' it's last name), he thought this had to be done.

Reactions of disgust, curiosity, have-to-try-it, wow yum!, that's just weird
and often a combo of all the above are displayed by the passersby.


With some experimenting and tweaking we have come up with a pretty good recipe. Pureed sweet corn with cream and a hint of cinnamon, topped with salted sugar crackle. Almost everyone who is fearful to try it admits they like it, or love it.


Sweet corn ice cream is for a limited time only.
As fun as it is, we're tired of a corn slimed kitchen and hours of the whirring ice cream maker.

Here's what the Des Moines Register says.

Name Calling

I know they look like best friends. They are. But also, too often, worst enemies. I suppose it comes with the 3-kids-so-close-in-age territory.

Lately, their choice words when offended by each other are "You big rat!".
And it is the ultimate insult.

Before this name calling gets any worse, I am going to have to start administering vinegar on those dirty little tongues.

The girls loved their year at Grace Ballet where character is taught through dance.

Observation: tutus have a way of making them look so childlike and innocent.

Inspired to take this quiz via Rachel's blog.


Your style is:
Eastern Boho
ways in your home.
Your home is a gallery -every wall tells a story.
Not concerned with what you neighbors homes are like,
you are true to your own style.
Well rounded, you enjoy spending time at home as much as
you do going out.
You are confident and authentic.
Your home is rich with many details and textures.



I'd have to agree with the description, but not the photos so much.
I like more color & more white than this.
Also, I lean towards 'American farmhouse' more than a 'muti cultural 'style.
That was fun! Go see what you come up with.

summer is whirling by
so many fun things - should I feel guilty?
school books are ordered & the decision tormenting is laid to rest
camps and camping are "our thing" (have you noticed?)
the pool pass is coming in handy
our neighborhood is great in the summer
so is our town - the community feeling is on a high
this living room has got to get painted
Wrigley field did Andy good last week

more pics to come after I edit. I don't know how to edit...