the dahlias

just one of two bouquets courtesy of Foxberry Farm in the homemade vase from my fellow art major friend, Heather... a gift in college.

foxberry farms

an outing to foxberry farms resulted in raspberry-stained hands, freshly picked tomatoes, bunches of grapes off the vine and autumn bouquets of dahlias.

six months tomorrow

a nod to martha...

...stewart that is.

In preparation for the Halloween season, Bentley and I ventured to the Dollar Store to find the following items:

bag of 8 snakes - $1
bag of 'other' insects (the centipede caught my eye) - $1
medium wicker wreath - $1
6 foot leaf garland - $1
green floral wire - $1

and then onto a quick stop at Home Depot for satin black spray paint - $4 (I plan to use it more, oh, much more.)

Using my trusty mini hot glue gun and naptime hours, I constructed the infamous wreath.



While Martha's version didn't have leaves, my puny wicker wreath seemed like it needed a bit more bulk.

Now, when we get home from outings, Bentley consistently points to it and enthusiastically says, "Snakes!"

a moment.

As I left at 6:15 tonight to go to a preschool board meeting, I also left my first-born daughter crying out for me, while her father consoled her. To those red cheeks, tears and reaching arms, I said, "I love you, goodbye my lovely," and shut the door.

I then came home at the tail end of bedtime, in just enough time to go in after daddy and give last kisses and goodnights. As I get up to leave, she touches my face and says, "lay down, mommy lay down." I lay my head next to hers for just a moment (I love those soft curls of hair and sweet hand on my cheek), but then rise and tell her that it is bedtime and she needs to stay in bed.

A few minutes later the door creaks open and I see my daughter staring out at me. I guide her by the back of that curly blonde head and tuck her into bed again. She asks me again to lay down, I use my consistent discipline tactics as I tell her that no, it is time for bed and that we can snuggle in the morning.

As I leave and wait for her to sleep, I remember that sweet request and wish I had just laid there a moment longer.

The door creaks open again.

I don't hesitate (thinking, here is my chance, I am throwing 'discipline' out the window at the moment - I hope not to pay for this later - to simply love on my daughter) and this time pick her up in my arms and carry her into her room. Standing, I just sway and hug her tight as she lays her head on my shoulder, wraps her flannel pj'ed arms around my neck and rests one leg on each side of baby sister's belly. In between a few sways, I kiss her cheek several times. We don't say anything but instead just embrace. She doesn't pull away and I just hold on longer. Finally after giving her a solid, I-want-you-to-always-know-you-are-protected-and-cared-for-deeply squeeze, I lay her back down in bed and tuck her in for the night.

I love you my darling bentley brooke.