Still Here, but in a new House

Just wanted to pop in and say we're still here. We're alive and well.

On Friday we closed on the houses. Said goodbye to Midtown life and unloaded our belongings in Germantown, TN.

Thank goodness for long weekends because I have no idea what day it is and I'm still not ready to go back to regular life. But alas, today we do. Sigh.

Weekend Report

We had a busy weekend filled with lots of fun activities so I thought I'd share. Friday Charlie and I met Mom in East Memphis to go shoe shopping. Charlie needed some summer sandals. GrandJan hooked him up with two new pairs. 

Afterwards the three of us went to the Greek Festival. We enjoyed a nice hour or so sitting on the lawn enjoying the Greek music and some wine. Our men met us after work/travel and we shared a nice dinner outside as well. 

Saturday morning Bryan ran the Latino Memphis 5k. His running buddy is the race director so Bryan has run it the last two years to show solidarity. Charlie and I watched. 

And yes, C is wearing the same outfit two days in a row. If he doesn't get his clothes super dirty I let him wear them at least twice. And it's easier to just wear them two days in a row so you aren't wondering how dirty this shirt is. It makes life simpler and the laundry lighter.

Post race we enjoyed Brazilian BBQ and the salsa competition. 

I spent the afternoon at the garden while the boys stayed home and napped. 

Sunday, also known as Mother's Day, Bryan made us beignets for breakfast! 

After church we met the Baddorf's for lunch. Charlie and I slipped home for a much needed nap. 

For dinner we went to my grandparents house for a nice dinner.

It was a wonderful, fun weekend.

Garden Update Monday

It's officially garden season.  No more puttering around, it's the real deal now. 

On Saturday I met my grandfather out at our Shelby Farms plot to get started. 

The Farms plows up the rows, but after sitting for a few weeks the dirt is still really firm. So Gramp tilled up some of our rows. 

We get 8 100' rows. It's hard to see in these photos but there are little flags and markers to mark the end of our area. 

What I planted: 
4 jet star5 Cherokee purple
4 Amish paste
3 Eva purple ball
4 Italian heirloom
4 cherry Roma
4 black from Tula
2 alma paprika

My roma tomato seedlings were still really small so I kept those at home in the greenhouse until they mature. My pepper seedlings either didn't start are still really small. So I only brought the paprikas out to plant. I'll replant some more seeds today if I get the chance. 

Sunday at 4:45 

I stopped by the garden on the way out to dinner Sunday night. They were so dry it killed me to leave without watering them. But I was not wearing the shoes to water and also didn't have time. Ugh! 

Monday 8 am

So Charlie and I left the house early to water my babies. #CrazyPlantLady All but two looked like they will survive! Hallelujah! 

I am sharing this plot with my grandfather. On Saturday Gramp planted an entire row of okra. He also plans to plant some beans. I think he was shocked by the amount of tomatoes I planted. And this year I showed restraint! No new tomato varieties! 

On the home front I am experimenting with cuttings. One of the things I'm going to miss most about this house are my established herbs. I'm trying them in water at first. After 5 days the mint and thyme seem to be dying so I will try those in dirt soon. But the marjoram is already sprouting roots! 

The Worst Bathroom We Saw

We spent several weeks actively looking at houses. We guess somewhere around 30 houses total, I wouldn't be surprised if it was more like 40. Since we were looking in one area in particular most houses were of the same style, year built, and quality. There was one bathroom that stood out above all the others: 

This was a bathroom/bedroom in a converted attic space. Ya'll. I can't even. You go up stairs through a nice little den and there is a big open games room. Looks like it hadn't been redone since the late 70s, but it was perfect game/bonus space for the kids. Then you go to the far end and open a door. To this. Actually, you walk in and think its a bedroom, and to your left was this.

Hollywood style bathroom lights, a toilet tucked into the eaves, CARPETED raised tub.

It was impressive. So impressive I couldn't delete these photos off my phone until I wrote this post, well over a month later.

I try not to think about what went on in this bathroom/bedroom when it was created. Lord, help us all.

Charlie: 15 Months

Stats:

31.5 lbs

31.5" long

Words: mama, dada, kitty, done, eye/I

Favorite toys: Mama's cell phone, books, rocking chairs

He's such a goofy, happy boy and we couldn't be more delighted in this mess. 

Charlie is a full time walker now and is definitely getting into everything as everyone says they will.  Gone are the days of him staying in one room where we can keep an eye on him. Oh no, he's all over the house. And he has opinions now too! 

He continues to eat and sleep well. He has three teeth. 

Charlie is a joy and it's hard to describe what it's like to be his parent. Difficult at times, but over all, delightful. 

We love you Charlie Bear!