coffee's coffee

Ryan has a new hobby that doesn't involve bamboo or a glucose meter.

It is making us all so joyful!

"Wow, that has almost half crema." Grace

"I'm going to give you a big hug for that!" Dada

{our moment}

We're joining Amanda for her Friday ritual. 

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. 

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Papa Pirate

Rainbows on a rainy day...tutus and all!

Bearded Buddies

Yummy Black Beans!

Thankful

I am so thankful for this wonderful man that I met 14 years ago. Thank goodness for cafe au laits. Happy "Anniversary" Honey.

Happy Happy Happy

23 scientists

+

2 giddy little girls

+

1 proud mama

=

the best Thanksgiving ever!!!

It was a blessing for Ryan to be given beamtime yesterday because it was one of the most memorable days for the entire family. Gracie was so excited to see daddy's work. It was such a "magical" place. Emily was probably one of the youngest to be given a security pass, which she happily chewed on. And the collaborators from around the world hope he always gets beamtime on a holiday so his wife cooks for them again. The only leftover food is Gracie's cranberry sauce! "Maybe Christmas next year?" 

There were SO MANY smiles that honestly...I wouldn't mind xoxo

"Daddy, are you making grass?"

Roasted sweet potatoes with fennel and granny smith apples

roasted brussel sprouts

roasted turkey breasts 

9

There is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name. 

   -The Avett Brothers

I love you sugar.

Nine years ago I took your name.

Today I take your hand.

Tomorrow the best is yet to come.

Modern Art

Happy Birthday My Love

A possibility was born the day you were born

and it will live as long as you live.

~Marcus Solero

Everyone is the age of their heart.

~Guatemalan proverb

Young. Old. Just words.

~George Burns

Celebrate your existence.

~William Blake

Yes, let's do exactly that!

So Handsome

Ryan, 

You are so handsome...inside and out.

xo

Just A Little Morning Business

Connected

I love this website about missed connections and it got me thinking...

Thirteen years ago, I could have easily had a missed connection. I went with a girlfriend to a local espresso shop (that is known not only for it's excellent coffee but also it's egotistical baristas) to get a late night cocoa during finals week. I recognized the guy behind the bar from a history class. What had caught my eye besides that cute smile? He was obviously the smartest student in the class, he was buds with the teacher Valor Pickett, and he wore obnoxious plaid flannel pajama pants to class.

Me: Hey we were in Valor Pickett's class together
Him: Long pause... oh yeah

I realized he didn't remember me. Gasp! He didn't remember me? But I had a cute smile! I was obviously the second most intelligent student in the class, I was on a first name basis with our teacher Valor Pickett,  and I wore comfortable but adorably well planned outfits to class. What do you mean he didn't remember me?!!?

The next afternoon I went in for a Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, french press cafe au lait. He was studying and eating dinner when I sat down next to him to chat while my coffee brewed for seven minutes. An hour later my coffee was cold, his dinner was old and we had just unknowingly met our soul mates.

The next night (okay, I was a bit of a coffee shop groupie) I went in again with a friend to get another cocoa and he was working again. They were packed. The line was to the door. He took our order and asked me if I could stick around for a couple of minutes. He placed a pad of paper and a pen on the bar beside us. We waited for a couple of minutes but the line only got longer. So...I wrote down my number and left. He called the next day and he still has that piece of paper in his wallet.

We could have so easily been a missed connection.

But here we are 13 years later, connected in so many ways.

Connected by our history,
by our vows,
by our two angels,
by our future.

And I wouldn't miss that for the world.
i love you hon. xoxo