It's that time again

It's mid-summer and so that means it's time for the great canning

extravaganza.  Since our garden is thriving this year we've put up

zucchini, yellow squash, tomato sauce, pickles and peaches.  

Being 7 months pregnant makes the next few goals a bit impossible (applesauce,

pears, more tomatoes) but we'll see what transpires first- baby or more canning.

As it was last year- canning corresponds to thesis writing. This year Adam prepares his

thesis for differentation. As you can see- Maggie helps a lot by sitting on the books. 

Dieffenbach Baby Shower

Adam's wonderful family showered baby (and us) with lots of love 

last Sunday. It was so thoughtfully put together,

decorated beautifully and tasted amazing! Many thanks to Rachael, Reba, Mom, Dad, Aunt Carol

and any other behind the scenes people I didn't know about.

Note the "Mom to be" badge

What a fun banner on diapers, onesies and towels.

Loved the place settings and colors! The chocolate covered pretzels, mints and baby socks
with kisses inside saying 'its a girl' were so fun!

What a feast- these cupcakes were out of this world.  And the sandwiches and meatballs. Yum!!  What
a pretty edible flower arrangement too.

Claire making a goofy face

Lots of little helpers

Adorable and thoughtful gifts from Moms who know
what works

Daniel enjoying some punch!

Claire helped set up! 

Who will she look like?

Just for fun here are some pictures of baby girl's parents as babies.  In a few months when

we have actual pictures of her I want to look back at these and compare God's marvelous work.

28 week ultrasound 

Growing big

Baby J

Baby A

Sam turns 2

Sammy Kleeman turned two last Friday and we had a fun time

celebrating his life with his family! Happy Birthday Sam!

Summer Reads, Eats and Projects

Summer Reads:

1. The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way- Michael Phillips

2. Aquaponic Gardening: A Step by Step Guide to Raising Vegetables and Fish Together - Sylvia Bernstein

3. Wendell Berry: New Collected Poems

4. Real Food for Mother and Baby-Nina Planck

5. The Zookeeper's Wife - Diane Ackerman

6. The Piano Shop on the Left Bank - Thad Carhart

7. Crunchy Cons- Ron Dreher



Summer Eats:

1. Zucchini Boats

2. Blueberry Muffins

3. Rustic Blueberry Tart

4. Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Summer Projects: Here are a few projects we are working on currently

Bunting for Baby's Room

Burp Cloths

Mobile

Quilt for Baby from Mom's Old Clothing

Bibs

Car Seat Cover

Embellished Onesies 

Vacation Part II

Here are some more pictures from our beach vacation

Sam at Sunrise

Sam and Dad

Sam in the water

Having some "Chowda"

Sam

Yogurt treats on a hot day

Smiles in the sun

Dad and Sam read books

The cutest little Beach Library we've ever seen- yeah for a
used book sale