He's home now.

Papa hadn't said much all week.

But two things he managed to say clearly were,

"I want to go home"

and

"Can we go now?"

Yes, Papa. You can go now.

And he did.

~

We will miss you dearly, Papa.

Food for thought.

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to cook like I used to. As I sit here, I cringe at the list of foods we've been calling dinner the past few weeks - chicken nuggets, quick sandwiches and cereal about covers it! Today though, I am making it a point to stop and make something delicious, healthy and just plain pretty to look at. This pasta salad is a serious home-run and amazingly versatile. You can eat it warm or cold, you can use whatever veggies or pasta you have on hand, you can even add chicken or another protein to it to make it more of a main-dish meal. I adore this recipe. I've made it for friends with new babies, friends who are grieving and people who are home recovering from illness. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't share my deep affection for this recipe. If you make it, let me know how yours turns out.

Yummy Salad (this is just what I call it).

1/2 C extra virgin olive oil

1/4 c fresh minced basil (you can substitute dried, but you'll use less than 1/8 cup.)

2 T balsamic vinegar

1 T minced garlic (I always use fresh, but you could use the jarred kind too)
1/2 t salt

8 oz short pasta of your choice, cooked (penne and bow-tie are our favs)

1 head broccoli florets, chopped in small pieces

1 package cherry tomatoes, halved

2 oz can black olives, sliced

4 oz feta cheese (I usually throw the whole 6 oz container in - the more the merrier)

1 yellow or red pepper, seeded and diced

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced (optional - I've made it without and don't even miss it really)

Combine first 5 ingredients, shake or mix until well-blended. Put all other ingredients in bowl, throw dressing on top, mix well. You can eat it right away or store it for a few days in the fridge. Serves 6-8 normal people or 3-4 Pattons (we eat big, remember). Enjoy!

Papa.

Watching my papa decline is so much harder than I imagined it would be....not that I imagined it at all. I think that's part of the problem. I never seriously considered that he might someday be gone. He's just always been here. Above is a picture of my hands holding Papa's today. He never squeezed back, just mostly slept. When he wasn't sleeping, there were only flickers of Papa...a slight raise of the eyebrows and an occasional mumble. I already miss hearing him say "Suzie".

Sky blue's the limit.

I spent the day buried in paint colors for the new house. I tend to lean toward earthy neutrals in my surroundings - anything that falls into the stone, sand, bark, moss family. I want a color that doesn't make me think 'look at that color' and I want something that's going to blend in, not stick out. I want color that's calming, classic, even plain. My children, on the other hand, are very different. My 3-year-old begs for Lightning McQueen red and my 6-year-old wishes for a green so obscene, there are no words to describe how hideous it is. Thankfully, the husband says, 'Whatever you think' and I secretly wonder if there is a lovlier phrase in the English language (I highly doubt it.)

Happy 12th bday, MTB!!

My nephew is now 12. Twelve. How can this be? If I close my eyes, I can see him as a newborn, hours old in the hospital. I remember sitting and holding him for the longest time as my sister slept. He was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen and I couldn't take my eyes off him. And here he is now. Almost a teenager. Sigh.


This is not my nephew. This is his dog who greeted us as we arrived for the bday party.

She prayed that we would let her in the house where all the fun was.

(Her prayers were answered.)
I sat as close as I could to the desserts during dinner.

I didn't want them to be lonely. I'm thoughtful like that.

Six-year-old M is losing teeth left and right.

Here's a better view of all the activity.

And another shot of the cake. Have I mentioned how much I like chocolate.

Big sister EB is a personality powerhouse. Her face lights up when she tells a story and she's always smiling. She's up for anything, easy-going and fun-loving. Love this kid.

Here is Uncle G. with the birthday boy. G's the kind of uncle that all the kids flock to because he's a big kid himself. Love Uncle G.

Here is M, maybe daydreaming about the gifts in his near future.

Cake was enjoyed.

Maybe a little too much.

Lego-related gifts were opened.

And then it was time for more fun with Uncle G.

My son repeatedly begged Uncle G. for a 'wedgie boost'.

Not sure why anyone would ask to be picked up by their underwear.

But what do I know.

And Sam let Uncle G. pick him up by the ears.

G should work kids' bday parties - he's way cooler than a clown.

Sister B has an extensive collection of 'B' and bee items in her house.

Here are two that caught my eye tonight.

B is for birthday! Hope you had a good one, M!! We love you :)

Little fingers, little toes, little mouth, little nose....

Meet Baby K.

Baby K. is a wee little thing, about two weeks old.

Her momma and I are church buddies.

This is Baby K's 4-year-old big sister who is very proud of her new role.

Until now, she has been the little sister...but not anymore!

Big Sister likes to tell you all about Baby K.

She likes to kiss Baby K's head...

And feet...

And even gave Baby K a quick lesson in pinking swearing. Baby sisters need to know important stuff like this.

Big sister then went twirling off into the living room...

Momma love.

So sweet.

I love these intimate moments between mom and baby...

makes me almost want to have another one.

I said almost.

Adam and Michelle. Engaged!

My cousin Adam recently asked his sweetheart of a girlfriend Michelle to marry him. I couldn't be happier for them or our family. She's a perfect fit on so many levels. I got to spend some time with these two lovebirds over the weekend. What a cute, cute couple.

I love Michelle's expression here. And I wish I had recorded the sweet little 'aww' noise she made the moment Adam kissed her forehead. So very sweet.


To my photography buddies (because all of my non-photography buddies are sick of hearing me talk about lighting) I followed your advice and looked for sweet spots in the lighting all day. As Michelle and I were walking outside after lunch, I looked back at her, saw this light, and said 'ok, stop right there. This is perfect." And it was.

You know I love the hand shots.

And the feet shots!

Welcome aboard, my dear Michelle! We are so happy to have you!!