Sustainable in KC?

Yikes! Food and gas prices soar while folks are lining up to get McDonald's in our back yard. When you smell grease 24/7 during the warmer months of the year and hear late-night drive-thru drunks all year 'round, it doesn't do much for the patience or the olfaction. Here is our little solution to soaring gas and food prices (it will smell better than fast food and do wonders for your patience): instead of buying plant starters this year, we have purchased a mini greenhouse and will attempt to grow some of the staple veggies from seeds. Broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and squash will be on the menu this summer, not a Big Mac! (Big Mac's were NEVER on the menu to begin with, but I bet they too will become more and more expensive in the coming months). Eat fresh local fruits and veggies. Best Choice now makes Clearly Organic--which is yet another way to reduce your carbon footprint while balancing a tight budget.

Sofie's First Dandelion

I love dandelions. Reminding me of little sunshines on the ground, I used to pick bouquets of them as a kid, and when I was a little girl, I used to take the yellow dandelions and soflty draw with them on my forearms. I liked how they felt against my skin, and I even traced dandelion "sketches " on my mom's arms. Funny, the little things that girls find pretty where others find weeds.

There are so many exciting things to discover in the front yard, and the little ladybug (aka: Sofie) is figuring out fast! I came home from the BLVD gym and found Matt and Sofie playing in the front yard today. They looked so warm and full of life that Sofie and I lingered on in the springtime sun long after Matt went to work. What we discovered together: dandelions are still one of my favorite flowers (maybe Sofie's too), seedpods are fascinating, and red clover isn't as fun to chew on as my car keys.

Sofija Soleil's First Birthday

On March 29, 2008, we celebrated Sofija Soleil's First Birthday (actual bday is April 3). Between all of the Ruzichs, the Waites, the Hughes, the Hefrons, the Meyers, and everyone else, we had a lovely (and large) group and a great day for our little angel. 

Sofie was wonderfully spoiled and I know the adults enjoyed playing with her toys just as much as she did. I nearly burned the strawberry cake, but just like Mom's, it turned out gooey, moist, and oh-so-strawberry-delicious! From organic cotton dresses, onsies and cute little monkeys, to books for Sofie's library, the day was perfect. I still reflect on the party: the most lovely of all Ruzich parties to date (the Matthew Ruzich parties that is. . . all of Jeanne Ruzich's parties are lovely!!) The pretty little garlands and paper cranes were so special and Crystal's recycled tissue paper flowers were trés parfait. Thanks to Crystal, the festivities were well documented.  

Little Earth Mama

One of my favorite Spring memories with Sofie: Playing in the soft, warm sunlight. Happy and content as can be. Life should always be this beautiful.