A Few Things

high school graduation, sweet peas, sewing gauze robes, language certifications, and peonies

May was a big month for our family as we celebrated Indigo’s high school graduation! And Jude is now halfway through college. They will both be at the same university in the fall, which is a comfort to me.

When Jude graduated from high school, I had so many big feelings. It seemed like our family was changing forever. And on one hand, it was. But, I’ve been surprised by how much I love this season of being a parent to now two adult children. The family group text might be one of the unexpectedly best parts. And even though we see each other less often, the joy of being together when we are is so special. There’s always something to look forward to! And it’s so fun to see them pursuing their unique vocations. That is good and right!

When Indigo was born and I became a second-time mother, everything felt more natural. I could embrace the season we were in more easily than I had the first time around, when every experience was new and uncertain. The same feels true now. That’s one of the gifts Indi has given me. And she’s always had a smile that lights up the whole world. You can’t help but feel like everything is going to be just fine. That’s another one of her gifts.

+ I’ve been growing sweet peas for the last two springs and I love how delicate and whimsical they are. And the fragrance is just perfect. I have a friend from church, Frances, who is in her 80s, and she told me that she will always remember her mother growing sweet peas, vining them up a wire fence in her garden. That just melted me. Every time I cut my sweet peas to make a bouquet, I think about Frances and her mother.

This spring, I tried the Spencer Ripple seed mix. They are so beautiful, but didn’t do as well here as the variety I chose last year. I learned they’re late bloomers, flowering near the end of spring based on the number of daylight hours. By then it’s too warm here for them to really thrive. They do well in cooler climates with longer springs. If you live in a cooler part of the world, maybe they are perfect for you! If I could, I would love to grow this Bix variety, just back in stock!

Next fall, I plan to plant the Old Spice and Mammoth varieties instead. They bloom earlier in the season when our weather is cooler and are recommended for warmer climates.

+Since my girls were small, I’ve made them nightgowns every year. But now they’re growing up, and Maeve is the only one still wearing nightgowns. Over the years, some of my sewing friends suggested transitioning to robes or loungewear instead. So I decided to give it a try and made Indi and Tia gauze robes, based on one I’ve worn until it’s nearly threadbare.

It’s been fun to transition to adult sewing projects, and the girls and I have plans for summer sewing together. Do you have any favorite pattern recommendations? Tia would like to start with this dress.

+ I have been so thrilled with Wellesley College’s Italian language and culture courses available for free on edX . I just completed their intermediate Italian course. I chose the paid certificate option, which allowed me to receive a certificate from the college upon completing the course. I learned so much and found it so valuable! 10/10 recommend!

If you're looking to learn a language over the summer, edX is a great place to find courses.

+ Jude will be in the Midwest this summer for a medical research internship at the Mayo Clinic, not too far from where I grew up. I will miss having him home, but I am so grateful he has this opportunity and the chance to deepen bonds with my extended family. And I was happy we could all be together on Mother’s Day.

+ Speaking of Mother’s Day, my neighbor Jennie surprised me with a bouquet of five or six peonies, and I was wowed by their dramatic beauty. It became my go-to gift for end-of-the-school-year events. They are simple and affordable, yet striking.

Do you have any fun summer plans or goals? I would love to hear what’s inspiring you.