A little planting.

Well, I'm just on a blogging roll lately! Here is another one for the (baby) books.

Ben was traveling for work yesterday, so Mackenna and I had a 'girls night.' We did some gardening, shared pasta for dinner (which Ben hates) and attempted a sleepover. (Mackenna decided she wanted to jump on our bed for a few hours instead of sleep. Perfect.)

I don't have a green thumb. In fact, I have the thumb of plant death. But I was inspired yesterday to plant some herbs. How hard can it be? Maybe Mackenna has her Grandma Judy's good planting genes....

We decided on Basil and Cilantro, summer food staples.

Such a happy girl getting to play with her favorite thing, dirt! 

Our finished product! Now we wait...

Mackenna's First Pool Swim!

If your in Maine, you know these past 72 hours have been a heat wave. Yesterday was HOT with temps in the 90s! We were invited to Pete's parents house for a little after-work-swim and BBQ. Mackenna wasn't impressed with the pool at first, but after a little persuading, she did okay!

You want me to go in that big pool of water?

Okay I think I like it!

Tortellini Soup... Delicious and Nutritious!

I haven't felt well this weekend at all. In fact, its been pretty rough. For Sunday dinner Ben said he would make anything I felt like, and I decided to check out Taste of Home's website. I've heard people, including  http://thewescotts.blogspot.com/ talk about their recipes. I thought soup would be perfect for a weak stomach, and found their recipe for Tortellini Soup. Ben made the soup tonight and it was just perfect. It tasted flavorful, and fresh. We both loved it, its too good not to share! As a bonus, its quick and easy.

Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini 
• 3 cups chopped fresh spinach (We used baby spinach)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

• In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add tortellini; cook for 7-9 minutes or until tender. Stir in the spinach, vinegar and pepper. Cook and stir until heated through and spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with cheese.

Enjoying dinner together.

Original recipe found here: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Easy-Tortellini-Soup 

Note: We changed the garlic and balsamic amounts. 

Happy Sunday! 

Saco Falls Management

My new job. Well, perhaps it is not too "new" anymore, since I started in November 2012. Since embarking on my career in Property Management a few years ago, I have loved the field. I love everything (well most things) about it. The interaction with the public, the ability to make a change in people's life, and the variety of tasks I get to do in a day. My days are action packed, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Some days I travel, some days I am at a desk, and other days I'm meeting with people from sun up to sun down. I get to be creative, think outside of the box, and make decisions that impact projects. I started out at Avesta Housing as a Property Manager, and that led me to the job offer that led me to where I am today.

Saco Falls Management is a new management company, started by the developer and owner of six multi-family, mixed income projects. In an effort to control the tenant experience for the projects he owns, he ditched third- party management, and started an in- house management company. We are so small, there are only seven of us that work here. From accounting to maintenance, owners to property managers.. we are small! I was offered the position of Director of Property Management, and I just couldn't be happier. Its a great fit for me, and one that I see myself growing in for years to come. I work with a great group of intelligent, motivating, supportive people. I couldn't ask for a better company, position, or set of properties to represent. Our properties are all modern buildings, and some include historic renovations. They are all mixed- income housing that include layers of Tax Credit funding with market rent units. The properties all have a positive impact on the communities they are in.

Our website just went live today, after months of work, so I thought it was appropriate to share with all of my blog followers. Check it out, let me know what you think!
http://www.sacofallsmanagement.com/

Our team http://www.sacofallsmanagement.com/about-us/our-team

New Slide!

I know I've been a little mum on the blog world lately, but after June is over our life will calm down A LOT, and I'll start posting away!

Thank you to Jenn and the boys for Mackenna's new slide! She spotted it as soon as she drove down the driveway yesterday, and jumped right on it. You can't tell from the photos, but it was raining so she got stuck on the slide. It didn't stop her though.

Welcome home Aunt Kathy and Uncle Skip!

Welcome back to Maine, I am looking forward to spending time with you this summer. I loved receiving all of my "Florida" postcards over the winter. Love, Mackenna

Twenty- One Months Old.

I'm 21 Months Old! 

• I've had my first ice cream cone. (Maine Wild Blueberry. I loved it.)
• I understand some questions I'm asked.
• I dance.
• I wear a size 2T.
• I can repeat names back to you.
• I love love love yogurt, one of my favorites.
• I love to say NO.
• I enjoy reading sensory books with pop ups, textures, and anything I can touch.
• I think playing chase is the funniest thing
• I found a new cartoon I love, Bubble Guppies.
• I love to show strangers my tummy.
• I sleep on my stomach with my hands tucked under my stomach, in the fetal position. My daycare friends are Brennon, Brayelle, Taelyn, Jordyn, Gage, Brianna and Sawyer.