Surrounded by nothing and yet everything fabulous, I celebrate my 27th birthday today. I had been feeling a little sorry for myself because I'm the only member of my immediate family celebrating a birthday in our rental. While Axel and Jahred both enjoyed their parties in our circa 1924 bungalow, it was not to be for me.

Although up until today I insisted that this birthday would be a terrible reminder of everything I am missing this year, it was just the opposite.

I have been dreaming of a greenhouse in our next back yard; somewhere I can admire beautiful things all year long.  Yesterday, to my surprise, Jahred transformed the balcony into just that. He built a lovely portable greenhouse of his own design.  There is room for a heating device, a grow light, plenty of plants and if I am really desperate, yes, I fit.  In our next home, it will become my seed starting shelter, but for now, it's more of a home than the other shared walls, used carpet and elephants that live upstairs.

In the company of my new tropical paradise I opened presents with family today.  Axel was pleased to blow out my candle, and although this year has been more "bitter sweet" than "sweet sixteen", I may just survive to see 28.

Thanks to my family for surprises and simplicity, just the way I like it.

Ok, really, this greenhouse rocks.  I wish you all could see it in person.

I less than a week I'll be blowing out candles once again.  I may just have to stick my candles in ice cream since I happen to be without an oven (lovely appliances they have in this rental), but none-the-less I will be celebrating.

Because I am on the downward slope to Jahred graduating and moving into our next home, it's time to clear out the stocks.  I have added lots of new items from my collection to the Etsy shop.  Antique items, yarn scrap packs, you name it, I'm ready to part with it.

In honor of my own B-day, I'm offering the following deals:
** ALL ORDERS over $27 (not including shipping) will be refunded 20%.
** ALL PDF SEWING PATTERNS are BOGO (buy one get one free...let me know at checkout 
      which one you would like GRATIS)!
** ALL DE-STASH items are 50% off (priced as marked).

Take advantage!  Sale ends at midnight, July 25th!  Supplies limited as everything is OOAK.

Balcony gardening isn't for the weak! Hauling the dirt and containers up stairs and through your living room takes a bit of commitment.  Yesterday I picked and ate this lovely tomato all by myself, because thats how I hauled all this stuff up here...by myself!

In the background of this photo are the broccoli and carrots I was told by a master gardner I could "never grow" on a balcony.  Well mister, while you are worrying away about your plant eating pests and small mammals, my balcony is free of everything but sunshine!  So EAT IT! Ok, maybe a little harsh.  But just to rub it in...I grew them organically!

While inspecting the fruits of my labor (I actually prefer labour...like blonde vs. blond) I noticed that Axel is getting a few freckles on his nose.  I asked him to show them to me so I could take a picture, when it occurred to me that he hasn't actually heard the word freckle! He thought for sure they were in his mouth!  How incredible it is to actually teach things to a child for the first time!

Forth of July this year was spent with Buzz Lightyear.  Having an animated child really has its benefits.  Last week when I saw that for a small mortgage payment I could purchase a set of life-like Buzz wings, I took Target up on their offer!

Jahred presented Axel with the flight pack just prior to a B-day party on Saturday.  As if on stage, Axel snapped into character immediately and without hesitation, he knew exactly how to operate his first pair of electronically retractable wings.  With over a 3ft wing span, hallways are a challenge, stairs are interesting, but any small ledge/rock/book to leap from is thrilling!  The box clearly states "not a flying toy", but says nothing about bounding, soaring, becoming a playground idol, or claiming to be the REAL Buzz Lightyear.

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend were the public flights with wings in full extension, lights blaring and hands reaching for the sky.  He made several passes through the crowds in Hudson as he watched his first "Fires", not really his first...just the first he could possibly remember.

I love this picture taken without flash on Grandpas lap.  It's so very vintage Atlantic City.  In complete awe, Axel took in all the Fireworks had to offer and then some.

...ok, I know this last photo looks like a professional fireworks photo, but I really did take it.  This is the raw image, no digital alterations!  Huh, I guess I even impress myself a bit.