Captivating

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

I tip my head in remembrance for all that 2011 held,

and pause to wonder what is in store for 2012.

May each of us grow in grace and gratitude as a result of the road ahead.

Thanksgiving Tradition

2011-12-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

We thought we'd have to give up our Mt. Hood sledding tradition on Thanksgiving this year (due to my husband's work schedule and my inability to drive in the snow!) but a last minute change allowed the tradition to stay alive.

It's one of the many things I was grateful for this Thanksgiving - that we could add another year of fun, on the mountain, to our memories.

Now, if we could only get a little bit of that white stuff here where we live...

In A Frosty World

2011-11-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

I wish we could return to the cold, yet stunning weather of this past weekend. (Today's wet and blustery storm just makes me feel like crawling in bed!) Maybe a visual reminder of God's beautiful handiwork will get me up and going for today...that and a second cup of coffee!!!

And may we all have a wonderful, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

From Luigi and the friendly little lady bug :)

There was plenty of trick-or-treating, yummy food (thanks, Mom!), fallen autumn leaves to crunch through, and family to share the memories with. All that and dry weather to boot! Satisfied sleepy heads didn't utter one complaint when they lay down to bed tonight. I'd say it was a successful Halloween.

*yawn* I think I'll join them...

Goodnight all!

Feeling Fruit-Loopy!

2011-10-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

I sure do have a nice husband.

After I mentioned that I'd really like to make a trip out to Hood River, OR to enjoy the autumn bounty, he said, "Ok...let's make it happen." And today everything lined up for us to go: beautiful fall weather, early release for the kids, and an unscheduled afternoon.

We loaded in the car for a wonderful, whirl-wind trip up the gorge!

We visited Rasmussen Farms, where we ventured through the fairy tale corn maze, pumpkin bowled, smiled over all the 'people' in pumpkin land, and bought some lovely red pears.

Then we continued on to Cody Orchard's Farm Stand. We played a little more, and the kids were treated to a free apple each from the very kind woman who worked there. (Oh...and we added some honey crisp apples to our pears to take home!)

(Emily took this photo, which is why she is missing. Too bad it wasn't a whole family shot!)

From there it was down the road to Packer Orchards & Cookie Stop Bakery. Again, the ladies there were so kind, and there were delicious samples of apples, pears, and cookies - yum! Ben picked his favorite fruit to add to our growing stock, and of course we couldn't leave without a couple small sweet treats, too!

Let's see...then it was Draper Girl's for a quart of apple cider, and on to Kiyokawa's Family Orchards for a little more play - and just a few more apples! (Fuji this time)

Our last stop of the day was sampling some delicious jams and jellies from the Apple Valley Country Store, where we couldn't help but bring home just one jar of peach pepper jelly :) Then it was one last romp on the tire swing outside...

...before we headed home with our yummy treats and the beautiful scenery fresh in our minds.

What a fine, fine autumn day.

boy + liquid soap + jetted tub

2011-10-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Save me! I'm drowning in a sea of bubbles!"

First Day

2011-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how quickly this day came! My kids are getting far too old, far too fast!

First day of the 2011-2012 school year...

Second Grade

Third Grade

Seventh Grade

Warm Weather Fun Continued...

2011-08-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah...we don't let pesky details (like not having swim suits) keep us from having some fun now that the summer weather has finally arrived!

Dwindling

2011-08-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

The days of summer are quickly dwindling. (I cannot believe how soon we will be saying hello to another school year again!) But for now we will absorb all the warm weather fun we can...

Get Away

2011-07-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

It had not been the best of weeks.

So when my mom texted to let me know they rented a beach house that would hold our family, too, and invited us to come for a stay, we decided a change of scenery might be just what we needed. Within a couple hours we found a kennel to board our dog, dropped him off, packed our bags, dug out the sand toys, and hit the road.

Destination: Rockaway Beach, OR

Objective: to play, relax, and let our troubles wash away with the tide...at least for a couple days!

And this last photo is courtesy of my parents. Thanks Dad and Mom!

I Saw Sparks

2011-07-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Work on the shed continues. Paul has rebuilt the doors (adding a charming barn-like detail), replaced a few trim boards that were bad, and built a simple-rustic-accomplishes-its-purpose ramp. I would post pictures, but I think it will be more fun to have a grand reveal after it's all painted. I'm sure you are all dying of anticipation! (yeah, right!)

And since my blog is just as much about pictures as it is my thoughts/family happenings, here's a fun shot from yesterday:

Sister's Beauty Parlor

2011-07-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

Our girls are like most other sibling sets out there...sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't. But overall, our oldest has an incredibly kind heart toward her little sister (who is half her age). Just this last week she took the time to hang out with her and paint her nails. When I went to check on them, I found this sweet scene:

It warms this Mommy's heart!

Free Is A Very Good Price

2011-07-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

You may remember seeing photos of my oh-so-handy husband building/working in the back yard on the black & white day of the June photo challenge. All that digging, leveling, and measuring was part of the prep for a garden shed. Someone from my husband's work was giving one away for free to whomever was willing to move it. Free is a very good price for a family on a budget! And since the person offering it only lives about five minutes away, we couldn't pass it up.

It was quite the process, but three days of prep and eight actual HOURS of moving later, our shed is here! It needs a paint job, but with a little freshening up and one of those big stars hung above the door, I think it will be quite cute and just about good as new :)

Ohhh...I can't wait to move the stinky mower out of the garage and into the shed!

Swinging

2011-07-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

There is a thrilling freedom on swings...swooping high and sailing back fast...pumping your legs and reaching for the sky!

Sigh

2011-06-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Here it is...June 30th...last day of the month and last day of the photo challenge. When did that happen?!? (It's true what they say, you know; that the older you get, the faster life passes by.) I am so glad I stumbled across this challenge. Some of the themes forced me outside of my comfort zone...and some were just plain fun.

The closing photo is one of those that challenged me, because it requires me to be in front of the camera. True, I have put the timer to work and shown up in a few of my other shots over the past month, but today I figured it was time to be vulnerable and place myself front and center. It's so much easier being behind the lens, but what's the point of a challenge if you aren't willing to take risks and grow?!?

June 30th - Self Portrait

An extra shout-out to Kimberly for moderating and taking the time to collect/post photos every day!

And thanks to everyone who came along with me for the ride :)

I don't know...

2011-06-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what was up with Blogger yesterday, but I tried for over three hours last night to get this posted...to no avail! I'm just going to echo my earlier statement about technology - I love it, when it WORKS!!!

Anyhow, here's my post that should have gone up yesterday.

(I'll post today's - the last photo challenge *gasp* - this evening)

I love black and white photos.

There are times when color is essential to a photograph; but so often I find that if you remove the color, you reveal the heart of the story that is being captured. No distractions, just the moment (or the subject) pure and simple. It somehow feels raw and honest to me.

I am inspired by photographs that make the ‘every day’ beautiful and memorable. So it has been my goal throughout this entire photo challenge to take photos right here at home; with flowers from my own yard, people in my family living our day-to-day life, and actual events. Today is no different; it was all about cousin play-dates and projects around the yard. Hope you enjoy!

June 29th - Black and White

To Bee Or Not To Bee

2011-06-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

That is the question.

I can't decided.

I'm sure this comes as a shock to those of you who know me :)

So I'm going to leave it to you, reader, to make up your own mind.

Today's theme is 'flowers'. Which would you choose?

And here's a bonus photo, taken by our 8 year old son, who wanted to take a picture of the day like mom :)

Only Three Left?

2011-06-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

There are only three photo challenges left (not counting this one). Where did the month go?!?

Today was a bit more challenging for me. Some may argue that my photo is a loose interpretation of the theme, but it's what came to mind, so I'm gonna go with my gut :)

June 27th - From A Distance

Up Close and Personal

2011-06-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today's photo op came early, thanks to the morning dew...

June 26th - Close-Up

My husband even found an awesome close-up just a couple hours later; here's his:

It was a good day.

Fellowship, lunch out, farmer's market, and a stroll by the river.

June is passing way too fast!

You'll Have To Take My Word For It

2011-06-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

June 25th - Something Pink

I guess I had my white balance set wrong on this one, because BOTH this shirt and the lip gloss are pink...promise! Cross my heart and hope to die:)

By the time I got it in the computer and realized it appears orange, I didn't have the time to fix it. Forgive me???

Furry Friends

2011-06-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

June 24th - Animal

And some other honorable mentions/out-takes from today's shoot:

Thwarted Again!

2011-06-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Apparently living in the Northwest and photo challenges that have to do with the weather are not MFEO (ah, good ol' Sleepless In Seattle).

First it was the Cloud challenge...

then the Sunset challenge...

and now today's, which requires direct sun, something that has not shown up for even a moment. We've had clouds with patches of blue, but never a good view of Mr. Sun and his rays. I know each day's theme is supposed to be represented by a photo taken that day, but I cannot seem to muster up enough creative juices to satisfy the challenge. So I guess I'll have to live with submitting one of my photos taken last summer:

June 23rd - Sun Flare

Tomorrow's theme has nothing to do with the weather, so I'm sure to be found [happily] behind my camera, snapping away.

2011-06-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

June 22nd - Hands

This lovely bouquet was waiting for me on our porch when I got home from berry picking...no note, no card. What a delightful surprise!!! I only wish I knew who I could thank.

Summer So Far...(photo catch-up)

2011-06-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

We've only been on summer vacation for six days, but they have been full and fun...

The weather may not be exceedingly warm for this time of year, but the calender says it's summer , so there's no keeping our boy out of the water!

We've enjoyed walking/riding on local trails...

baking and reading...

as well as put-put golf, gardening, and board games. (sorry no pictures of those!)

I can't wait to see what the days and weeks ahead hold!

Welcome Summer!

2011-06-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today was the first official day of summer, and the kids and I welcomed it in with strawberries fresh from the farm. The sun was shining, the strawberries were plump and red, and the air smelled of wonderfully sweet, ripe fruit. We picked for just over an hour and came away with 13 pounds of berry deliciousness!

Then it was back home, where we promptly scooped up some vanilla ice cream to cover with our fresh strawberries. (We have our priorities!) When the last creamy drips of dessert had been cleaned from our bowls, the kids scattered to play, and I headed to the kitchen to put those berries to use.

Fast forward to tonight...

I am one tired mama, but happy to report that berries were shared, frozen, and turned into 16 jars of jam - with just enough left over to make a pie tomorrow. Hello summer!

June 21st - Faceless Self-Portrait

Special Delivery

2011-06-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

June 20th - Bokeh

Delivering a Tonka truck load of golden bokeh for today's photo challenge :)

Orange

2011-06-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today's photo challenge is orange, and I have to confess that I was sorely tempted to open this post with a cheesy, old-school knock knock joke. I even started to type it, and then my good sense got the better of me and I quickly hit the delete button.

Orange you glad I spared you???

Hahahahahahahaa! I know...I'm a dork!! Sorry. I simply couldn't resist.

June 19th - Something Orange

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Unlikely Inspiration

2011-06-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe our son was zipping down the new slip-n-slide yesterday (thanks to Grandma!), and we were all wearing shorts, eating BBQ. Because the view from my window today...looks like this:

That's June in the Northwest for you! I have a feeling today is going to be a reading, baking, getting-caught-up-on-laundry sort of day.

Anyhow, today's photo theme is shoes. I have been feeling like the last two days' photos were sub-par, and less creative than I wanted to be posting. I wasn't sure how I was going to change that today...and then inspiration came in an unlikely form.

My dog.

Who got out of the yard and ran down the street.

While my head filled with all sorts of unkind thoughts toward my pooch, I threw my messy, slept on hair in a bun, grabbed my boots and umbrella, and set out down our road to look for him. After two embarrassing encounters with neighbors, my daughter and I finally found him. He was promptly returned home with scolding and put in his kennel for a 'time out'! Naughty dog! I was sloshing around outside, making certain both of the gates were secured, when it occurred to me which shoes I should use for today's photo. The ones I was already wearing!

June 18th - Your Shoes

My daughter came out to see what I was doing. There I was, smiling and stomping around in puddles like a little kid. She looked at me like I was crazy, shook her head, and went back inside. But it WAS fun. And it relieved my grumpiness from chasing my trouble-maker dog down the street.

What a way to start the day :)

I love it...when it works!

2011-06-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

It was a fun filled, summer vacation type of day that I'd love to share about...but we are getting ready to have some family over and BBQ, so it's straight to business for me!

June 17th - Technology

Who Doesn't Love A Little Candle Light Graffiti?!?

2011-06-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

June 16th - Long Exposure

Whew! This one was tricky for me!

Dog Days

2011-06-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of school for the kids! We went to the library, got signed up for the summer reading program, and even were blessed with a sun-break this evening to run around and play outside. There were bikes, laughs, scrapes, band-aids and silly dogs to help initiate the first official afternoon of summer vacation.

And today's photo challenge:

June 15th - Silhouette

The Eyes Have It

2011-06-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

June 14th - Eyes

honorable mention to my handsome brown-eyed boy:

Lucky 13

2011-06-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

June 13th - Yourself With 13 Things

There I am.

And there are the thirteen things.

Can you not see them?

I can see each one...

each one of the thirteen years we have been husband and wife.

They are the best 13 'things' in my life!

Some Days...

2011-06-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

things just don't happen according to your plans.

That's life, varied and unpredictable.

You learn to go along with the ride; make the most of what you've been given for that day.

Because it might work out better than you thought.

Or it may not.

But then you chalk it up as a learning experience, gratefully remembering the days that everything did fall into place.

Today's photo theme...sunsets. Today's reality:

We can have glorious sunsets here. (Yesterday's was fantastic!) But today it just didn't happen.

So I'm gratefully remembering another time and place.

June 12th - Sunset

Blue

2011-06-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

It was a blue sky day today. Stunning and beautiful. I feel each one personally...always with a sense of admiration and appreciation. Maybe some day I'll live where the blue sky days are the norm, and not the exception to rule!

June 11th - Something Blue

Memories...

2011-06-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Like the corner of your mind. Misty water colored memmmorrrrieeesssss of the way we were. Scatt...

er...

Am I the only one singing? Really?? Just me alone with Barbara in my head?

Well, that's embarrassing.

Today is a crazy birthday celebration day here at our place. It is my oldest daughter's 12th birthday (wow! How did that happen so fast?!?) as well as the class celebration for my son at school (since he has a July birthday). We have cupcakes galore, an ice-cream cake in the works, and a small handful of almost teenage girls descending on our house, with whispered plans of pulling an all-nighter. Should be fun :)

Today's photo challenge is about reaching back into our childhood memories - which was the cause of my awkward opening solo. It's a wide open subject, and I toyed around with a few different ideas, but in the end I found myself in the living room with my camera pointed at our old piano. It came into my life when I lived at home with my parents (already loved and used by some other family) and has since been played by me, moved into every home I've lived in as an adult, and been hours of entertainment for my kids.

It also reminds me of an ever present love of music. When I was a little girl and I would dance, twirl, and leap off my parents furniture while listening to 'long-haired music' (my childhood name for classical music). Or when my dad would make Sunday morning breakfast with the soundtrack to some classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical playing in the background. Or picking songs on the old juke box, watching the small black 45's turn around until the right one was lined up so the mechanical arm could reach down and swing the record into place. There's always been music.

June 10th - Childhood Memory

Love

2011-06-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

I am such a blessed woman.

To have an amazing man, who picked me and said "I do" more than thirteen years ago. Who shows me that he still chooses me each time he walks in the door, looks for ways to make me happy, spends time with me, encourages me to continue striving, laughs with me, hugs me, and shares my burdens.

To have a daughter with a good heart. Who feels deeply, understands integrity, is motivated, has a silly side, and strikes an amazing balance between growing up without growing up too fast.

To have a son who loves unashamedly. Who snuggles, still picks me dandelions, holds my hand in public, and gets a mischievous twinkle in his eye just before he tries something ornery.

To have a daughter who is sweet and uncomplicated, even if life's circumstances are not. Whose smile lights up a room, who makes friends easily, laughs contagiously, and has such a determined spirit.

These are the people in my family...whom I love.

June 9th - Someone You Love

And since my husband's gone at work today, here's one for him that I took a couple months ago:

I am such a blessed woman!

Snap, Crack, Pop

2011-06-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Spent a lovely day with a friend that I don't see often enough.

So I'm late posting, and it's not my most creative work, but I wouldn't change the way I spent my day!

June 8th - A Bad Habit

A Healthy Body Is A Happy Body

2011-06-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

June 7th - Fruit

All About The Angle - Part 2

2011-06-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

How low can you go?

Nope, we're not playing the limbo here :) Just playing along with the June photo challenge which is all about the low angle today. I love low angles. I have been found, on multiple occasions, with my camera on the ground (sometimes flat on my belly, sometimes shooting blindly) snapping away photos that give a whole other perspective.

And where Friday's irony required me to get creative to meet the challenge, today's fit perfectly into our day as my husband and I were putting in our garden. We fertilized, rototilled, made planting rows, and got a quick farm fence up. Later this evening we'll be found hoeing and planting, so I figured I better post now :)

June 6th - From A Low Angle

I picked this particular photo since it was my husband's favorite, but here are the other honorable mentions :

I can't wait for the harvest of fresh veggies later this summer!

All About The Angle - Part 1

2011-06-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

June 5th - "From A High Angle"

Green

2011-06-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

We've had a lovely morning here in 'Smalltown, USA', enjoying the community fun day and parade.

Our oldest played in the school marching band (we were exceedingly proud) and the younger kids were able to catch candy and wave at the passing floats. Such a fun day under warm sunny skies almost has me believing it's June :)

Anyhow...you may have noticed the title of today's post says "Green"; which is, of course, the photo theme and the main reason for today's blog.

June 4th - Something Green

May your day be filled with many lovely shades of green!

Irony

2011-06-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have one word for you. Irony.

Irony : incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result

Because here in the Pacific Northwest - one of the grayest, cloudiest, wettest areas of the world - I awoke to a glorious blue sky day. Which I love. And I'm thankful for. And I wouldn't trade (since we don't get enough). Yet herewith in lies the irony...that on this divine, blue sky day...the photo assignment...is clouds.

C-L-O-U-D-S!!!!!!!

So I went outside to spend some time in the yard, replenishing my sadly low vitamin D levels, and watched the sky. Just waiting for a cloud to appear. After an hour in the backyard, this was the best I got:

Yeah.

It's a pretty impressive cloud...no?!?

I told myself, "The day is young; no need to rush." But after a couple more hours, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Or rather my son's.

What? It's a cloud! Pay no attention to the boy holding it in place.

I know. Completely silly. I continued to wait and watch.

Finally, the moist air collected, the sun reflected, and I was provided with some lovely designer cumulus clouds.

But not a picture I was in love with.

I decided it was time to think outside of the box; to find a different way to satisfy the 'cloud' assignment. So...without further ado...

June 3rd - Cloud

Kick Start

2011-06-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

If you read my last post, you may have seen a sentence that said something about the summer ahead being ripe with opportunity. It's a true statement...because I choose for it to be. I choose to look at my weeks without work/school schedules - days that are unplanned - as a chance to be productive or try something new. But it could also be said that those unplanned days have the ability to stretch long and daunting before me if they are wasted. I don't want that. I want optimism. And I want to look back in September with a sense of satisfaction. I still plan on taking life slower, enjoying more time with the kids, and the occasional luxury of sleeping in. But I'm also thinking of planting, painting, photography, reading, cooking, and organizing (among other things).

Since there is no time like the present...I'm going to kick start my motivated summer with a fun little photography project. One picture for every day of June, following a list I ran across on a random blog, on an internet bunny trail. (I did miss day one yesterday, but I didn't want to use that as an excuse not to participate.) Each day has a topic/subject that I will do my best to stick to, and then post here on the blog. Here goes nothing!!!

June 2nd - "What You Wore Today"

I wore accessories.

Which makes me feel a little more pretty and put together.

Which makes me celebrate being a girl.

I hope you'll stick with me through this project. (My first!) It's a simple act of discipline and creativity - two characteristics that will be healthy for me to practice!

P.S. Here's a little glimpse of what I actually DID wear today ;^) Yep. Jeans. Shocking, I know!

Looking Ahead

2011-05-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the last week looking back...trying to wrap my mind around the fact that the preschool year had come to a close. How did it happen so fast? All the weeks with those precious little people. Each one unique. Some special from the very first moment I met them last fall, others dear because of the growth that was worked for along the way. Now they are attending kindergarten round-ups and preparing for the transition into 'big kid' school; most I will never see again. My mind rebels. How could these days, which were so many and so few at the same time, be the end? It's hard to reconcile.

So I choose to think of them, pray for them, and then release them into God's loving hands. Our year was but a brief glimmer in the story of their lives...but God...He is the author of their lives. He was there before, and He will be there all the days of their future.

Just as He is there in my tomorrow. In each moment with my husband and children. In my summer that stretches ahead, open and ripe with opportunity. And in my fall, as I welcome another class of little ones.

I needed this week to process and look back. But now? Now is the time to look ahead.

The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together

2011-05-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Recipe for a closer family:

One basketball

Two to three siblings

One mom/referee

One busy schedule, set aside

Combine ingredients together on a clear, spring evening.

Yields fun, sportsmanship, exercise, and memories made together.

Much Anticipated

2011-05-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we signed Ben up for the online Lego Club. One of the things he looked forward to most was the promise of an occasional magazine...in the mail...addressed to him. He waited patiently, yet no magazines materialized in our mailbox. About a month ago Ben said with resignation in his voice, "I guess it's not coming, Mom." He had given up hope; and frankly, so had I. It HAD been a long time.

We had written it off, but today (very unexpectedly) I opened our shiny, black mailbox to find a single piece of mail. The much anticipated Lego magazine, addressed to Ben. He was so surprised when I handed it to him. With boyhood pleasure he immediately sat down and began to page through, exclaiming and pointing out features as he went. Long wait forgotten.

Walk With An Eight Year Old Boy

2011-04-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

I took our son on a walk today, just the two of us. We've walked the big hill to the East of our house several times as family, but this was the first time it was just Ben and me. As we left our driveway and started on our way, the words began to flow from my boy. They flowed freely as we crossed the street. They continued as we trudged up the hill, panting and removing jackets as we climbed. He talked through the flat stretch of sidewalk. He talked as we passed his school and turned around. My how the words came! I was able to interject an occasional reply or question, but other than that, he had the floor. His topics changed almost as often as the breeze...sometimes funny, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes random. Conversations like:

"I think I am growing a mustache. I can feel some hair on my lip here. Really. I think when I'm older I'll grow a mustache. Or a beard. Or a goatique."

"Sometimes at school I daydream. I was daydreaming at recess and woke up just in time to see the wall ball coming straight for my face!"

"I want to go to Seattle again....and go to the Needle Point. Dad and Emily got to go up on it, but I never did."

"Judas sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. I thought it was 20, but my Sunday School teacher said it was 30."

"I'm hot! I have armpit juice! It smells like olive oil. Really. Do you want to smell it?"

And so it continued, for the entire duration of the walk. He only stopped when we were back on our street, feet from our house, and he saw his sisters outside playing. "Bye Mom," he said, as he turned and ran to meet the girls.

Conversation done; just like that.

Cannon Beach

2011-04-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

A trip to the beach - even just for the day - was among the list of things our kids wanted to do this spring break. We watched the forecast and planned the week so we could go on the nicest day. And the weathermen/women didn't disappoint. Friday was a cold but gloriously clear and sunny day.

It didn't matter what the temperature was or how much the wind blew. The kids still tip-toed in the surf and played in the sand. And ending the day with ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory made the experience complete.

One item on their spring break wish list accomplished :)

Borrowed From A Missionary

2011-04-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

I read this on a missionary blog today. Wow how it resonates!!!

"He always provides, exactly enough, exactly when it is needed. He asks me to take this next step and I protest, “but I don’t have enough!” Not enough grace, not enough love, not enough strength, not enough time. And the widow (from 1 Kings 17) reminds me to be faithful anyway. Of course I do not have enough. But I have Jesus and He, He is always enough.

I am faithful with little. He is faithful with much.

So we breathe in. We put one foot in front of the other. We love each other well and we laugh until we cry and sometimes we just cry but He holds us then too."

This stirs my heart...it feels so close to home for me...I had to share it

Game Face

2011-03-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a window of wonderful spring weather tonight and got outside for a while as a family. There was some blue sky and a lovely light breeze, all in comfortable 60-something temps. Soccer was on the agenda, and I couldn't resist bringing the camera for pictures. Just as I can't resist sharing them with you now :)

grrr...bring your game face!

This evening truly was a breath of fresh air!

Not Too Big

2011-03-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

I love that my kids are still holding onto their childhood. That even Emily, in middle school and growing up by the minute, still enjoys a little silly, imaginative play. This weekend she handed me two hand-drawn, paper quarters. She explained that I would know when to use them, then walked away. A while later, the doorbell rang, and here is what was waiting for me on the other side...

I wish these days wouldn't pass so fast!

Bloom Where You're Planted

2011-03-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

"Bloom where you're planted."

It's a phrase we use from time to time at my preschool, usually to encourage a child to pick a seat and not get up and move around. But I find that phrase quietly surfacing in my mind lately. Not as an encouragement to physically find a spot, but to flourish in my life, right where I am. To look for the grace in each day (whatever the circumstance), lean on God, and grow.

No excuses.

No waiting for something/someone to change before I will.

Instead blooming, making the here and now beautiful.

White Stuff

2011-02-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

The white stuff came!

I had serious doubts when I went to bed last night and it was a typical wet evening. I mentally chided myself for feeling let down...told myself I should've known better. But then I woke up this morning to a clean, sparkling landscape.

Yay for snow!!

(and look...the kids got to make their snowmen!)

Forecast

2011-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

The media is abuzz with the prospect of snow this week. The latest prediction I saw was one to four inches here in the valley. The only problem is, try as they might, our weather forecasters aren't known for getting snow predictions right. This year they have promised it more than once, with nothing but icy rain to show for it.

Last week we had a couple of lovely white hours, with large, fluffy snowflakes that surprised and delighted many in the area. I happened to be at my preschool that morning, and it was so fun to watch the children come in with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes. I would tease them, "Did you see the rain?" and they would laugh and correct me, "No Ms. Laura! It's snowing!" Then they would continue with stories of snow in their yard at home, catching snowflakes on their tongues, or driving through the snow to get to school. Unfortunately it went as fast as it came, and by the time the afternoon students were arriving, all signs of our frosty morning were melted away.

So, although I am skeptical about what weather we will actually receive this week, I can't help but long for a little more of the white stuff. Our children have yet to build a snowman this year. And visions of hot soup, cocoa, and reading by the fire are so appealing! Of course we can do that any day here in the cool, damp northwest winter, but somehow having snow outside makes it special.

Afternoon At The Park

2011-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

When the rain breaks this time of year, and the sun comes out, you have to get out and make the most of it. Not everyone in our little family is top notch in the health department, but some fresh air is good for the body and the soul!

I'm so glad we made the time to play today :)

Meet Olivia

2010-12-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

She's 12 weeks old...fuzzy...sweet...rambunctious...cuddly...playful.

Playing Catch-Up

2010-12-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

I've been a little busy. I've been a little sick. I've been working a few extra hours. But I've still been taking pictures :) So I'm going to play blog catch-up...in photos.

autumn in the northwest

Happy Thanksgiving!

happy birthday, Peanut!

opening the Christmas season

Life is moving so fast, but we are blessed.

Favorite Things - Fall Edition

2010-11-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

I read that Oprah is airing her much talked about "favorite things" episode, which inspired me to put together a list of my own favorite things...specifically relating to this time of year. So here it goes:

* My husband and my kids. But wait. They are favorites year round!

* My new camera lens. What's up Canon 50mm/1.4! You are dreamy.

* Eggnog chai and white chocolate peppermint mocha. Can you say candy cane in a cup? Yum!

* Speaking of white chocolate and peppermint...candy cane hershey kisses...divine!

* Lucerne's special edition pumpkin spice cream cheese. So good on a toasted cinnamon swirl bagel or even spread on a graham cracker as a simple snack. It's a fall staple!

* Hot & Spicy Cheez-Its. Once I start, I can't stop. I try to pass by in the grocery store because I know it's a problem for me. But they were on sale this week. For a buck eight-eight. How could I resist?

*Honey Crisp apples and Cuties oranges. Best. Seasonal. Fruit.

*Comfy, cozy sweaters. My friends and family will testify. I am a sweater and jeans girl.

*Knit beanie hats. Warm, functional, and a go to fix for bad hair days :) Isn't this one by Max & Melody cute?!?

* Scarves. If it's knit or fleece, it's for me. The eight (or so) in my closet probably gives that away. But don't worry. A scarf is easy to store, so there's always room for more!

* Laying in front of a toasty fire. Our new house has a gas fire place, and many evenings I have found myself stretched out on the floor in front of it, soaking up the heat. It's one of the perks in our new place.

* A cute pair of boots. I wanted boots forever, and I finally got a slouchy, brown pair last year for my birthday. It was a good choice. Now I think I need some black ones...don't you? Oh, and a pair of rain boots with a fun pattern. I do live in the Pacific Northwest afterall!

*Being creative AND being productive...

Which means I need to stop compiling this list and remove myself from the computer! I could go on for a while, but this is a great start. I am a blessed, privileged woman to have so many wonderful things to enjoy.

What Is It About Kids And Gum?

2010-11-18T20:23:00.000-08:00

It is a grand treat every time!

Intentionally

2010-11-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

I sat down tonight (even though it is far too late) to intentionally write this post.

Because that is what has been rolling around in my head lately. Living life intentionally.

Not the tightly scheduled, every moment planned, no room for spontaneity type of life. No. I could never be that way. It's just not how God created me.

What I'm thinking of is a life that is rich in meaningful relationships...because connecting with people was purposed, every day, as a top priority. And in this intentional life, one would never wonder, as they lay down to rest at the end of the day, where that day went and why it feels as though nothing considerable was accomplished. Yet rather, as their head touches the pillow, the one living the intentional life would exhale in contentment; from a day well lived, with opportunities taken. Not as a spectator. But as a contributing author to the grand story that God has written for each individual.

I want to live more intentionally.

To be that person - every day.

No regrets.

I Do Enjoy A Lazy Saturday Morning

2010-10-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's true. I enjoy a lazy Saturday morning. Cup of coffee. Check. Comfy pajama pants and over-sized hoodie sweatshirt. Check. Free time to browse blogs and photography websites. Check and check. A beautifully foggy autumn landscape outside my window. Yes indeed. The only thing that could be better? A laptop so that I could enjoy all these delights snuggled under my down comforter and propped up by several puffy pillows in bed. But that's okay. Four out of five isn't bad. I'll gladly take it!

why...hello autumn!

Expanding My Horizons

2010-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

For me, one of life's simple pleasures is a tasty, hot beverage in hand. There is something so comforting about holding a warm mug...sipping the steaming hot liquid. I seem to be in the habit of starting and ending most every day that way. In the morning, I am all about my coffee. The day just doesn't seem like it has truly begun until that first drink of sweet, creamy coffee. As the day progresses, I try to be good and drink my water, but I find many days (as the afternoon/evening rolls around) I go looking in the kitchen for a mug to fill. Now, as much as I love my coffee, my body loves it in moderation. So I started keeping packs of apple cider around the house as a hot beverage alternative.

Then it occured to me that I am omitting an extremely popular and varied option...tea. I have tried it here and there over the last year or two, but never really fell in love with it. I finally decided that it was time to try in earnest. Over the last couple of months I have bought and tried about five different flavors of herbal or green tea, finding two that aren't too bad. Just last week at the grocery store, I picked up some new flavors to try: gingersnap (with a hint of lemon) and peachy ginger. They sound so fallish - how could I resist? I am, afterall, expanding my horizons AND my taste buds!

In the end, I hope to have a couple tasty, new, caffine free beverages that I love. Perfect for those evenings when I want to just curl up on a corner of the couch and unwind after a busy day.

what do you do...

2010-10-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

I know it has been weeks since my last post. Weeks. Sorry. I don't like to go that long between posting, but I guess moving will do that to a person. Ahh, moving. Filling up boxes, only to empty them again. Arranging and rearranging furniture. Realizing that in your new house you have too much of one thing and not enough of another. It's a process. One that I'm not even done with yet. AND it's the reason why I don't really have anything thoughtful to post today...other than "hi" and to say I've been missing my creative outlets. Like my camera and this blog. *sigh* All in due time, I suppose.

Until said time, let me just leave you with this little pearl of wisdom from my life as a preschool teacher: What do you do when you have spent way too much time on crowd control and good listening manners for one morning, only to have two children bonk heads (because they weren't sitting and listening as they should), causing one child to dramatically whimper and be on the verge of tears??? Do you interrupt class again? Do you give a lecture, reminding them that if they had been sitting as they were told it wouldn't have happened? None of the above. Instead, you mentally acknowledge the fact that the injured child is just feeling tired and overly sensitive after a busy morning, you quickly acknowledge their pain and tell them you are sorry, then you sing. Yep. It goes something like this..." oh, you bonked your head. I'm sorry. You know that makes me think of a song I know. A song about monkeys jumping on a bed." *begin singing here* "Five little monkeys jumping on a bed. One fell off and bonked his head..."

You know what? It worked. The tears stopped, and the injury was forgotten. Seriously. Feel free to try it some time :)

A Big Sigh Of Relief

2010-09-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

We're moving. I think it's pretty well official. Contracts have been entered into for both buying and selling, and closing day is descending upon us rapidly! I have a steadily growing pile for the Goodwill, and cardboard moving boxes have begun to pop up in the office and living room. We find ourselves catagorizing our earthly belongings into what we need on a daily basis and what we can live without for a few weeks so we can get a jump start on filling those moving boxes. We are in transition...

And that transition has been so much more than a simple changing of address over the last couple of weeks. I (and mine) have experienced both conclusions and new beginnings, being stretched outside of our comfort zone, moments of extreme self doubt, navigating unfamiliar and crazy schedules, mountains of paperwork, personal loss, hellos, goodbyes, unexpected malfunctions, tears, and glimmers of hopefulness.

It is those glimmers - those moments of hopefulness - that I choose to cling to. Because the wearing events have been softened by God. A mighty God, who looks down and sees little ol' me, and cares enough to provide a new home. To fully honor a prayer whispered fervently for our kids. To encourage me with a devotional that spoke to the exact circumstances of the day. All gentle reminders that He will see us through.

My heart sighs with relief.

Fall Already?

2010-09-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little robbed. I'll admit it. Summer took a long time to arrive this year! And all during those dreary, drizzling days of June I consoled myself with visions of an indian summer...early fall days, still running around in shorts and t-shirt. Sqeezing in some extra days down at the river or enjoying barbeques with friends and family. Yet in the last two weeks, we have really only had two truly warm days. All the rest have seen us wearing jeans and the occasional sweatshirt. Most years I relish getting out my cozy sweaters, watching the leaves change, and feeling the nip in the air. But right now it all seems premature. I'm still looking for sunny, blue sky days and the smell of sunscreen on my kids!

The extended forecast? Not any better. Sixties. Some days with a chance of rain. Whether I'm ready or not, seems like autumn may be here to stay.

sun+water+splashing=fun

2010-08-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Our kids like the water. They like to run and splash and float and swim...anywhere. They will take a three foot, couple inch deep baby pool or the Pacific Ocean. It doesn't matter to them. There is fun to be had, regardless!

I love these splashy days of summer :)

Blackberries!

2010-08-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

It's blackberry season!

Living in a rural area, you are usually "blessed" with blackberries whether you want them or not :) We have eradicated a good portion of the blackberry plants on our property, but there are a few mounds on the edge of the yard that are out of the way, and are therefore left to thrive and produce.

And when the berries grow heavy and dark, the kids can be found happily sampling, fingers stained purple from the sweet juice. It doesn't take long for their imaginations to travel through the possiblities of baked goods involving the bounty at hand, and so they come looking for a bowl to collect the harvest.

Our first recipe of the season? Blackberry custard pie; an instant favorite!

Limeade

2010-08-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I never gave much though to limes. Lemons were good. I enjoyed lemon in my water or as a flavor of birthday cake . But limes? Well...they weren't even on my radar.

Oh how I missed out! Limes are an amazing ingredient in cooking, make a fantastic garnish, and are key to some very tasty beverages. My new favorite this summer is sparkling limeade. So refreshing and delicious!

So when I stumbled across a recipe for homemade lemonade (on a photography blog I follow from The Youngrens) I happily made plans for my own limey variation :)

Sparkling Limeade:

1 C. sugar

1 C. water

1 C. fresh squeezed lime juice (approx. six limes)

4-5 C. Seltzer

Combine sugar and water in small sauce pan and heat gently until sugar is dissolved. Then combine with all remaining ingredients in a pitcher, stir, and serve over ice. (You may want to tweak amounts slightly to come up with your desired flavor of tartness/sweetness.)

Hope you enjoy this summery treat as much as I do!

Random Thoughts

2010-08-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

I am not blessed because I deserve it, but because God delights in giving.

And how many blessings have I missed because I've been focused on the negative or too busy comparing my life to someone elses?

There is much to be thankful for.

One of My Favorites

2010-08-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

I want to have a moment of appreciation for one of my favorite summer flowers...the hydrangea...

They are just beautiful to me. If I had been a summer bride, I'm sure you would have found them in my bouquet!

Crawl On

2010-08-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Life can be tough. Sometimes it knocks you off your feet, and you can't find the strength or ability to get back up and walk. It's okay to pause a moment and rest, but don't let circumstances rule over you. Being down is not the same as being out. Don't focus on your inability; because if you try, you can find a way to move forward. Maybe you can't walk...but you could crawl...and that counts, too.

Crawl on! This life is meant to be lived!

Happy Birthday, Little Man

2010-07-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my little man. You are such a special gift. You are silly, sweet, and affectionate. You can melt me with your big brown eyes. You are my snuggler. You are impulsive, but never complicated. You always choose the company of another person over solitute. You love math...and peanutbutter & honey sandwiches. You never turn down the chance for fun. You question and test all areas of your life, but your heart has a great capacity for faith. I love you and I'm so glad God gave you to us!

Hey, It's Been A While...

2010-07-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick and random post to touch base as it's been a while since my last update. Forgive me, ahead of time, for this non-thought-out post. It doesn't promise to be overly entertaining or insightful, just an honest snippet of my 'now'.

After we recovered from our road trip, got caught up on loads of laundry, and made the car inhabitable again, we had a couple lovely days of summer laziness...sleeping in with hardly a schedule in sight! We went to the library, the kids flew kites, we went to the beach for a day, ate out a few times, and had fun inventing water toys with what we had on hand. It was great!

The much enjoyed rest was followed by some more craziness, in the form of Paul doing multiple projects for guys at work and me finding out about/applying for/interviewing/getting a job for the fall! I'm going to be teaching at a christian preschool three mornings a week; I'm pleased and excited about this unexpected chapter beginning in my life. I really felt like God brought the whole thing together, so I feel at peace accepting the job.

That's the majority of my update. There's more I could share...little moments or things that have happened, but I think I will stop here. Summer marches on fastester than I'd like. August is just around the corner, and so I make it my goal to enjoy each day. For each one, spent under the Father's care in the company of loved ones, is a gift!

2010-07-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Six days. 2200 miles. Late nights and early mornings. Thrilling rides. Fireworks as a final farewell. Welcoming pools. Vast sandy beaches. Movies in the car. A grandiose bridge. Freshly made mini doughnuts from the pier. Stunning red giants planted and grown by God's hand. Bottles upon bottles of water! Snacks. Laughs. Hours together. Summer vacation ~ 2010...

Disneyland

Camping

Playing on the California coast

San Francisco

Lombard Street

Golden Gate Bridge

Redwood Forest

Hello Summer???

2010-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

The highly anticipated day has arrived once again this year...the last day of school before summer vacation!

The weather is defying us at every opportunity, continuing the grey, drizzling, 60-something pattern even though it's the middle of June. Regardless, it cannot dampen the spirits of my children. The summer lays stretching before them, unfettered by school books and homework. Their imaginations dance with the possibility of sleep-overs, staying up late, water play, cook outs, and trips to the park. And I am reminded that this is the ONLY summer I will ever have with my children at 11, 7 (almost 8!) and 6. So I whisper a prayer that we will make many wonderful memories and be filled up by fun, restful days by the time September rolls around again. I know it will pass in the blink of an eye!

Happy Anniversary

2010-06-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

Happy anniversary, Dad and Mom! 41 years is no small thing. What a joy to witness your love and see your relationship going strong all these years.

Nostalgia...In The Garage

2010-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

We were all hanging out, being lazy and watching TV on Monday morning of the past holiday weekend. An ad came on for a toy race car set, which the kids (Ben in particular) ohhhed and ahhhhed over. As the ad was ending, Paul mentioned that he had an old slot-car racing set he had saved from his childhood... that he had put it away for when he had kids that were 'old enough'. I looked at him and said, "Uh...honey...they're old enough!"

So out came the dusty, old cardboard boxes. The kids excitedly unpacked and examined the many pieces of this new treasure. Together with their dad, they tweaked, tuned-up, snapped track together and played with the set. They have had such fun getting it up and working! The hours they have spent in the garage will surely be a fun memory.

Let the racing begin!

Ah-ha

2010-05-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've got a startling revelation for you. Are you ready for this?

Just because I have decided to do something, or to behave in a certain way, doesn't mean the rest of the world has made the same choice.

Soak it in.

It is not the world according to me.

Shocking, isn't it?!?

No, but seriously, it doesn't surprise me when someone takes their coffee differently than mine...or they order something else from the menu at a restaurant, listen to another genre of music, drive a different car, pursue a dissimilar line of work, etc. So why does it bother me - or even make me grouchy - when I make a friendly gesture to a stranger and they don't return it. I wave and smile, they look the other way. I stop for someone to cross the road and they refuse to acknowledge me. (Of course this doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes the people I encounter respond very kindly.) But I found myself grumbling and feeling offended when people didn't respond the way I thought they should.

And then the "ah-ha" moment.

The only response I get to choose - the only actions I get to dictate - are my own. I never signed a contract with the rest of the world stating, "I will behave this way, and then you are required by law to respond in such a way that is pleasing to me." Are my convictions so weak that a few undesirable responses are going to cause me to behave in another way all together? I hope not. Afterall, I wouldn't feel obligated to order the same thing as the person in line behind me at Starbucks. They're getting an americano? Good for them. I like the non-fat white mocha. That's my choice and I'm the one who will be drinking it.

Dandelion Wishes

2010-05-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

I know blowing soft, white dandelions just spreds the seeds...but I have never been able to grow up where that is concerned. They are fluffy and actually quite beautiful to look at. It's magical how they scatter and float on the breeze with a simple puff of air, releasing a wish out onto the wings of possiblity.

Take A Seven-Year Old Boy Out For A Family Photo

2010-05-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Take a boy - a seven-year old boy - out for some family photos and if you are lucky you will get a few genuine smiles. (If you are lucky AND really fast on the shutter button, that is!) Mostly, however, when you take a seven-year old boy out for family pictures, you will come home with a lot of funny faces...

and some pretend scenes of crashing and/or falling.

And if you think a good backdrop for those family photos would be a local river, then be prepared for the lure of the idle rocks and the rushing water to be more tempting than a seven-year old boy can stand! All those rocks...just sitting there begging to be thrown...followed by the satisfying 'plunk' and splash when they hit the water. Why pose and smile (boring!) when all that fun is waiting to be had?!?

But don't be surprised, oh photographer with the best intentions, when the little boy fun gets slightly out of control. Afterall, boys will be boys, and a little fun is always sweetened when there is a dash of risk involved! Risk like climbing onto a boulder that extends out into the river, and creeping over to see how much farther he can throw a rock from the edge...when unexpectedly...

SPLASH! Goes the little boy himself.

He will be sorry and remorseful at first, but more for the cold, uncomforable clothes and the fun that was ruined; less for the abrupt (and soggy) end to the quest for that illusive family photo. You, photographer, may grieve the loss of the nicely put together outfit and combed hair, but you'll find that the boy will recover quickly and make the most of the situation!

Then, without another thought, that boy will climb back onto the bank to resume the fun...wet or dry.

Yep. Cause there's never a boring or hum-drum picture to be had when you take a seven-year old boy out for a family photo.

Give It A Try

2010-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

I am an admitted photo junky. (grin) No surprise there for anyone who knows me or reads this blog! And as such, I spend time online every week looking at flickr and photography blogs. I recently stumbled across a happy marriage of the two. Allow me to introduce Madeline Bea. In my humble opinion, her photography is beautiful. What is more, she seems to be an extemely real wife and mommy. But my specific reason for bringing her up is because she posts a regular feature on her blog called Realities & Blessings; and it's something I'd like to try over here on my own little blog. It is an honest, no frills statement about something going on in life - that's the reality side - followed by a positive, silver-lining type of comment on the same statement - which is where the blessing part comes in. In essence, it's all about being a glass half-full type of person and acknowledging that God can use all things together for good. So indulge me while I give it a try...

REALITY: A wet and gray weather forecast is stretching out before us this week
BLESSING: Around here, it's usually just a drizzle that won't soak you, even if you do get caught outside. Plus, there is often a window or two in each day when the clouds part and the sun peaks through. I had a moment like that this morning that I was able to squeeze my run into. AND...we have beautiful, lush grassy yards and flowers popping up everywhere thanks to those same rains.

REALITY: My floor is in a perpetual state of needing to be swept.
BLESSING: I am blessed with three active kids who are learning to be independent. Their being able to get up and see to their own breakfast is worth the crumbs on the table and the cheerios on the floor.

REALITY: Our house has been on the market for over a month with no bites on it yet.
BLESSING: We aren't on a time frame. We really have a year (or more) to see what will happen. I wanted the kids to be able to finish out the school year in their current classes, anyway, so this saves me from driving them in daily from who knows where. Plus, I figure God is using this time to line up the next house He has for us. Maybe that house hasn't been listed yet, or perhaps it's on the market now and the price will have gone down by the time we are ready to purchase. Oh, and truth be told, we needed this extra time to button up the baseboard trim in the closets!

That's all for me (for now). Thanks Maegan, aka Madeline Bea, for such a great idea. I think a little more time spent on being thankful and positive does wonders for a person's outlook. Happy Tuesday everyone!

A Glimpse of Sun

2010-04-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

The mud puddles have evaporated and the rain clouds have moved on, leaving us to enjoy a few blissfully sunny spring days. The kind that beckon you out into warm golden rays and leave your nose kissed with pink. Days that provide glorious climbing trees, beautifully covered in April blooms...

And quiet, relaxing moments, stretched out in the sun.

I know the rain will make its way back (and at some point I will HAVE to stop blogging spring photos!), but until then I will take each blue sky day gratefully. Let the sun shine in!

Spring's In Bloom

2010-04-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more spring-time photos. These first five days of April have had enough of the "April showers" (or nasty, windy, stormy, instant mud puddle, get soaked walking from the car to the store type of rainy days) that I hope we are rewarded with plenty of "May flowers". That is if the old adage proves correct ;^)

Makes Me Happy

2010-03-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

I took this picture today...and it reminds me why I enjoy photography. It's just a flower from a little pot on my porch. The post processing was half accident, half intentional, but I'm pleased with the result.

Simple beauty right outside my own front door. It makes me happy :)

In Your Head

2010-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I started running recently...for multiple reasons. One: I was getting really out of shape cardiovascularly. Two: I needed to get out and get some form of exercise outside of daily housework for overall general health. Three: My husband has always been a runner, so it would be a healthy activity we could share. Four: I believe it is good to practice some sort of discipline in our lives, and I had gotten pretty lazy with that.

So I started running a day or two a week a couple months ago. I really had to start from ground zero. I'm not proud to admit it, but I was lucky to make it a quarter mile before I was out of breath and ready to walk. But my husband came out with me and encouraged me on. Run. Walk and catch your breath. Run again. Everyone has to start somewhere. Weeks later, I am still plugging away at it. I have run as much as five miles with little or no walking, but at a slow pace. Most often I go three or four miles, but I keep trying so that eventually it will get easier and easier.

Do you want to know the biggest secret I have learned about running? (At least for me personally) Running is as much of a mental exercise as it is a physical one. Seriously. I'd say it's 50/50. Yeah, I have to be able to get out and move, but I have to decide to move. I have to say to myself, "One foot in front of the other." I set goals in my mind and decide I will achieve them. Sometimes it is one more mile, sometimes it just making it to the next 1/4 mile post. My most successful runs are out with my husband because he runs along side me (making it look easy) and chats away so I forget that my legs feel heavy or that my lungs are working hard. And I can go...so much farther than I thought I could. It sounds silly, but it really was an "ah-ha!" moment for me when I learned that. I have to want to run, and believe that I can in order to push through when my body says it's hard.

So I lace my shoes up, become 'the little engine that could' (I think I can, I think I can) and watch the scenery go by!

A LONG Time Ago...

2010-03-11T23:00:00.000-08:00

I subbed at one of the elementary schools today. The first activity on the schedule was for me to work with a fourth grade boy who was preparing to read to kindergarten students. He practiced reading outloud for me, and then I accompanied him to the kindergarten classroom, where a group of four little ones were chosen to hear the story.

The fourth grader lead them (with a solemn air of maturity) out the door and down the hall to the designated reading area. The four kindergarteners bustled and bumped until they settled down in a close group, eager to listen; while the older boy settled off to the side, obviously pleased to be in charge and feeling oh so grown up! He took a deep breath, and with a great air of authority, read the title and author of the book. Then spying a golden award sticker with the year 2003 boldly written across it, he added a sudden improvisation, "and it was made in 2003." (Now, I knew this wasn't necessarily true. Just because it earned an award in 2003, doesn't mean it was written and published that same year. I did not speak up and correct him, however, because I didn't want to spoil his moment of glory!) I cocked my eyebrow at this new piece of information, and quietly waited for him to open the book and begin. But he did not...not before he offered one more insight from his nine years of vast wisdom:

"It was made in 2003," he said, and looking seriously at the faces before him, he added , "and that was a long time ago. A REALLY LONG time ago."

Then he opened the book, and began his narrative.

And so I began my day at work - charmingly entertained - and chuckling over the fact that what was so long ago to him, was practically yesterday to me!

Solo Weekend

2010-03-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

When it comes to facing the weekend without one's spouse, I am willing to bet most people would fall into one of two catagories: those who don't like it because they end up feeling a little (or a lot) lost, and those who look forward to it because they invision sole posession of the remote and absolute authority when it comes to meal time.

I am almost done with a solo weekend myself, and I am relieved tomorrow is reunion day with my spouse. I tried to face the weekend with gusto...renting chick flicks and having a hot chocolate/popcorn/movie marathon. But I have to confess, it was lack lustre. You see, I am used to his job taking him away for a certain amount of time, so I don't feel terribly lost. The first day. But by the second day, well, I am one of those who feels just a little lost. And a LOT lonely.

I made sure to infuse my weekend with people and interaction to help combat that. It did help. I had a chat with my mother-in-law, went to church, and had a fun afternoon attending a birthday party for my friend's daughter. Yet there is a certain gap when the person who walks beside you through life is absent. It reminds you what a special thing it is to be known by someone. What security there is in sharing a daily commitment. And how it should never be taken for granted. Not for a day...or a long weekend :)

Packing Lists

2010-02-24T22:09:00.000-08:00

We have been preparing for a short trip out of town...

I made a list of random odds and ends that I hoped I wouldn't forget; things like my camera/phone chargers, audio stories for the kids to listen to in the car, food items, etc. I faithfully wrote my list, but I know the truth. Good intentions aside, I KNOW - without fail - that I will leave something behind when departure day finally arrives. I always do. Packing list or not :)

Emily made a list. More than half of her list consisted of individual pieces of clothing; specifying color, brand, or both. The other essentials on her list? Books...ipod...a snuggly blanket...and all "necessary" items to complete homework. Hmmm. Think there's a pre-teen in our midst?!?

Finally, Ben made a list. He poured himself into his work, until his adorably large and wobbly first grade handwriting filled the front and back of his piece of paper. What were the important items he doesn't want to leave home without? His nintendo ds, games for the system with each title painstakingly copied word for word, various titles of dvds, candy, and "multi-grain jumbo rice krispies". Oh, son. We certainly wouldn't want to forget those!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

“Love is not blind - it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.”

~Julins Gordon

Are you blessed enough to have this in your life? Someone (family member, friend, or spouse) who sees you? REALLY sees you...and loves you anyway? Someone who knows the good, the bad, and the ugly and loves you inspite of it all?

A love like that can only originate in God; but it is a rare and wondrous treasure to be found on earth. Wrap someone in this kind of affection, and suddenly they know no limits! And when it is brought full circle, and the one who is loved extends conditionless love to the people around them, all involved experience a little taste of heaven.

Open your eyes and SEE the individuals in your life. Then love fiercely, regardless.

Happy Valentine's Day

One On One

2010-01-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, Paul or I will take one of the kids out for some one on one time. I have to confess that sometimes it feels difficult to set that time aside, but I never regret it once we're out! It's an opportunity to freeze our lives for a couple hours and reconnect with the kids as individuals; to soak up their unique personalities, remove all other distractions, and do something out of the ordinary together. It's good for the parent and good for the child. And when we come back, I wonder why I don't do it more often!

I had some one on one time with Ben this week. We spent the whole morning (from about 9 until 1) just the two of us. But as we settled back into the regular routine of the afternoon, our time together fresh in my heart, I couldn't let the day pass without freezing the day in pictures, too. It didn't matter that we were already back home, the fun activities past. Because I knew my mind would associate whatever photos I took with the day we had together. Just me and my little man :)

Isaiah 30:21

2010-01-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

First Grade Equivalent To Prom

2010-01-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is pajama day at school. And that is HUGE! At least it is for my first grade son. The majority of the evening rovolved around what to wear tomorrow. Which pajamas were too small...what he did and didn't want to wear...what he couldn't wear (I don't think they'd appreciate long john pants at school, easy access flap and all!) He tried endlessly to convince us that what we really needed to do was go out and buy new pajamas for the occasion. I entertained the thought, but only for a moment. He just doesn't wear full pajamas at home often enough to justify it. There was a little drama -and more than one pj outfit modeled - before we were able to settle on something we all could agree on. It's like the first grade equivalent to prom!

Maybe I'll have to take a photo in honor of the special occasion :) Don't want to forget such a magical day!

Breakfast for Lunch

2010-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Paul and I've been having fun in the kitchen this week - making breakfast for lunch. It all started on Monday when we watched a short segment of an old Julia Child cooking episode on PBS. She was making omelets, and making it look so easy in her quirky, bumbling way. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it must've left an impression on Paul because the very next day he unexpectedly asked me if we had onion and bell pepper in the house. "Yes," I reply, confused. "Why?"

"I was thinking about trying to make one of those omelets," he answered.

So, we washed up and went to the kitchen to begin chopping and prepping for our culinary adventure. I sauteed the onion and bell pepper while Paul whisked eggs and grated cheese. We pulled out butter, salsa (yes, the Paul Newman black bean variety!), salt, and pepper. We pre-heated our pan. And then Paul stepped up to the cooktop, ingredients poised on the flanking coutertops, and took the roll of lead chef!

He greased the pan and ladled in the eggs, just like he had seen on TV. All the while we joked back and forth in our best Julia impressions: "Oh, and doesn't that look delicious!" At one point I called him Paul Child, and then laughed as I remembered that actually was the name of Julia's husband! It was messy fun. And you know what? It DID turn out delicious!

It seems that Julia really did know what she was talking about :)

Moment

2010-01-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

These are the moments that refresh a mother's heart:

Everyone is smiling...laughing...having fun. They are finding joy in each other's company. The all too often quarrels and pouty faces are blessedly absent. There are times it feels like these moments are few and far between. But they DO happen, and I am lucky enough to have proof!

2010-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;

he sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with him."

Daniel 2:20-22

Begin Again

2009-12-31T15:21:00.000-08:00

December 31, 2009. Not only the last day of the year, but the last day of a decade, too. Alot has happened in this big world as well as in my little life. It's been a busy 10 years! There's so much to reflect upon...

Ok, snapping out of my reverie :)

God has been faithful through it all. That was true in the past, but better yet, it will remain true in 2010. I am so thankful for that! You see, I am not always faithful to myself. Case and point: over this last year I have done myself the disservice of becoming complacent. Somewhere along the line I let not only my sense of personal discipline, but also the act of purposeful living slowly trickle away. I somehow became more of a spectator in my own life, rather than a leading lady. I didn't recognize it as it was happening; so slow and discrete was the process. Yet I see it now, and I am grateful to seize the opportunity of a new year, a new decade to reinvent myself. (With however much time God gives me.) I'm not much of one to cling to new year's resolutions, but I do like the idea - so charmingly expressed in Anne of Green Gables - that tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it.

It's a gift...and I'll accept it. Tomorrow, the first day of 2010, I will give thanks to my faithful God and begin again.

WYSIWYG

2009-12-28T16:56:00.000-08:00

WYSIWYG (whiz-ee-wig) is a phrase Tom Hubbard used in an intro to photography class I took a few months ago. It is an acronym for "what you see is what you get"...meaning: your mind can see, or visualize a photo, and then you can turn around and create it with your camera. This is not an easy task for a novice like me! You need to have the camera set correctly, achieve the right angle, and utilize good light. True WYSIWIG is ideally accomplished with as little post processing as possible. Needless to say, it doesn't come together for me every day.

Today, however, I did get a WYSIWYG photo, so I had to share it with you :)

It's just what my mind saw when I looked up and into the leaves of this tree!

Yay for WYSIWYG!

Mail

2009-12-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but a bit of my inner child comes out each day as I approach our mailbox to see what has arrived. I can't help but feel a stirring of anticipation as I crack the door and peer inside the sturdy black box that waits so patiently in front of our home. "What will I find today?" I wonder. I can't deny the whispered hope that perhaps I will find something unexpected...like a note from a friend or a surprise check made out to our family. (Hey...a girl can dream, right?!?) And as my hands pull out the bundle, my eyes quickly scan the postmarks and size of envelopes, able to discern the routine, obligatory mail from years of experience.

More often than not, our mailbox holds the UNanticipated type of mail...like bills and circular ads. But occasionally that whispered anticipation is rewarded. Especially this time of year, when families and friends exchange greetings for the Christmas season. I think it is one of the things that makes the holidays fun. No one can resist a handwritten envelope with festive postage! There is a simple joy found in tearing back the flap of paper and discovering the colorful card within. I believe it is a pleasure I'll never outgrow.

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2009-12-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

LOST/MISSING:

Blog author's creativity. Believed to be misplaced or hiding. Perhaps on unauthorized vacation. Greatly missed by author, blog, and flickr stream alike. Requesting speedy return. If seen, please contact me asap.