How to eat a kiwi...

Cut it in half and scoop out that kiwi goodness with a spoon!

Cinnamon Rolls

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised. 

   Psalm 113:3

Sand, Sea, and Sky

 The week was one filled with so many jig saw pieces. Our family vacation to the beach lasted a solid week and came to a happy close. The unpacking and dusting off of sand began. The going through journal entries and photos was only at it's start. The countless pieces of evidence that we did go on vacation and that we were back home again. Each bit of our trip is coming together and making me more and more grateful of each large and small blessing.

What a trip! What a fun trip.We went to either the pool or the beach every day but the last. We rode bikes around town and on the beach. We ate junk food and sea food. (Far too much junk food.) I forced every one into a beach family photo session. (Minus being photo bombed by a strange waving man and almost having my camera run over by a beach surveillance car, it went beautifully. Pardon my drama...) We played cards and laughed ourselves silly through fond memories.  We ate our first of Gellato Italian ice cream. We even had time to stop at a farmer's market.

Vacations ensue exhausting car rides, that smell of sour milk, and sea food.
They bring the tastes of yummy food. They carry the aroma of new surroundings: new beds, new schedule, fresh memories. They bring back pictures of sunsets, ocean waves, sugary sand and sea gulls.

I love the home cooked meal my dear mom serves us the first day home. Although she cooks on vacation, the first meal after vacation is a real home cooked meal at our home sweet home.

Twirly, Swirly Skirt

I got the cutest floral fabric from my dear friend Shannon in Germany. Shannon sent it by mail and I fell in love with it. I made it into a skirt with a coordinate polka dot fabric. I really like how it turned out.

Tutorial on how to make this skirt, will be up on the blog soon. Stay tuned! 

Aunt Jaime: A Photo Shoot

I had a fun time taking photos of my aunt several weeks ago. She is going to have a baby girl in just a few more weeks. We all can't wait to meet her. Babies bring joy, excitement, and much expectation.

Just Peachy

 The little crop of peaches from our peach tree. We made delicious peach sauce out of them.(The next best thing to apple sauce)

You may have noticed a few changes around here. I've changed my blog design up a bit. I have very little computer design skills but I like how it's turning out so far. Our summer has been consisting of a lot of organizing, crossing off check lists and as we're learning: A lot of frog eating. My mom's been reading a book about getting things done and being productive and it says eat the ugliest frog first. My sisters and I are working on organizing our room. We've been cleaning and getting rid of things. It's sort of like a jig saw puzzle. If you move something around you have to move something else around. I hope to be putting a few more posts out soon, but for now it might be a little quiet around here. 

 Have you all been enjoying your summer? Have you eaten any frogs?

Quiescent

                    My hair do... Photo credit: my sister. Hair style: my other sister Mags.

How has your summer been? Life here has been filled with unexpected days. Although I wasn't thrilled with the sniffles and coughs that permeated our home last week there is still so much to take in and remember. The last few weeks have been quiet (in their own way) and precious. To name a few things: Baking cookies with my little brothers. Two fun photo sessions. (One with my aunt Jaime and one with my violin teacher's baby boy.) Satisfaction in organizing- from our closet to my desk. Warm blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Reading good books and being encouraged by sweet friend. Listening to the rain showers every night of the week.


There is an uncertainty of the things to come when summer ends. How will the year unfold? But as we go through the last of summer -and strive not to be discouraged by the expectations of school books- we should remember each blessing that God gives us. Each bright new day that He lets us enjoy is something to praise Him for.

 What have you all been up to this summer? Have you checked off any goals that you set out to accomplish? Have you relished in any special memories with friends and family?




Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
     Lamentations 3:22-23

Journal writing

  I've found journaling to be a very satisfying pastime. I've kept journals for years. Many are filled with daily happenings, thoughts, study notes, a few song lyrics here and there, doodles and most recently added- to do lists.

My sisters and I like to look back on what I've written and giggle at my countless grammatical and spelling errors from years ago. It's so fun to look back and remember daily events and fond memories. I like to write down small blessings that give me joy. A conversation with my little brother, something new that my baby sister has learned to do, a funny event of the day, even what's made me thankful that day. Looking back reminds me of what I've learned and am learning. If God is teaching me something writing it down helps me internalize what He is revealing to me.

The thing I find the hardest is to make it a habit. It's hard to keep up with a journal and finish it. It's hard especially if you don't like to write. It's not my number one priority, but it does keep me organized and productive in my daily plans and my mind's thoughts. 

Do you journal? If so, what do you like to fill yours' with? 

That's what little girls are made of...

Last week we had a baby shower our Aunt Jaime. She is having a little baby girl in a few months. We are very excited! My mommy is a very creative women. My sisters, my mom and I put our heads together and had a lot of fun making the shower as frilly, girly, and creative as possible.
Here are a few photos of the party...

We had a few baby shower games, food, and gift opening.

Theme: Pink and Yellow

The door decoration.

We made at least one hundred pinwheels that we hung and taped all around.

We bought little vases and carnations for party favors. (My mom's idea.)

So...What have you been up to?