A Family Dance

These two crack me up, make smile and encourage me that young love still exists. Dressed as Finn and Fionna, they headed to the family dance that our homeschool group hosted. This was the second one of the year and we were excited. With the added element of Halloween it promised to be a night of fun. Even our bundle of joy had a good time decorating and getting ready for the dance. He loves a good laugh.

These boys had fun just being boys and hanging out.

I couldn't get enough pictures of the two below and now I know how paparazzi feel. You must get the shot and it doesn't even matter if they see me.

She doesn't even flinch when she sees me with my telephoto lense and it's aimed right at her. No, she politely poses and then I love here even more, if that's possible.

Oh, my word, she is cute.

Back to decorating...this guy freaked me out but I decided to name him and make it less scary, his name is Harry and he has a wife named Kerri.
After all the decorating, the kids fueled up with pizza and drinks before the dance began. Can I just say, I loved all their costumes, so fun, so conservative, so youthful. A breath of fresh air after dealing with what has been offered in the department stores and Halloween stores.

DJ Bryan and Convict Hamilton helped put the finishing touches on the music and lighting and we were so thankful to have the dads involved in this event.


Cuteness alert: I couldn't take enough pictures of them and they were willing. Just scroll down quickly if you get bored, I didn't.








The disco ball really made the dance complete. My incredibly talented and creative friend made this dance stand out against the rest. She added her touch of excellence to the event and it was very evident. Disco ball, lights, more lights, streamers, cobwebs, banners, balloons, more lights..it was all pretty magical.

I still love the costumes. There were so few that were scary and it's reassuring to see people come to a Halloween event without the intent to scare those around them. Although I do not enjoy dressing up myself, I like when other people do it, especially if it's entertaining or creative. Maybe, just maybe, I'll dress up next year. I may need to start thinking of my costume now though because I don't like to do it last minute and feel unprepared.

So, with the music going and the crowd gathering, they were the first on the dance floor and it was sweet.
Here is my amazing friend and one of the best costumes I have ever seen at a Halloween party. A lovely Christmas tree handing out glow sticks to the cutest ghost ever. So sweet. Oh, and that's an angry bird in the back.

The Christmas tree and convict were so cute out on the dance floor.

Again with the boys being boys. So cool, even if some of the facial hair is drawn on with a sharpee.

I think the addition of the Christmas tree makes them even cooler, don't you think?
But seriously, this event is such a reminder of why we do what we do. It's so refreshing to see a group of kids of all ages and walks of life to come together, dance in a wholesome way, allowing for the individuality of each other, the acceptance of all and the space for those who don't want to participate. I am thankful for people who are willing to give of their time and resources to provide a safe place for kids to be kids and for the whole family to be together. Next time though, let's learn the dance moves to Thriller so we can break out in dance together. Wouldn't that be fun?

Goodbye Summer, You Were Good To Us

It was a great summer, probably the best I've ever had. We traveled, went to the beach and the pool, saw friends, worked on projects, relaxed, did what we love to do. We almost don't want to say goodbye though, but we know we must. Fall is on it's way. The days are getting shorter and busier, the evenings cooler.

It's time to gear up for Fall and the winter months, school too, so we wrap ourselves in the memories of summer to get us through the long days and months that are to come.

But we still want to float in the feeling of summer, relaxing, just being, not something we can do a lot of once Fall arrives. We want to hang onto the good times and the fun we had, the memories we made.

But as we pile on the responsibilities of the upcoming season, we still wring out as much fun of what is left of summer. Just one more trip to the pool, just one more day of doing nothing, just one more movie...

And now we're ready to take the plunge into this next season and all that it has in store for us.
Hold on, cause it's gonna be a wild ride, and take notice when you see the stop sign, that gentle warning that you may be doing a little too much.
Summer is now behind us, a memory, but a good one.
As we carry the load of the new schoolyear and the upcoming holidays, it'll be ok, because we have each other and that's what matters.

And as we take one last look back to the memories we made, the times we had, we know that what's ahead will be good too, we'll learn, explore, discover, enjoy what is to come.

Sometimes we need a little push though.
Ready, Set, Go!!!

We Will Never Forget-It Was Your Birthday First

I have so many great friends and one of them has an extra special birthday, September 11th. Some would be upset that I compare it to that very dark day in American history but my point is, it was her birthday first and if we let that day overshadow everything else, they win. Some would argue that by just mearly comparing it, they win. I beg to differ. Her birthday is made even more significant now. Things were put in perspective that day.

She is kind, caring, considerate, creative, oh so smart, and full of love. She is a dear friend and I am honored to celebrate her birthday with her.


She motivates me to get sewing, get creating, make it happen. Her knitting skills are like none I've ever seen and she was one of the two people who taught me how to knit. I love when we all sit in my studio, or one of their living rooms and we get our handwork out and start working. It feels so old fashioned, so warm, so comforting.

After working all day on my studio, sewing, cleaning, organizing, painting, decorating, a space was created. A space where we could come together, be ourselves, and enjoy the very precious time we have together.

Without these two, I would not be the person I am today. They have supported me, taught me, laughed with me and at me, loved me, encouraged me, challenged me. And for that, I will forever be grateful.

Happy Birthday, Lauri!

Weekend Ramblings

As much as I love getting up early, I still enjoy those mornings when we all sleep past seven, the littlest one requests pancakes, the hubby makes coffee and we all slowly settle next to our screens. I know it sounds silly but I like curling up with my laptop and connecting to the world while in my pj's, while one kid plays on his ipod and the other plays on the big computer. We're together, that's what matters. I can't say no to this face.

I'm on a spray paint rage. You name it, I've spray painted it this summer. I'm working on counting up the number of things I have spray painted and I think it'll surprise you. Who knew that a couple of bucks could transform a shelf, a table, a mirror, a frame. My color of choice-Espresso, satin finish. Love it.


This guy kept turning up in the oddest of places, on the screen door, on a ladder, upside down on a plant. He's not your normal praying mantis, he's golden. I like him.


The girl helped me plant. She knew I was getting frustrated because there were lonely cantelope plants that longed to be in a bed of soil instead of a restricting little pot. We did get them planted and they are adjusting to their new home. The kitty wanted to help too.



She wanted to do some rollerblading and with that cute dress, oh my.

There he is again, that praying mantis. I think I'll call him Jimmy. He looks like a Jimmy.



This was our last weekend before school starts and I have milked it for all it's worth. I've cleaned, organized, planned, sewed, created, entertained, laughed, eaten yummy food, laughed some more, and just enjoyed those around me. I'm excited for school to start but I know it won't be long before I will long for weekends like this one.

Early Mornings

I love to be up early, before everyone else gets up, the house is dark, the yard has a very peaceful feeling as the sun slowly rises, the birds are emerging from their nests and making their calls. It feels magical and special and that's why I do it. I try to slip out of bed without waking up my husband but of course he's the lightest sleeper in the world so he always wakes up. At least he can stretch out in the bed and enjoy knowing he has a few more minutes before his day has to start. I love having my quiet time, where I can pray, read my Bible, write in my journal. It lays the foundation for my day and things always go smoother when I've had my alone time early in the morning. The cats get up with me. One usually wants to go out and the other wants in. We try to seperate them at night since they fight. One doesn't like the other.

I'll let you decide who doesn't like who......

Depending on what time I get up, I head out to the backyard to feed the bunnies and chickens. I love seeing how different the garden looks so early in the morning. Everything seems so green and lush. The blooms are all open and the leaves are plump and happy. I grew this flower from a seed. The snails have had a little feast but it still amazes me everytime I walk by it. I've never successfully grown a flower from a seed packet. Now I have.


I also grew this basil from seed and I actually used it in a dish last night. So yummy!


I grew these cantelope from seed as well but I didn't think they would actually grow so I didn't plan the room in my garden for them. I'm working on making a little plot for them by the studio. They clearly need to be planted in the ground.


And yes, I grew this zucchini from seed. Absolutely amazing! When I finally get zucchini I am going to have a truckload. I have big plans for my bounty.... zucchini bread, baked zucchini, fried zucchini...I can't wait.

I saw this great idea where someone put china saucers around the border of a garden. I've been collecting lonely saucers and I now have enough to make a border to go around the zucchini. I hope it looks as cute as it does in my head. We shall see.


Oh, pumpkin from seed too!! I love seeing the blooms because you know that one day that could be a giant pumpkin if everything goes right. It has to be pollinated, it has to be properly watered and it has to have good soil. If all goes well there will be pumpkins on my porch in October that I grew. I love it!



Since I was on a seed kick, I thought I would try my hand at watermelon too. It actually grew. I've never been able to grow a watermelon and I've lived here 11 years. We'll see, but things look good as of now. Although my timing is off, watermelons in October????

Sunflowers. I love them and they are so easy to grow. This one is from the sunflower I grew last year. We harvested the seeds and then planted them for a Girl Scout activity this year. Next year I want to plant them all over the yard. They make everything so much cheerier. It is on the downside now and soon, we shall have seeds. Everyday the little hummingbird comes and visits our sunflowers. The sun is up, the husband is up, the children are up, the world is now awake and my special time is done. In the evening as I pass the coffee pot I get excited because tomorrow.....tomorrow holds the promise of another early morning.