Memory Lane Monday: June 1

67 years ago on June 1...

Russell's grandparents married in Whitefish, MT.


8 years ago on June 1...

We got married in Snoqualmie, Washington.

hosted by From This Front Porch

sweetness in 2 packages

Thanks, Lori, for the picture. I had to post it tonight because it just melts my heart. These two babies are so special!!

Thankful on Tuesday

Today I'm thankful...

• our Daddy/Husband is coming home tonight
• for a phone call from a good friend that cheers me up {and her blog is updated, yeah!!}
• our baby is feeling better - he was 'sick' for the first time ever with a fever and being very lethargic...made this mommy a bit worried
• for wonderful garden produce on the supper table: yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, sugar snap peas, YUM...it's been worth it!
• for quiet moments on our back covered patio before the busy day begins
• for my family

Memory Lane Monday: Music

Yesterday Benjamin had his 3rd violin recital. It's encouraging to see how much he has improved since a year ago. He especially enjoyed the pieces they played together as a group. I can't believe how tall he is compared to the others...the girls in the front row are 5 & 6 years old! {B is 4 1/2yrs}


A walk down memory lane...








What is Suzuki violin?
-a method of learning the violin (viola, cello, piano, flute) developed at the end of WWII by Sechine Suzuki
-taught much like children are taught a language - through repetition
-teacher or parent makes the sounds on his violin while the student copies them...many songs are learned before ever learning to read musical notes off a page

hosted by From This Front Porch

one boat...two boys...endless imagination

I love watching our boys play together...


Trevin: Look what I found - my bathtub!
Yes, Mommy, this is why I keep crawling into the bathroom - I just love this thing.
{big brother enters}

Benjamin: Oh, let's go on a boat trip to Illinois. It'll be lots of fun and we can look for sharks.
[sidenote: IL is a very popular destination for Benjamin & cousin Makenna these days]

Benjamin: Here's a map to help us find our hotel. Oh yes, there it is!

{Little brother just quietly observing & eyeing big brother's camera}

Benjamin: Wait a minute, that's my camera and I need it. Give it back!
[sidenote: big brother has to pull HARD since little brother's grip is strong]

Benjamin: Oh look, there's a fish I need to take a picture of!

Trevin: Hmmm...lost the camera...maybe next time I'll get to keep it

Benjamin: I need to take a picture of you too, Trevin...SMILE!

Trevin: Thanks, Mommy for helping me get in the boat...what fun!

Memory Lane Monday: Maui Memories

Since I still have 'beach' on my mind, today I'm walking down memory lane on Maui...back in 2004. Wow...we look so young! I remember some fantastic sunsets on that trip, good snorkeling, cool Hawaiian ice treats, exploring tide pools and special times with our family. I realize now I didn't fully appreciate those quiet, relaxing walks on the beach with my husband. With kids - it's just a bit different!

hosted by From This Front Porch

South Padre - Birding

We learned that South Padre is a crucial first landfall - a lifesaver for birds (ie warblers, tanagers, orioles, & thrushes) making a arduous cross-Gulf migration from Southern Mexico & Central America. We enjoyed bird watching at a nice Nature & Bird Center on the island. With 2 kids in tow - I didn't get many pictures.

My birdwatcher!

Paradise in Texas

Here we are...340 miles from home...on the beach!
We're loving every minute of this little vacation.

...Trevin says that the sand has passed the taste test!
...Benjamin says that looking for shells & turtles is lots of fun.
...Russell says that walking to "work" each morning on the beach and being the only person on the beach is fantastic.
...Andrea says that this is just the kind of therapy she needs - beach therapy. The sights & sounds of the surf and beach are very relaxing.

We're enjoying the fresh seafood too!

Today's activities include...

Morning walk on the beach
Exploring the Turtle Rescue Center
Naps
Swimming in the pool
More seafood for dinner tonight
Beach time

Memory Lane Monday: Our Young Mothers

Since yesterday was Mother's Day, I thought I'd share these pictures from days gone by...our young mothers & their families... I love their smiles.

I'm assuming this is taken in Montana after Russell's father completed

his army days in TX. I'll have to find out for sure.

Cambria, CA - my first time at the beach

an excerpt from a poem I received on Mother's Day 2006...

Formed in weaker human vessels,
Prone to tears and heartfelt prayer,
God has placed among us mothers,
Precious souls who love and care.
Giving up her time and leisure,
Stooping low to serve with love,
Bearing silent, heavy burdens,
Filled with wisdom from above.
(by E Pearson)

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to those special 'mothers' who encourage me along the way. I'm especially thankful for my own mother who is a wonderful example to me. Thank you, Shanda, for the sweet Mother's Day wishes. I loved it!!!

my Mother's Day gift...going to the beach with my boys! I can't wait.

Online Book Show

Check out this online book show for Tucker Waters.

Thanks, Kari! What a great idea.

picture taken April 2009 on Tucker's birthday

Wishing I could be there...

Today I'd like to be at her baby shower. But we'll wait until little missy comes before making the big trek to Idaho. It was fun putting together the party favors. Here's a glimpse of them packaged up & ready to be shipped.

Along the way...

These flowers brought a smile to my face as I wandered thru the countryside today.

Getting Around

Trevin is doing so many new things this past week. He has been very motivated to become mobile so he can get into Benjamin's exciting toys. So, he started with a commando crawl/scooting on the belly. Then a few days later he was rocking back & forth of all 4s. Now he is learning to coordinate his arms & legs to get around. {Confession: I helped get Benjamin crawling...I couldn't help it, it my line of work I did a lot of this...just with older people recovering from strokes. So, I knew the appropriate sequencing, tactile cueing, etc.} But this time, I'm enjoying the watching it all just happen. I never cease to be amazed.

Memory Lane Monday

Today this special lady would have been 95 year old! Doris never had children, yet she had many, many friends who were like family to her. We enjoyed spending time with her. She encouraged us by her words & life. It's hard to believe she's been gone for a little over a year now. I am glad for the impressions she left on Benjamin.

hosted by From our Front Porch

Check your medicine cabinet...

Children's tylenol & motrin are being recalled.

This may affect most of us with kiddos...check this out for more info.

My First Giveaway! We have a winner!

We have a winner! Bath salts is very close - these are cute little bath balls that fizz & dissolve in your warm bath water - releasing skin softening oil & a nice fragrance into the water. Congrats Aunt Linda B! I'll be making some fresh for you & getting them sent off shortly.

Update: Wow...some great guesses, but I better clarify -

this is not a food item.

Now that I've given everyone this clue,

any of you who commented may guess again.

In honor of the upcoming special occasion, Mother's Day,

I'm hosting my first giveaway!

I'll send a sweet goodie package {along with some of these} to the first person to correctly guess what homemade item is pictured below. I had so much fun making these & can't wait to share them with one of you!

Good Luck!