July 26, 2010

There's something.


about new life.

about beauty.

about a little cry.

about relief.

about strength.

about excitement.

about joy.

about those {somethings} that happened on July 25, 2010 that I got to witness.

...........................................................

it was amazing & yet a little bit terrifying.

it was incredible & yet a bit overwhelming.

it was a miracle ... and I got to be right there.

............................................................

an afternoon in my life I will never forget.

never.

because {extraordinary} happened right before my very eyes!

.............................................................

Sofia - you've arrived & life is better because you're here.

and Kirsten ... well, sweet sister of mine ... you are AMAZING!!

July 24, 2010

Feet I like to follow.




Take only footprints, leave nothing but memories. 
 ~ Chief Seattle

This place.

You've just arrived.

I've invited you into our home - maybe for the first time ... or maybe for the 100th.

There are toy tractors on the floor and a pile of Lincoln logs.

The High-Five magazine on the couch is turned to the {hidden picture} page.

The room has a warm feeling to it as light filters through the bamboo shades.

Your eyes move from family photographs on the wall to a book shelf in the corner filled with angels and crosses ... and then come to rest at the window.

That view you've come to know through pictures and conversations is now right in front of you.

A small {oh my} escapes from your mouth as you turn to look at me.

"I know," slips from my lips.

It's a quiet response but you hear it ... and now, as you stand the front room filled with signs of blessings surrounding you - you are seeing me more clearly than ever before.

I look a bit tired.

My hair is longer than usual and it may look a little un-kept or wild.

I have lots of freckles from the summer sun on my arms and face, and my toes are painted red.

My smile is slight and my eyes - well, they're dancing with joy. 

I've invited you over today and you've arrived.

You've come to this place that I've grown to love and you're not going to want to leave.

Stay as long as you wish.

I'm blessed you're here.

Because in {real life} or on the {web} ... life is better because of you.

........................


Now - what would you like to {chat} about? 

July 22, 2010

Hello Paintbrush.













It's amazing how the magic of a little water and a splash of color can make an ordinary day spectacular.

Truly spectacular.

If only every day allowed for such great moments.

Oh wait ... it can.

Because every day we're given a choice.

Ordinary?

 or

Extraordinary?

I choose extraordinary.

Even if it does take more patience, leads to a few spills, and tests the limits of control I have as a mother.

I still choose magic.

Freeman Family Reunion.

One of my favorite weekends of the year ... and definitely a highlight of our summer!

Good food, lots of laughter, a few{rolling of the eyes}, tents, camp trailers, a little drama, more food, hot weather, jokes ... and the most important piece of all ...  FAMILY!

July 11-13, 2010































Family fun at it's finest ... especially when princess bikes and pink polish are involved.

July 20, 2010

Texture.


If you were a texture, what would you be?

Do you have a favorite {feeling} or {touch}?

Would you be smooth, sleek, rough, ragged, soft, hard, cracked, worn?

Would you be bumpy, jagged, sandy, slimy, torn, wet, tattered, dry?

Would you be polished, fluffy, coarse, or firm?

I don't really know if it's possible to pick just one - because really, without the others, would we really know what texture really is?

......................................................

We've spent the month of July living.

Nothing that any of you reading this haven't done yourself. {grin}

Living and loving and laughing ... and dreaming along the way.

There have been tents put up and taken down.

Meals prepared and shared.

Balloons, sunscreen, splashing water.

Arguments, disagreements, and reconciliation.

100 degree weather and fresh produce picked.

A wisdom tooth pulled and a cavity filled.

Jello, ice cream, pudding and popsicles.

An accident at 8:45 at night .. followed with a trip to the E.R.

Stitches, antibiotics, and a bruised eye.

Watercolors, phone calls, photos galore.

A few bags packed, bikes loaded and a trek across state.

Ocean waves, dory boats, the sand hills and wind.

Mason jars, marshmallows, bike rides, cousins.

Scenic mountain highways, the view I know as "home."

Picnic lunches, a crib assembled for Ava's new sister, and a haircut from a great friend.

Anticipation, cardboard, and a tantrum or two ... or ten.

...............................

Can you picture it?

Can you feel it?

Can you imagine yourself there?

..............................

Life lived.

Textures loved.

Texture, you say?

Yep, texture.

Texture ... because right now texture is defined by me as life.

and as that feeling {or feelings} that take you back to a specific place and time ... and is proof you were alive.




Alive and still living {well}.

July 12, 2010

Another day in {paradise}

A day at the {swimming hole} in Camas Creek and then ice cream in Ukiah.

Life doesn't get much better really.

See for yourself.


You want some?

Jello.


We're huge fans.

Especially of this pretty rainbow layered kind ...

and especially on hot days.

But you know what ... I bet that it tastes good on any kind of day.

...........................................

Do you have a favorite thing to make with jello?

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