Monday's adventure

Madison was invited to Aimee's b-day party at 6 flags. Mia and I decided it would be a great time for us to go too since she had never been. Not officially a party crash as Mrs. M offered us her extra tickets from the girls who couldn't make it. We had a great time! The park is so clean and easy to get around. Mia and I met up with all the party girls a few times. Once was to ride the White Water Safari. We all fit onto one 'boat'. I was a bit nervous because I have a history of being the wettest passenger at the end of any water ride. History did repeat itself! I was the one who got the waterfall down my backside and the water splash to the front. If that wasn't enough, there is a spot for spectators to put a quarter into a water squirter and push the pretty red button. Well the water got me square in the face. I couldn't help but laugh and give the spectators a thumbs up :).

Mia and I went directly to the ride we renamed the hairdryer. It is the scrambler ride. Our hair was dry by the end but not our clothes. Mia's favorite ride was the wooden ark. She went on it five times. She and I are not too fond of scary rides. Madison on the other hand loves them. I was excited to take Mia to the shark exhibit. I remember taking Jared there 16 years ago when it first opened. The tunnel would have a line waiting to see the new attraction. Well, 16 years later, it seems to have run its course. Mia and I were the only ones going through the tunnel! Sharks are so amazing to me. I still think it is neat to see them so close. And the saw nose shark just confirms how amazing God's creation is.

We saw the girls again at the dolphin show. The day was lots of fun. Mia and I headed out a bit before the park closed. The birthday party continued to dinner at The Olive Garden and then swimming until 10:00 pm. Mrs. M is the greatest wouldn't you say. She can throw one great party!

On a side note, I wanted to share some old fashioned goodness that still exists in the world. I went to our favorite little organic farm today to get my fil his newest favorite fruit (yellow flesh watermelon). As I entered the little stand I noticed that there wasn't anyone there, anywhere. I looked around and saw a sign that read, "We are operating on honor pay today. Choose your items, weigh them, and put your money in the red box." The little red box was on lock of course. May sound kind of silly but it sure makes me feel good to know that a trusting nature still exists.

The girls don't go back to school until the first week of September so we took advantage of a weekend away. We always enjoy making a trip to Bodega while visiting SR. The craft stores were a great place to hang out while waiting for the fog to burn off at the coast. We made our way out just about lunch time. The temperature was nice in the little town of Bodega, about 75 degrees(about 15 degrees cooler at the ocean though). We walked around just a few minutes and the girls found the wild blackberry bushes. They tried enough that we needed to find a place to wash up. We came back into town to do a little shopping before dinner. I got a call from Keith. He was finished with his first day of a golf tournament and I was expecting to hear how he placed. He always calls me right after a round to give me an update:) His news was even more exciting than his placement. He hit his first hole in one! I was so happy for him. He hit from 195 yards on the eighth hole. How fun!


The girls and I went to church on Sunday and finished up with some fun. I love being in church. I really missed our church even though everyone was so nice at the church we visited. So glad to be home, and so tired. We got home just in time for another adventure yesterday. That is another post. God is so good and blesses us more than we deserve! The last picture I took out the window while Keith was driving.

Yummy

This is some of the fabric for our Christmas projects. It is just gorgeous! The bright colors are, well, yummy!

In it not of it

James 4:4-10

Ye adulterers and aduteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy
of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Clense your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Loosing teeth and innocence

"I suspect that you are the tooth fairy mom."

I couldn't find the fabric I was looking for...

but this basil cord with tiffany blue lining is pretty cute. It's reversible! I couldn't resist putting my bee brooch on for fun. I have the BEST secret sister at church. She bought me the sewing magazine that had the hip little bag pattern in it. My mom came for a visit just in time to get some fun sewing and craft projects underway. With my mom's help, we got the bag made in an afternoons time. We took a day trip to do some fabric shopping and found really cute prints for the girls' skirts. Mads and Mia have started collecting all the supplies needed to make the Christmas gifts that they have decided to make. I did find the fabric that I was looking for and can't wait to try making a skirt! Practice, practice.

Beautiful light

I was so blessed today to look out in our backyard and see so much of God's amazing beauty.

Just for fun!

HowManyOfMe.com

There is 1 person with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

A Day Trip

Well no surprise by the pictures where we went yesterday. It was a day full of walking! We had lunch at Tarantino's at the Wharf. From there we walked to one of the largest tourist destinations, Pier 39. Not my favorite place but very busy with all sorts of activity. Some shopping and more walking at Union Square. A hot coffee hit the spot in the cool 65 degree weather. We stopped off in Sausalito on our way home. Such a beautiful town.

A beautiful day to remind us of all the beauty God has created as well as a huge reminder of how many places and people are missing God's gift.

Two thumbs up

I thought it would be fun to have a movie review from Madison. Since this time last year, we have only gone to the theater twice to see a movie. In my opinion there isn't much worth watching. We were very excited to go see the Kit movie. It was great! I loved the way everyone dressed in that era. The manners and the homemade goodness of it all were very refreshing. Well lets hear what the real expert thought of it: (We didn't give details to spoil the movie in case you haven't seen it yet :)

My mom, my sister, and I went to see the AG movie, Kit Kittredge last week. I thought it was a very good movie. Kit never gave up and she was always willing to help others. I also thought it was cool that a girl my age could walk around alone in her neighborhood. I really liked her clothes. I cannot wait until it comes out on DVD!!! -Madison

God bless America

If My people, which are called by My name, shall
humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and
turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
-2 Chronicles 7:14

Our country was founded on the belief of God and his commandments. Just a little reminder that because of Him we are blessed in our great nation.

Happy Independence Day!!

*The pictures are from neighborhood homes, flowers in my garden and the kids from the fourth last year. Madison is just on the left of the fire truck :)

Buzz off

To the mosquito that is. I am a mosquito magnet, so are my girls. Until last year we would stay inside during prime feeding hours rather than put on toxic repellent. This past July, I went to the health food store to find alternatives. I thought I would share our proven recipe for natural mosquito repellent as this is a big outside-during-dusk-watermelon-eating-firework-watching-weekend.

Just put about 5 drops of the lemon eucalyptus oil per one ounce of distilled water. You can put it in a mister or any squeeze bottle. We have even put a few drops of oil with our favorite lotion. Carolyn suggested putting it with your sun block lotion to get two jobs done at once. You really can't go wrong. No worries about washing it off even.

On the bright side

When you get lemons you....make yummy lemonade

When you have a rainy day you.......bake cookies

When you can't play outside because there is too much smoke from HUNDREDS of fires you............

Pitch a castle tent in your bedroom!

And when my friend Carolyn goes through a number of very difficult trials all at the same time.......She shines even brighter for God. Please say a prayer for Carolyn, God knows her needs. I love you Carolyn.

UPDATE: I got permission to put the picture up without hiding little bugs face. Isn't he so cute!

A good house

A good house is built upon rock and shelters from the elements,
Foundation to roof with hammers and saws, joined by labor's best, Walls and windows, kitchens and baths, furniture, appointments,
One artfully detailed, carefully crafted, to stand time's test.
For a house to be a home, there's nesting, helping, healing and love. There's hugging, sharing, storytelling, laughing, and crying together.

Home is Mom and Dad teaching, training and telling of things above, It's forgiveness, kindness, friendship, affection - family like no other. Home is where the Lord reigns, where peace is queen and joy is king. A happy home warms the heart, satisfies the soul, soothes the sorrow, It's where words matter, kisses are supreme and children want to sing. God bless this sweet home - these memories make for the morrow.

Tom Despard- Lancaster PA

God's way is the only way

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2: 21-24