December Daily 12/2

A new ornament on the tree from our girls trip to see my aunt in Oregon.  So many memories in that little lighthouse. The greatest memories are spending time with my amazing aunt and having time with just my girls.  Thinking of the people who lived in these lighthouses and the stories they must have told!

My love of the beach runs deep and most of you have heard me say that.  Looking at the waves I could feel myself relax after a fall that was so complicated and busy.  There is just something for me with the power of the waves how they are non stop and yet consistent.  They don't worry about what is going on they just do their thing and keep coming in.  A good lesson for life. 

December Daily 12/1

December brings on my yearly scrapbooking project of capturing this month. Thinking about all the stories in our life. They make us who we are, what we believe, and how we feel.  Some are easy stories, some are hard.  They all equal life in this family of seven.

Tree cutting is a ritual in this house. I can't remember when we didn't go to the mountains to cut a tree. There were days with no babies to a time when our house, minds, and time are full.  Each year has with it a special memory.  

There have been moments of crying kids, "lame" trees, snow, sun, and all the parts that make up this adventure.  This years tree is one of the best that I can remember. It has a lot of branches which will soon be filled with memories!

A week away at camp!

Going to camp with your cousin has to be one of those memories that you never forget.  This was a first for these two boys.  I was hoping this week would be filled with moments of new friends, fun adventures, and a break away from lets just say siblings. 

Andy was ready and very neatly packed. Sometimes these moments can be hard but he was all in.  A moment of realizing all the "top" bunks were taken turned into a moment of grace. Thankfulness on my part.

My one and only nephew.  I helped him get all settled and knew this kid was going to rock this week. If he could find someone to talk sports the week was sure to be a success.

Waiting to check in.  Lots of nerves and advice from a big brother who had attended the previous year.  

We got them settled in and said goodbye. After five days at camp we went back to get them. That night they were all smiles (and dirt).  Each had their own story to tell.  I heard from one the best part was the cereal???  They showed us around and we left. I really hope these boys get to repeat this adventure.

Week in the Life Sunday 4/23

Sunday was a gorgeous day outside.  Perfect for a little outside work.  That is my preferred place to be.  

Our Sundays start in mass. Our church is small and being in a small community everyone knows each other.  We usually sit on the right hand side three or four pews in. Funny how life is like that where people always sit the same places. 

After church Brian and Riley helped me with some head shots I needed.  Had Riley do some posing so I could get my camera set correctly.  He gives me a hard time but is pretty good about these things for me.

Photos from my phone:
1.  Andy loves to help cook. Breakfast being his specialty.  Katie had asked the night before to have crepes.

2.  After church I found Andy and Katie laughing over their Dad's yearbook. I heard them them say "That sure doesn't look like him". 

3.  Garden time.  We needed to work on the garden. Most years the family helps do some prep work and then I take it over in the summer. I prefer it that way and if a kid wanders out to help that is awesome and if not it is ok.

4.  My new peonies. Planted three hoping to get three more in May.

5.  Dinner was salmon and rice. Bri made cupcakes for dessert.  

Some views from today outside.  When I  look around there is a lot of work to do but maybe I need to look and see all that we have done.  

After these girls were done working they spent a lot of time painting their nails. I really prefer this activity outside. They have those sweet sister interactions during this activity.

The week is over. I have taken a lot of photos and written stories from our week. All of this will go in an album for us.  This is my third year of documenting a week.  Fun to look back and see what has changed and what stays consistent in our lives.

Week in the Life - Saturday 4/23

A Saturday that was fairly open.  This is a new season for us one without sports commitments.  There will be more of these commitments very soon but for now we are glad for a break.  

Time to be together and play.  These matchbox cars have had a renewed life with Luke.  This new track from Easter has added some more fun for all three of these kids.  

Once we got through lunch and a short nap for Luke we headed to the mountains for a Cub Scout hike. Due to the weather we were the only family there but once there we just went forward.  The snow was actually fairly warm and was great to play and walk in.  

Photos from my camera:
1.  Sweet little boy right next to me in the morning. He loves a good sleep in day.

2.  My wet and soggy run and a view right by our house.

3.  Bri doing some shopping online.  Time for a new shirt for her it seems.

3.  Brian took the boys out to clean out our garage.  It feels so good to have it clean and organized.  I appreciate that a lot!

4.  I set my phone on a rock for this shot.  The places my phone has set this week is crazy to think about. I have propped it up on rocks, fences, and many counters in our house.

5.  Dinner of meatloaf and baked potatoes.  The girls did the cooking tonight and it was really good.

6.  Each night I go and cover up my baby plants in my greenhouse.  Won't be long until some of these plants move outside.  

Andy and Riley built a fort on our hike. A true Cub Scout activity.  Andy was all smiles at this kind gesture from his older brother.

Following these two up the trail.  The sweetness of my kids holding hands warms my heart.

One more day to document for this week.  This week has been real life around here. Some I will write about and some will live in my heart. I always try to find the good in our family behind my lens.  I try to find my gratefulness in my words. I love it all and forever will love to document.

See you tomorrow!

Week in the Life- Friday 4/21

Friday has come and with it the kids off from school. They go to school four days a week so this is a different day.  Riley now has a job working on a ranch and goes to work each Friday. I am happy to see him working and having the experience of working out on this beautiful ranch property.  Chai tea is my favorite.  I long for it but only give into my cravings of getting tea outside this house once a week.

My phone photos:

1.  On my seven mile run the site over the mountain. So glad it is not dark in the morning now.
2.  A trip to see friends and jump until our hearts are content.
3.  My new little plant I bought home.  Excited to see this little one grow.
4.  Stripes and dots- If I have to choose one dots win but both are nice today.
5.  Driving - always- but today to see friends and play!
6.  They are on the trampoline a lot. I used to worry we wouldn't get our monies worth and that is so not true!
7.  When we got back home Riley was home from work. A little time with him to catch up.
8.  Time to scrapbook at night. Makes me super happy.
9.  We have seen a lot of these tanks heading to training this week.  The boys are so intrigued with them and spend a fair amount of time talking about these huge vehicles.
10.  He is driving more and more and really I am not that nervous.
11.  Stretches after I run. My least favorite part.

Grateful for this friendship that was brought on by adoption and has traveled many conversations across the mountains for Colorado.  This sweet little one really likes Katie and the feelings are mutual.  

These kids all jumped and jumped. Andy loved the dodge ball game.  It really was such a special meet up. I can't wait until next time.

Back home for piano lessons. The nightly routine starts again.  Time to get the kitchen ready for dinner, then showers, and after a busy day everyone in bed.  I scrapbooked and then read a little.  In bed around 10:30.  This was a different Friday for us and it felt good!

Two more days of this project.  Sometimes I think I will run out of ideas for photos but that never seems to happen.  See you tomorrow!

Week in the Life - Thursday 4/20

Thursday started on a trip to town for Luke and I.  On a usual week I only go in once but this was a week with a little more.  We live about a half an hour from town.  This is my favorite photo from the day.  Getting some new plants for the yard. These bloom around my birthday so I really like that!

The morning routine.  I never dried my hair until last May when I got it cut short for the first time ever in my life.  I have grown  to love it and find it so simple for this season of my life.  Things on my counter:  My water bottle, my makeup bag that came from Korea (sweet memories), and the base my sister and I made. 

We started at the dentist for me.  Of course screens make these appointments easier.  I decided to run to the grocery store for a few things.  Usually I never really do this but didn't have it in me to do the "big" shopping. A good time to eat from our pantry.  

Rain how sweet you are!  We don't get much of it so when we do we are so grateful.  A date night with Katie.  After her spelling bee we headed to Cracker Barrel. Her choice because she wanted her mash potatoes.  

Photos on my phone:

1.  My sweet Katie. I love how she opened up on this night.  Hard to compete with all her brothers and sisters at home.  

2.  Grocery unloading.  Didn't take too long today. Mostly fruits, vegetables, and milk. If we are all home we drink a gallon a day. 

3.  An early morning run and the first kid I see when I get home is always Andy.  Gets up and right away feeds his dog.

4.  Driving always driving. This photo from the school drop off

5. My little spelling bee. She was so nervous.

6.  The dentist. Enough on that subject.

7.  My bedtime and my steps. A little late how does that always happen and each morning I say it will not happen again:)