Have you ever...

had one of those moments where it just hits you... "wow! this is my life"?  I was overcome last night while talking with Dan on the porch after a busy day of work, ballgames, meetings, lessons, all taking us in separate directions for the day.  Of course when we make our way out to the porch for some quiet catch up time, the kids always make their way out there too, which in turn makes for not so quiet time... but it's all good.  Last night was the first night in a while we could actually see the moon {lots of thunderstorms here lately} & it was beautiful & high in the sky.  All three kids ran off the porch in search of lightening bugs & I was hanging over the railing just watching them run & laugh... & that's when it hit me... it was such an overwhelming feeling of happiness that I felt for my kids for being able to live where we live & run freely & enjoy such a simple thing like chasing lightening bugs.  I also felt such joy myself for everything we have & how much we truly enjoy it.  I can't believe how lucky I am to have this family & our home to cherish... sometimes it's those moments I need to have to remember in the midst of all the craziness... it really is all good :)

a belated happy Father's Day

Two of the most important men in my life...

my amazing husband & the incredible father of our three kids...

 

and my dad & a great grandpa to our kids...

 

I love you two so very much & couldn't imagine my life without you!  I'm so happy we were able to spend time yesterday to celebrate the two of you!  

Dan, I'm so proud of the father you've become... you're the best & the kids & I love you more than you can imagine :)

Dad, you were always firm with us growing up, but I see now your soft side when you're around the kids... you're the best!  I know one little girl who has a particular sweet spot for you in her heart :)

I love you guys & thank you for being such amazing fathers.

where oh where have i been?

well... since the boys got out of school, they've been on a steady stream of UNsteady bedtimes... baseball games... video games... fun days with grandma... they're little sis has joined in on all the fun too {which was the cause for that picture. fell asleep with her face in her ice cream cone!  too funny.} Lydia is loving having Collin & Evan home with her! She just plays right along side them or they'll think of something fun to play with her like hotel or shopping mall :) As any mother I love the days or even hours when they are all playing happily together! Now, if it would stop raining long enough for them to get some outside play time without coming back a muddy mess...  

For the last few weeks I've been on an exciting journey as well!  I'll share details soon... but I've been doing lots of thinking, researching & playing! I've also been taking this summer e course by the oh so fabulous Kelly Rae Roberts!!!

 

If you don't know about this amazing artist you should really go check out kelly's website. Her book is on my list to read too... she is truly an inspiring individual :)

Oh & I saw sneaks of the LOADS of new goodies being released for Reminisce this summer... oooooh you're gonna LOVE it all!!!  We've all been busy little designers these last several months!  Keep checking over at the Reminisce blog for new releases!

you know it's summer when...

the calendar reads June...

the kids REALLY don't have any interest in homework...

the slip n slide makes it's first appearance...

 

new swimsuits are revealed...

 

the big guns come out...

 

evenings on the porch are being enjoyed...

and baseball games are in full swing...

 

the long weekend was amazing, but unfortunately our boys have school until June 8th... I think we're all ready for some lazy days ahead!
  
  
 

weekend wishes...

It's Memorial Day weekend again & every year I can think of so many things that I want to do, but usually don't get too many accomplished!  Pretty much I'm just hoping to enjoy the weather, my family & relax, but there are a few things I REALLY want to do!  So here's my top picks for this weekend:

tonight:

a date with my hubby & seeing this...

 

please??? I'm starting to forget what he looks like... so I'm thinking we're due for this!

Saturday... outside time or maybe a little shopping & then celebrating with family my nephew's high school graduation!!!

Sunday... family time, visiting Dan's mom at the hospital {please pray for her comfort & for our entire family... it has been a rough several weeks} & just some relaxing time at home :)

Monday... enjoy NOT working or going to school!!! maybe we'll fit in a trip for ice cream!!!

Have a wonderful, enjoyable, relaxing & safe weekend everyone :)