Our Favorite Summer Things

"Summer time, and the livin' is easy."  Mmmm, summer time . . . I even love the song.  While I'm admittedly not a fan of extreme heat (and might even be heard complaining about it), there are many things about summer that I really do L-O-V-E. 

Today, I'm going to go out and enjoy a few of these things.  I hope you do too!

sandals

sundresses

strawberries

pink roses

popsicles

sparklers

fireflies

bronzer

weddings

waterproof mascara

little kids' pjs

fun in the pool

peonies

stargazer lilies

cool washcloths

mason jars

the beach

butterflies

tinted moisturizer

turquoise

cloud watching

star gazing

fresh food from the garden

picnics

county fairs

bare feet

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.

What do you L-O-V-E about summer?

Tell me.  I really want to know!  Then get outta here and enjoy it!

Our Favorite Summer Things

It's a Love Story: Baby, Just Say "Yes"

It was a blind date.  My best friend wanted me to date her boyfriend's friend.  He was away at school but would be home in a week or so.  (We'd gone to high school together but had somehow missed each other.)  I didn't really want to.  I didn't know him . . . I'd been set up before . . . it hadn't gone so well. . .  

But she's stubborn and annoying, and I love her and wanted her to leave me alone, so I said, "Yes." 

It was June 11th, 1994 when he walked into my living room for the first time.  We went with my best friend and her boyfriend to a park and then putt-putting and back to her house for hot dogs over the fire and s'mores.  We sat on blankets and watched the stars and lightning in the distance.  He told stories and made me laugh.  He asked me out again, and I said, "Yes."

We enjoyed the summer together . . . movies, fireworks, picnics, the beach.  He went back to college, and I finished up my senior year of high school.  We wrote lots of letters and no emails. 

I went to college down the road from him.  We enjoyed a year of parties, studying next to each other (he did better when I was there than when I was not.  Really!), dollar movies, and eating in the cafeteria.  At the end of the year, at his fraternity formal, he got down on one knee.  I said, "Yes."

Another year of college, but this time also a year of planning and preparing for our wedding.  It was still a time of fun with friends and cheap dates, pizza and Chinese take-out.  But we added to that the fun of dreaming of the future while picking out invitations and tuxedos.

June 14th, 1997.  Our special day.

"Will you take this man . . . to be yours forever?" 

Of course, I said, "Yes."

And thirteen years later, I still say, "Yes."

And you . . . do you have a love story to share? 
Please say, "Yes," and share!

Do you have an old photo to share?  Link up on Fridays at parentingBYdummies Old School Photo Friday.  It's lots of fun!

It's a Love Story: Baby, Just Say "Yes"

An Old-Fashioned Day

There was life before the Internet (or so I remind myself).  It's just that I've become quite dependent upon it.  I'm not a big tv watcher; I've always preferred books and busyness to watching a tv show.  But there is a draw to the computer.  I rely on it for research when I'm studying, for ideas for children's lessons, for keeping in touch with friends, and now for journaling my thoughts.

So what happens when you choose to step away from the Internet (or when lightning strikes and chooses for you)?  Grin.

Well, you just might:

Weed around the flowers

Read a book instead of a blog

Set up all the Fisher-Price Little People sets and play

Spend more time outside with the kids

Pick up a pen and paper to jot down thoughts

Clean out a closet

Rediscover some great toys and books

Take a short nap

Snap a few pictures

Edit forgotten photos

Miss a few friends but make a few memories

Hope the inbox isn't overloaded and say thanks for those who extend grace!

So what might you do if you stepped away from the computer? 
And when did you last give it a rest?

If it's been awhile, I'm giving you permission to go now -- and enjoy!

An Old-Fashioned Day

Share Some Happy (Friendly Friday)

God continues to open my eyes to how blessed I am, and He's encouraging me to share it, live it, express it. 

Last weekend was full of blessing.  Saturday, The Princess and I attended the shower of my brother's bride-to-be.  The Princess will be the flower girl in their wedding. . . we hope.  As I've said before, at least she'll dress the part.  And I have the honor and delight of being a bridesmaid (I get to play dress-up!).  The happy day is in June, and we're all looking forward to it.

(Isn't she lovely?)

The Bride's birthday, along with several other family members, including The Stinker's, is in May (today, in fact).  So my parents invited her family to join our crazy crew for a birthday bash down at the picnic site my dad has been creating.  He's picked a beautiful spot on the farm where the creek runs through, and there is the perfect combination of open space and shade. 

My dad has installed rope swings (one for getting wet and one for staying dry), a volleyball net, a basketball goal, a two-seater swing and a baby swing.  He's built a screened shelter house for stashing food and a fire pit for roasting it. It's party-perfect.

There was a moment as my favorite middle nephew was playing in the creek with Baby Girl (they are crazy about each other) that my heart was overwhelmed with blessing, and I just had to lift a hand in quiet praise. 

It was a moment, a day, a weekend of complete happiness.  And I owe that happiness and those gifts to the Giver of all good things, the Father of heavenly lights.

And you?  What has made you happy this week? 

Please share some happy.  It's Friendly Friday, after all, and I really want to know.

*Today I'm joining Amanda for Friday Focus. She's a sweet, creative friend in Australia who invited me to join a new group in which to share how God has worked in our lives that week. Go visit!*

Share Some Happy (Friendly Friday)

Dance With Me (Friendly Friday)

Dancing with the Stars is tough on our marriage.  My husband and I sit in the family room together as we watch couples float and fly, twirl and tango across the dance floor.  He endures while I dream. 

I dream, and I wait.  I keep hoping for him to stand and sing, "Come on darling, put a pretty dress on.  We're gonna go out tonight.  And dance, dance, dance . . "  But my two-left-feet guy doesn't sing very well either, so the dream lives on. 

He assures me if we lived closer to a dance studio, we'd give it a whirl.  Mmmhmmm.  Lucky for him, we live in the middle of a hundred acres of nothing but good farm land in the middle of nowhere.  I love him still.

So, since my dream remains a dream, and I might as well dream dancing-big, thanks to Maggie I'm pondering which instructor I hope to have when Dancing with the Stars finally has a Common People Edition.  Feel free to petition for that.  For now, let's dream together.


First of all, there's the incredibly talented Maksim.  Wow.  He's extremely creative and has a fabulous accent.  Not to mention, he's easy on the eyes.  But unfortunately, I'm pretty sure he knows it, which is annoying.  Plus, I find him a bit scary and too intense.

Then there's Tony, with an award-winning smile.  He's sweet and patient, which would be extremely valuable for someone like me with zero dancing experience. A good pick.

 

And you can't forget Louis, a great choreographer with a terrific attitude.  He seems soulful . . . I think he would understand me.  Maybe.

All of these guys are obviously great at what they do.  I would gladly accept any of them as an instructor (do you hear me, abc?).  But . . .

My absolute favorite is Derek. Not only is his choreography amazing, but he is hilarious, goofy (most like my husband!) and high-energy (and the only of these four who was made in America, by the way).  And while he would probably be exhausting, I think he would definitely be the most fun -- even if he isn't the most handsome.  He manages to pull off a crazy-fun jive and quickstep with ease and then turn around and dance an elegant waltz and look masculine and romantic all at once.

So just in case abc gets smart and allows people like you and me to be stars for a few minutes, we should be prepared.  Get out your dancin' shoes and take your pick.

It's Friendly Friday.  My chance to get to know what you're thinking!

Who would you want to be your instructor and why? 

(You don't have to limit it to my top four picks.)

Come on . . . I really want to know!

(And just so you know, my husband said he'd pick Edyta to be his dance instructor.  Hmph!  Or Julianne, Derek's sister.  I think he better stick with Julianne if he knows what's good for him!)

Dance With Me (Friendly Friday)

Make Me Laugh (Friendly Friday)

The Stinker will be eight tomorrow.  

He has given us eight years of side-splitting, rambunctious, LOUD boyness.  He is laughter and sweetness; forgetfulness and charm.  He is the one who often asks me at 2:00 in the afternoon IF we've had lunch (and yes, we always have.  At 11:00.  Everyday). 

He is the one to give the best bear hugs after his asked-for bedtime prayers.  He is quick to find the funny in any situation but often the last to laugh at the subtle humor in the book we're reading (usually two paragraphs behind).  And he is the one who cannot pass up a joke book, a funny poem or the old Tom and Jerry cartoons.  He is my middle child, squeezed but thriving.

So in honor of his birthday, I can't resist sharing this with you:

Knock, Knock.

Who's there?

Tock.

Tock Who?

Tock to me.  I'm lonely.

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer:
 
What is your favorite knock-knock joke that I can share with The Stinker for his birthday? 

Go ahead.  Tock to me.  It'll be a great gift!

Make Me Laugh (Friendly Friday)

What Beauty Have You Encountered? (Friendly Friday)

Women bring beauty into this world . . . beauty that inspires and invites.  True beauty that has nothing to do with society's definition of outward beauty and everything to do with the beauty that God bestows.  In honor of Mother's Day, I want to take time to celebrate that, so I'm testifying to the beauty I've encountered lately.

my sister's voice

contagious joy

my mother's hands

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry

tender love

unashamed worship

Ann's thoughts

my daughter's eyes

chubby hands holding dandelions

my best friend loving her boys

a first grader's gap-toothed smile framed by pigtails

my mother-in-love's dimples

freckles

snowy white hair

laugh lines

baby belly buttons!

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.

What beauty have you encountered lately?

Inspire us. . . and Happy Mother's Day to you.

What Beauty Have You Encountered? (Friendly Friday)

I Did It! (Friendly Friday)

I did it!  But before I explain, there are two things you should know that I'm frightened of.  Sewing and permanent decorating.

I'll explain the fear of permanency in decorating first.  I love paint.  You can change it once a week if you'd really like to.  I once painted a bathroom three different ways in two days until I got it just the way I wanted it.  It started out as stripes (think Victoria Secret in subtle yellow).  When it didn't work out because of lighting (it just looked like a bad paint job), I changed it to darker stripes.  Then it looked like a circus tent.  It's now a solid lavender.  But it was a relatively easy change.

That is why wallpaper worries me, along with any major change such as flooring or cabinetry, and sends me in a tizzy.  It's much more difficult to change if you mess up.  You should have seen me when we were building a house . . . Or maybe not.

Anyway, I don't like sticking things, like wallpaper or border, to the walls because it might BE WRONG.  (That's where the real fear is, I guess.  Not in permanency, but in wrong permanency.)

But I did it anyway.  I took an expensive, huge sticker (that if I messed up would be a total flop and a waste of money), and I put it on the wall.  With only minimal help from my boys -- and a level.

I'm feeling a little proud.

Now, to explain sewing.  My mom sews beautifully.  How she managed to raise two daughters who don't is puzzling, but she did.  It's completely not her fault.  It's all my fault that my seams on everything are sloppy and crooked.  It's all my fault that the only knots that I can make to stick are the ones in my stomach when I'm behind a needle.  It's all my fault that everything I made turned out looking the same -- like a feed sack.  And it's all my fault that when a button or cub scout patch needs sewn on a shirt, my boys lay the items on the table and say, "This needs to go to Grandma's."  (I'm sorry, Mom.)

With that understanding, you can be proud with me of my latest accomplishment with needle and thread.  I can show it to you because you can't see the gigantic knots or the uneven stitches underneath.  Just admire with me for a moment the adorable daisy on my daughter's head.  I just attached a big flower to a stretchy headband that we already had, and voila! Instant Cuteness!

Now, my next accomplishment will be getting her to actually wear it for more than three minutes.

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.
What have you done lately that you're just a smidgen proud of?  

Don't be shy now.  I really want to know!


*Meet me back here tomorrow for something I'm really proud of -- and a giveaway!*

I Did It! (Friendly Friday)

What Life Lessons Have You Learned Lately? (Friendly Friday)

There was growling and howling.  There was fussing and fighting and wrestling.  It felt like home.  But really, it was a trip to the zoo.  It was time to introduce The Princess to the wacky, wonderful creatures that roam this earth -- other than her brothers.  Besides we learned some life lessons.  Here are some of my favorites: 

Eye contact is a powerful weapon of intimidation.  Use it wisely.

This is how not to win friends and influence people.

Never turn your back on the camera. 

Shutting your eyes does not make everything (or everyone) go away.

If someone is going to take your picture, smile.  You'll be glad you did.

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.

What are some life lessons you've learned lately? 
And if that's too hard (because, hey, it's Friendly Friday), what's your favorite zoo animal?

What Life Lessons Have You Learned Lately? (Friendly Friday)

How Do You Step Closer? (Friendly Friday)

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to

head to a state park and hit the trails. 

We love the being-together in the big outdoors. 

We pack a picnic and spend the day

 enjoying the beauty and the fun of nature. 

Of course, these days, it's more of a leisurely stroll than a vigorous hike

since The Princess does not like her (very pricey) pack. 

But it's okay.  It forces us to slow down and enjoy the details that

the Creator has hidden quietly amid the trees.

And as we step away from the rush and step into the quiet of the trees,

we step nearer to each other's hearts. 

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.

How do you step closer to your family? 

Please share.  I really want to know.

How Do You Step Closer? (Friendly Friday)

What Will You Celebrate? (Friendly Friday)

Easter dazzles the eye and delights the heart.  It's the old, old story about new life.  It's the Ancient of Days sacrificed to be born anew in your heart.

We keep the old tradition of dying eggs.  We skip the bunny but celebrate the colors and the artistry and the fun of creating. 

And we try a new-to-us tradition.  Resurrection Rolls.  Introduced by a friend at church, we loved the sweet symbolism of the empty tomb.

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer. 

What old or new tradition will you be celebrating this Easter?

May you be blessed by them!

What Will You Celebrate? (Friendly Friday)

What Brings You Home? (Friendly Friday)

For several years my husband, children and I lived away from our family.  We were able to visit, but not as often as we liked.  Now, we're just a stone's throw away.  I have a house and home of my own that I love and wouldn't trade for the world.  Yet, every time I step through the door of my parent's home, it's like stepping through the door of my childhood and into comfort and warmth and memories. 

the quilt

the mirror

the mantle

the candy dish

These pieces of personal history fill my eyes and heart with beauty . . . and bring me home.

It's Friendly Friday.  I ask; you answer.  (And I've really been loving your answers!)

What brings you home?
I really want to know.

What Brings You Home? (Friendly Friday)