Well. This summer was wonderful for me. I am not sure I have ever had a better summer to tell you the truth. I am sure there are some great summers from my childhood and the summer i turned 23 was fantastic...but overall, I think this summer might have been my best ever.

Many fun things happened during the last 3 mos. Kids were relaxed, healthy and happy. I had lots of time to redecorate, clean out old clutter, relax, read, be creative, and spend time with the kids in a stress-free environment. But the best thing that happened to me was my shift in attitude.

I have written many times about my daughter Hailey, and her coaches who have taught her that "perception is reality" and that believing you can do it is the WHOLE battle. I have had many talks with my kids about that thought and how true I think it is. Funny thing though....I believed it was true for them and not for me.

This summer, I finally decided that it was time for me to be a better role model. This summer, I decided that what you perceive has HUGE impacts on your body, your health, your family, your life. I read a lot of books about living in the moment and embracing each daily journey and somewhere along the reading ride...something shifted. I felt it on the inside. Colors were brighter, food tasted better, my kids seemed to sparkle.

After many months of thinking marriage was just not for me...ever again....

I bought a wedding dress. And I am gonna wear it next fall when I marry my honay in front of our close friends and family. Never say never. Cause IMPOSSIBLE = NOTHING.

(and yes that is the exact dress I bought...right up there :)

Stella just said,

"Awww. Mommy listen to Lulu! She's furring!"

My Maddy

She's a whirling, twirling ball of light. A pure flash of lightening (as Tori would say).
She quickly and gently pulls you into her vortex, shares some cool spirits, and releases you with little delay.
When I tell her, "I can't keep up!" She says, "Walk faster and I will wait for you."
When I tell her, "Be CAREFUL!" She says, "Mom, I'm safe in my soul."
When I tell her, "I love you sweet, sweet girl!" She says, "Well I love you with ALL of my heart today."
(and i believe her)

and
Come what may,
I hope she'll always say...

"I'm not living my life in no bubble."

Here's what I crave today....

photo courtesy of google!

laughter.
you know the kind....

sides hurting
gasping for breath
tears falling
trying not to wet my pants
LAUGHTER.

may we all laugh out loud today!

summer scrapbook's TINY TREASURES

chasing rainbows

I have been chasing after rainbows my whole life...and yesterday...

I caught one.

I never seem to have a camera around when a rainbow makes an appearance.

This one was hiding in the trees just outside my window.

This photo was taken through my closed window- screen and all.

But I managed to catch it before it before the Rainbow Goblins got it!

art camp!!

I had a great week. I got to entertain 3 of my favorite little girls and do lots of art projects!
HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

Giving Up the Gun

I love the video below for a couple of reasons.

1. It's a jaunty, happy little tune.

2. It reminds me of motherhood. Getting older and passing your legacy on over to the next one in line. In all of the good ways possible.


It's really hard sometimes... getting older is really something.
It's hard to see your children grow up. They start out tiny and need everything from you. Before you know it...they think they need nothing from you. (they are wrong of course...)

There comes a time when the mother of a young daughter gets to share some things with her girlie. First she starts to share mom's interest...wants to do what mom is doing. then she starts to borrow mom's jewelry. Before long she fits into some of mom's clothes. She wears grown-up clothes and looks as if she is trying desperately to be a grown up too. And the make-up...always into mommy's make-up.

Then there will come a day when mom is walking around town with her daughter, and experiences stares, whistles, and attention from men. But guess what?! Those whistles are meant for the daughter! All of the sudden, those flirty comments and stares that once belonged to the young hot mama now belong to the young hot daughter.
That little women in training that happens to look like a beautiful young adult all of the sudden.
And the irritation you once felt for those construction worker type comments pales in comparison to the rage you feel towards those men now! All you can think is..."she's still a baby you nasty old freak!!!"

It's scary, strange and beautiful to realize your child is a beautiful young woman.

This year, shortly after my 41st birthday, I began to realize that I am gradually passing some things on over to Hailey. I'm giving up the gun, so to speak. Letting her borrow the sword.
She gets to wear her own cute size xs stylish clothes now. She gets to wear the bikinis. She can put on her own make-up beautifully AND she can even speak for herself now...answers questions and carry on a conversation without me. (what happened to my shy shy little girl??)
She gets to fight her way in her new world of very young adults.

And I get to stand just a little behind her and support her as she embarks upon this new journey. The woman behind the young woman.

And I am really OK with that!! (most of the time) My girls are growing up. After all, another little woman will be along shortly!

(So I'll save some of my weapons just for her!)

Vampire Weekend - "Giving Up The Gun" (Official Music Video)

Would you like a Spot of Tea?

We have had lots of tea parties lately. I showed Stella an old tea set that Hailey used to play with, and she squealed with delight. We have had a tea party a day since!

Light and Sparkle

Feeling very good these days. Very, very good! Yay!!!

Happy Independence Day!!

Summer Scrapbook

I am currently taking a class from Tracey Clark (founder of ShutterSisters) called Picture Summer. Today is day 1 of a 30 day course in capturing the essence of summer through photography. She teaches this course through a website called Big Picture Scrapbooking. The goal is to take at least one photo a day of something that reminds you that it's summer time! I'm really excited about short little online courses that make me use my camera and that creative side of the brain that often gets neglected.

Here are some of my first photos for my own online summer scrapbook. (Above are the skinned knees that come from cute little skirts, dresses, or shorts and very hard pavement.)

Sleeping late and staying in pj's all day long if you want!

And big, bright Gerber Daisies! One of my favorite summer flowers!

Now I need to keep up the momentum because I have to take a summer photo a day for the next 29 days!!

Best Friends