Follow the shells.

My girls are always looking for ways to show their dad how much they love him.

This summer they decided to make him a surprise pick-nick dinner. They planned the menu, a bucket of KFC, grapes, a blanket, candles and of corse sparkling cider. No detail was over looked. He came home that night to a note at the front door saying,"follow the shells, please". The girls had placed shells all the way from the front door to the back deck, where our pick-nick was set up. The best part of the night was dads arrival. He was happily surprised and they were elated to see him enjoy their hard work.

Life's a beach!!!

I came across this picture recently. It's a picture of me awhile back at a women's week long surf camp in Oregon, it was one of the best weeks of my life! The beach, the sun, waves and a group of unforgettable women(who I still keep in touch with). I would highly recommend it.

I don't usually like pictures taken of me but for some reason I like this one. I think it's because I'm "really" smiling. The photographer shot this after I caught my first wave. What a rush!

Things weren't easy then for this stressed out stay at home mother. I had 3 young kids and a husband who traveled almost weekly. Unfortunately, smiles(from me) were hard to come by. The days were LONG and nights were LONGER.

Several years later I'm smiling, but this time it's at how far I've come. My "baby" started kindergarten this fall and I have six hours a day to myself. My hubby still travels tons but we're closer than we've ever been.

I guess it's really all about perspective, and now I'm looking ahead with an open mind and a thankful heart to whatever comes my way;)

looking for light in all the wrong places

I've been on the lookout for a new light fixture for above my dining table for a long time. I'd see one in a magazine and it would be out of the budget or I would look for a custom shade that would be perfect for my casual space and something about it was "just a little off". Finally I bit the bullet and decided to make my own. I found an old lamp shade frame, some burlap, a cheep home depot hanging light and a few hours sewing and pasting and "Taa Daa". This is the outcome. Pretty easy, cheep, and just what I was looking for!

Amazing wedding in Walla Walla.