Pitter- Patter

Pitter-patter, raindrops,

Falling from the sky;

Here is my umbrella

To keep me safe and dry!

When the rain is over,

And the sun begins to glow,

Little flowers start to bud,

And grow and grow and grow!

-Bethany Roberts

Summer Lovin'

While I realize, technically, it's not summer yet, spending a day at the beach playing in the sand, collecting sea shells, eating sandwiches from the cooler, and screaming with glee in the crashing, cool waves is one of the best ways I know to spend a hot summer day. I do hope we get to the beach often this season, it gets better and better as the kids get older.

Good Morning

After a restless night, we have had a surprisingly easy going morning. I don't usually pick up the camera before breakfast, but I was inspired by my children's creative drive. Unlike most mornings, when they walk straight to the kitchen and, in chorus, yell things like "Pancakes! Waffles! Oatmeal! Cereal!", today we went straight for the paper and markers.




Eventually we did eat breakfast, oatmeal won out over cereal today, and Salla eagerly volunteered to help me clean up. I was amused when she very politely asked "I do it, please?" and followed with a chipper "Thanks Mom!" after I handed her the broom. If only she was that sweet all the time!

How My Garden Grows

It is amazing the effect blooming spring shrubs can have on my outlook. My spirit lifts when I realize that it was my hands that planted these beautiful and fragrant flowers that I am so lucky to experience every time I step out my front door. I love that my children get to watch as each season, with care and water, the plants grow taller and more blossoms appear.


Today I picked some Gardenia blossoms and placed them in a bowl on my night stand. The aroma is so strong! Ethan said they looked beautiful. I can't help but smile...