Look to the Skies

Mud Room Organization

Silly me, I forgot to take a before picture... I'm sure you can imagine the much messier version that prompted me to overhaul our mudroom in the first place.  I LOVE organizing, I used to do it for fun even when I was a kid!  Being able to see the results of your labour is such a great reward. And, if done correctly, the organizing should make things more efficient, functional and accessible. Definitely worth the work, especially when you don't even consider it a 'chore'.

Crafty Idea #5

I love green, can you tell?  

What you see above is our new 'change jar'.  It's basically just a soup can with some embellishments to make it look less like a soup can and more like an attractive jar. All it took was some pretty paper, some mod-podge, ribbon and a tiny bit of hot glue.  I love it!

Cobb Salad

I've been in a bit of a cooking slump lately..... Luckily for me, I was inspired to make a delicious Cobb salad last night. I'm glad it turned out, it was a nice reward and helped me realize what I've been missing.

Layers from top to bottom:

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Turkey Bacon

Cucumber

Red Pepper

Avocado

Onion

Lettuce

The Greenery Around Here

Circus - So Cute I Just Can't Stop Taking Pictures!

Family

"The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of culture. It ... is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refuelling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be." -----MARIANNE E. NEIFERT

About 3 weeks ago now, my entire family, my Mom, Dad, and Sister, all came to visit me. It was the first time that all three of them came out together, and the first time that I could host (fit) them all in my home. All I can say is WOW!  I had the greatest time, it was better than I could ever have imagined.  When did my parents become so cool and easy-going?  When did my sister become such a lovely, mature and responsible young woman?  When did they decide to pursue new and interesting activities with such openness and eagerness to have fun?  

Of course, the answer is, that they have been slowly changing and growing all along....  The changes are just so much more noticeable when you only see people once a year or so. (Or maybe its because they were all on vacation? ;) 

I noticed that I miss my family sooooo much more after spending time with them.  They are incredibly awesome, loving, and supportive, and  I am always reminded of this when I get to see them in person. For a few days after they left, I felt like something was missing..... And in truth, I am missing a little something, a little part of my heart went back with them. 

I love you all so much! I can't wait to see you again, and I'm so very glad that we have so many ways to stay in touch (this blog being one of them).  I want you to know that I felt so much love while you were here, I felt very special.... I am so lucky to have you!

The Makings of a Dream Collage

Isn't this one of the nicest looking bulletin boards you've ever seen? It was a little on the 'expensive' side, at least for me, but I plan on keeping this around for awhile. If Luke doesn't add anything to his half of the board soon, I may just have to take over the whole thing!

My First Digital Scrapbook Page

Luke's Jeep has been through a lot this summer, so I decided to post a tribute.  Thank you 'Jeep' for allowing us to explore some of the most beautiful, remote locations that we could not otherwise experience.  

My New Blog Header

My First Experience with Picasa

I just created this mosaic with Picasa (free photo managing and editing software) in about 5 minutes!  This was my first attempt and I am quite impressed with the program so far.  I can't wait to experiment some more and realize its full potential. Everyone should download this catalyst for creativity!

Silverstar - The Colourful Mountain Biking Mecca