The Little Things

The kids and I recently went on a nature walk and as we were walking we started noticing the small detail of nature that we sometimes miss...

A doe silently observing us...

The spiny texture of a seed pod...

Tiny green, glossy leaves on a petite plant....

Time etched in the root of a tree...

Tiny orange flowers....

The way the light sparkles and plays among the leaves and water....

Happy and content hearts!

This Week's Favorites

This week has been filled with pleasurable moments. I just had to share! I hope your week had shining moments of its' own!

NATURE:

**God's creative color combinations.

**Cooler days that beckon for open windows.

**Big, fluffy clouds in deep, blue skies.

FOOD:

**Blueberry Lemon Squares- (recipe to be posted soon) I had forgotten about this childhood favorite until my mom happened to mention it as she was sorting through her recipes. I'm so glad she did. How could I forget this delicious scumptiousness?

**Fresh fruit plate with cottage cheese. This has not been visited since I left home,
but this has been baby's #1 request this summer. Love it!

**Slow Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches topped with Sweet Creamy Coleslaw (with some tweaking of my own) piled on top. I always thought this sounded gross, but I've seen several recipes for it this summer and, again, the baby insisted I try it. This is a definite keeper!

**Chocolate Banana Bread- this may be the "go-to" recipe from now on!

PLEASURABLE READS:

**Kaffe Fassett's Kaleidosciope of Quilts- I love the use of vibrant color in bold patterns!

**The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule

**Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only by Beth Moore

FAMILY:

**Watching the kids "read" newly acquired library books to each other.

**Days at the park or in the back yard swinging.

**Brian getting a break in his 13 hour days for 3 whole days in a row.
His big project is almost done! We finally got a chance to eat dinner together again! Woohoo!

**Impromptu arts-n-crafts with the kids.

**Laughter and singing from the backseat; precious questions about God and Heaven.

All great gifts to be treasured!

Lost in Thought

I captured this preciousness this afternoon.
At first I was a bit saddened that he was just sitting all alone
and then it occurred to me,
it is a gift to quietly sit and ponder nature.
What a beautiful little boy!

From the Heart

Sweet bouquets.....

from a sweet little boy.

A Favorite.

Gladiolas.
For some, they serve as reminders of funerals or lost loved ones and therefore are not well loved by those individuals.

For me: frilly, feminine, regal. Gorgeous shades of color. I eagerly await their arrival in my garden so I can marvel at their beauty.

A peek at their exquisite detail. Another good gift from God.

Clematis and Poppies

I feel so blessed that the previous owners of our home LOVED gardening! They did all the hard work of making it beautiful. Now I hope I can keep it that way!

Irises Abound

I never knew irises came in so many colors and smell so good!

Our New Neighbors

Three little robins nestled next to our house in the crook of our downspout.

Soulful Bird

A few weeks ago during a cold, rainy day I was washing dishes when this little bird landed on the tree outside my kitchen window. It hunkered down for a while to stay warm on such a dreary day. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos.

I have always loved Mourning Doves. They take me back to childhood memories. I remember laying in my bed as the light streamed through my curtains listening to their soulful call. The best alarm clock nature could offer.

Through the years I've enjoyed watching them nestle down in my flower beds to rest. Their soft hues and gentle eyes have always seemed peaceful. Their presence reminds me of sunny days, warm breezes and quiet, reflective moments.

Rare Sighting

This past week we were given a rare opportunity to see a nest of baby raccoons up close. My in-laws have a wooded area behind their house that belongs to the city. There were a couple trees that were dead and leaning so to prevent anyone from being injured the city came to take them down. Unfortunately one of those trees contained a nest of baby raccoons. Aren't they sweet?

We stayed far enough away to keep from disturbing the nest and, thankfully, during the night Momma Raccoon whisked her babies away to a new home.

Nature Week: Mr. and Mrs. Duck

This is not a great picture- they wouldn't hold still! But this lovely couple has been roaming through our yard occasionally. I know they aren't extraordinary, but if you haven't noticed... I love nature. This country-girl-gone-city loves anything that takes me closer to my roots. The kids loved seeing them and the ducks were extra friendly. I'm sure they've been given a hand out or two in the past. I hope we see them again!

Fair Lady

This tree stands outside my kitchen window draped in the finest pink frills. A perfect place for the birds to perch and watch the world go by.

Pretty Posies

Today, while cleaning up the kitchen I decided to bring a few flowers in from my gardens. My favorite is the first one. I think it is a poppy anemone, but I'm not sure. However, the purple-black center surrounded by violet petals pulls me in. I'm in love!

Crocuses... Or Is It Croci?

It's so refreshing to see beautiful color dotting our landscape. I think I've counted 5 different types of Crocuses. Today I even saw a fuzzy, golden bumblebee floating along among the flowers. A few daffodils are set to bloom tomorrow. Ahh, I can't say enough about Spring!

Bountiful Harvest

This week the kids and I harvested the first batch of blueberries from the four blueberry bushes at our new home. They are SO good! Lydia ate every berry I tried to put in her little pink bucket. I'm surprised she didn't get a tummy ache.

Brian, his mom and myself spent an hour or so putting up the cage and netting to keep the birds from eating the berries. I was glad to have some help. It wasn't something I could do by myself. The cage is a little rickety, but it'll be fine for this summer. I think Brian is planning to build something more sturdy next summer.

This afternoon I went back over to the house to mow the lawn and was able to harvest another over-flowing pint of berries. It looks as though we will have that much or more ready to pick on Monday. What an abundant blessing!!! I am ready to pull out my recipes and whip up some pie, muffins and cobbler. Oh, I'm so excited!