goodbye summer

From sweltering in June to wearing a jacket in August.  From days of overloaded schedules to days where you don't even look at the clock because time simply doesn't matter.  From the burden of big decisions and change to peace in the knowledge that God is working all things for our good.

2014 was the summer of extremes.



The (somewhat) short of it...

Hiked the nestled and windy trials that led to the glorious splendor that is Hocking Hills, Oh.

Began a Paleo diet and finally began to lose weight and not be exhausted ALL the time.

Lounged on the beach with our toes in the sand and looked on as our boys splashed and giggled and made memories that they (and us) will cherish.

Watched my boys stretch out of their comfort zones and learn something new...Tae Kwon Do.  Boy do I love watching them practice their blocks and kicks.  The spark of confidence has found them :)

Nurtured seedlings into a bountiful garden.  Well ok, maybe not all of it was bountiful but zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers for sure!

Tried our hands at canning...homemade salsa, pepper relish, and pickles.

Celebrated the gift of family and the ties that bind us to our roots no matter time or distance.

Hubsy was finally able to quite his day job after 3 years of building his own business (a lot of blood sweat and tears on both our parts). Woohoo!

Kiddos began attending a new school.  Scary for L.  Total excitement for E.  I love how they have their own unique personalities.

Marveled at the artistry of our creator that is oh so evident in the sunsets we are treated to every night.  Love our new house/location.  The sky is just so HUGE.

And now for the pics...

a little more

Remember in grade school when the teacher would have you stand up and tell the class what you did over  summer break?
Head back to second grade with me just a sec okay ; )

Despite the craziness of trying to sell our house and move to the country we have made the most of the free time we have had.  There have been vacations, camping, backyard playing, family visiting, boat rides, amusement parks, and typical summer shenanigans going on round these parts.

We explored the natural world in our back yards.

Went on a few camping trips and discovered some AMAZING sights.

Had some backyard sprinkler fun in the sun.

Enjoyed some fresh harvest from our garden.

Practiced being beach bums

Took in some amusements

And enjoyed a night out on the town with family (sans-kids no less!)

image via

These are the favorite moments that made my summer....it was awesome : )

Bring on the bangle

Summer is in full swing and one of my favorite things about the summer in terms of fashion 

are showing off a little arm accented with some great bangle bracelets.

Here are a few I've been scouting out lately from the magical land of Etsy.

Love me some copper

{1}

big, bold, and beautiful

{2}

gorgeous horn

{3}

love the intricate focal

{4}

 

sweet and delicate

{5}

birch trees are my favorite

{6}

flirty fringe makes wearing this fun

 {7}

1.Christina Steward

2. William Morris

3. quecraft

4. Frosted Willow

5. ADelicateWorld

6. RosellaResin

7. btmbeadworks

Which one is your favorite?

Go on....bare those arms and embellish those wrists!

Summer Eats

I've been pinning like crazy lately and figured it's high time 

I actually make some of the things I pin.
(see my side bar to follow me on Pinterest, I'd love to follow back)

I thought these would be great for summer with all sorts of picnics and get-togethers coming up.  

Now I just need to decide which one to make first!

Pinterest via: source

Chicken can get kind of boring so I'm always looking for new recipes to keep things interesting.

This one looks simple....my middle name.

Pinterest via: source

 Seems like avacado is the food of choice right now. 

Everywhere I look there are recipes or sales on them at the store.  

I think this recipe looks unique and delicious.

Pinterest via: source

I adore zucchini, pretty much in any form.

Pinterest via: source

 You can't go wrong with cheese, just look at that ooey-gooey goodness!

Pinterest via: source

This grape salad looks like the perfect refreshing summer dessert, sign me up!

I tend to fly by the seat of my pants, trying new recipes when it's time to contribute to a party.  

Hubsy doesn't necessarily think it's wise of me to experiment on others :)

How about you?  

Do you like to experiment or do you have a 

go-to recipe you use for summer picnics?

Thank you to everyone who expressed sympathy on my last post, 

it really is so appreciated!

A boy's paradise....and mine too

This past weekend we took a trip up to visit my Dad and stepmother.  They live about an hour and a half away on beautiful sprawling acreage near Cook's Forest.  

Their house is a boy's paradise.....
and mine too.  

My sons absolutely love going to visit.  The sweetness of the quiet and natural surroundings can't be denied.  We all become entranced and it ends up feeling like a mini vacation.  It is one of my favorite places to be.  In all seasons really but summer is truly a treat.  So I thought I'd share some of my favorite things about the farm (aside from the loving people that live there ;) along with some photos that I took.

The Barn

I love walking into the barn on a hot sunny day.  As you enter you're immediately enveloped in cooler air and the smell of hay.  With the sun rays streaming in through the cracks, the quite peace of the barn is almost palpable.  It's also a wonderland to two little boys who love to climb and run and play.  Strangely enough my older son always wants to sweep the floor so there is no hay on the boards.  Not sure where he got this clean gene but its not from me ;)


The Horses

No he's not dead...just rolling in the mud to relieve the itchies

We love everything about them....
their beauty, the sounds they make, the feel of them, and yes...even the smell :)


The Cool Farm Equipment

What is it about old farm equipment that just begs to be photographed in black and white?

What boy doesn't love tractors and diggers I ask!
Well, they ARE pretty cool and I actually would like to drive Big Blue.  Were thinking of helping out with hay cutting and bailing next year (hard with 2 little boys but maybe).  It will be sweaty, hard, itchy work but I think it will be a rewarding experience that we will all enjoy..


The Campfire

Bonfire anyone?
I just love sitting around the fire talking, laughing, and toasting marshmallows!
The warmth and dancing flames are mesmerizing. 



The Lanscape

beautiful blueberry bushes getting ready to burst with fruit

wild daisies

my pretty poochie enjoying romping in the country

Rolling land, ponds, tall grass, rows of corn, horses, barn, farmhouse, firepit, garden patch, wildflowers...you get the idea.  Just look around and breathe in the fresh country air...it will renew your spirit!




The Creek

When you can't find me....I'll be here,
(likely with both boys at my side) playing on the rocks and looking for crayfish in the creek.  Nothing better than a rocky babbling brook dappled with sunlight and a carpet of moss!  Sheer heaven :)


I guess I am just a farm girl at heart!

Check out my stepmother's blog here 
for some farm fresh stories and recipes!





Linking up with Rachel!