Today I'm...

Realizing that I am still in my pj's and it's noon.

Praying for my husband as he is going for his oral interview for his ordination today. He has studied and prepared for two years to get to this point. Lord, bless his effort and give him a holy confidence.

Really want to go to the pool, but am doing piles of laundry instead. There is no putting it off for another day. I've procrastinated 3 days in a row now.

We woke up this morning to streams of toilet paper in our trees, lamp posts, and even our car was wrapped in toilet paper. Now it's time to get the boys out and up on the ladder to finish the clean up process.

Going to the boys' baseball game tonight. Baseball season is starting to wind down after a very busy schedule. So, rain, please stay away in the days to come so we can get these games in and not have to cram in make-up games. 

Ready to get back into menu-planning and having family dinners.

Wanting to learn how to quilt. 

Seeing progress in an area in my life that I have really struggled with. 

Thankful for yet another beautiful, summer day. 

Psalm 18:1-2 (The Message)

I love you GOD-

you make me strong.

GOD is bedrock under my feet,

the castle in which I live,

my rescuing knight.

My God- the high crag

where I run for dear life,

hiding behind the boulders,

safe in the granite hideout.

Fabric Bookmarks

The bible study group I am part of is going to be starting the book "So Long Insecurity" by Beth Moore. I'm looking forward to connecting with women from our church and journeying my way through another one of Beth Moore's books. I've never not been changed by them, so I'm anticipating the Lord to do some work in me again.

I thought I would surprise the women with a little something special. As we read through this book for the next six weeks, I thought a bookmark would be just the perfect gift.

I think I love a pretty bookmark just about as much as I love a good book.

This is a very easy and quick sewing project. It's a great way to use up scraps of fabric and what's better than a gift made with lots of love.

To begin with, cut two pieces of fabric into 2 1/2 x 7 inch pieces. You can use the same fabric or two coordinating fabrics.

Cut two pieces of interfacing the same measurements and using the manufacturer's instructions, fuse it to the back of the fabrics. I used what I had on hand, which was fusible light fleece interfacing. Because it is a little bit thicker, I just used one piece.

Now, just place the pieces together (right side up) and make a top-stitch (1/4 in.) around the edges. Make sure to leave the TOP open so that you insert a ribbon.

Now, take a pair of pinking shears and trim around all 4 edges.

Insert a piece of ribbon (or two of different widths and length) into the top of the bookmark.

Sew along the top.

And then just make a V cut at the top of the ribbon and you are finished.

And there you have your handmade bookmark.

Just think of all the people you can give these too... teachers, book clubs and bible studies, avid readers, or just those special people in your life.

Like my niece, Olivia...

A Win!!!

We are celebrating a big WIN for the Sox!!!

White Bean and Roasted Chicken Salad

My sister shared this recipe with me weeks ago and I finally made it last night. I have this infamous stack of recipes that I want to try and this is one that was in it.

For the recipe go here. I think a great addition to the salad would be shredded parmesan cheese because doesn't cheese always make things even better?  

It is delicious and one that I am sure I will making a lot during the summer months. It's just perfect for a light dinner with some focaccia and fruit or for a cool and refreshing lunch. In fact, I am packing some up to take with us to eat at the pool . It's the perfect day ...  sunny and 80 degrees. I have my book, sunscreen, and lemon water. Now, this is what I call summer vacation!!!

Have a wonderful, summer day wherever you are!!!

Summer Vacation - Day 1

I gave the boys fair warning that when they got home from their last day of school, I wanted a picture. I have to do this because I still don't have the most cooperative subjects. I have to promise that I will only take a certain number of shots and then I do a lot of praying that at least one will turn out. I think they act this way now just to get a rise out of their mom. 

What I wanted to capture was the look of pure happiness that school was finally out. Or even a great action shot of them running up the hill to the house wishing farewell to school days and hello days of summer.

I said, "Can you just give me a thumbs up or something?"

But this is what I got...

I've learned to just go with it and take what I can get. 

So, here we are on our first day of summer vacation. And it looks like this outside...

I suppose we all will be staying inside today.

Summer... It's Finally Here

There has been no need for our two sons to count down the final days of school these last two weeks because they have a mom who has been more than happy to do it for them. I long for the days of summer just as much as they do.

It's finally here. The last day of school which officially marks the beginning of summer. In several hours, they will be running through the door, backpacks in hand of all the things that have been kept in their lockers all year long. Worn out binders, tattered and torn folders, pencils that are about an inch in length, and piles of papers for me to go through and decide which ones will be saved in their memory boxes.

The routine that has filled our days for the last nine months is going to be replaced with spontaneity and a whole lot of relaxing.

Summertime... where living is easy.

Where days are longer and filled with being with those I love the most.

I so welcome the days of summer. Later nights which lend themselves to lazy mornings. There will be days spent by the pool with a good book in hand while I watch and listen to the boys having the time of their lives.

We will have cook-outs, ice-cream rides (my family called them this growing up... we go get ice cream and take rides in the country), and movies at the drive-in. This summer will be filled with a youth trip, baseball games, having family here over the 4th of July, and a much anticipated vacation to Virginia.

It's a new season and one that I am embracing with a very thankful heart.

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