A sister's love is...

...pure, gentle, enduring and eternal.

Heaven Sent

This beautiful Broad-Banded Swallowtail paused for a brief moment, just long enough for me to admire its beautiful wings and take a picture.  Something this majestic must come from heaven--and I like to think it was Sarah who sent it my way.

Operation Toad Rescue

This morning while taking Rascal for a walk, Nathan discovered a toad in distress.  This toad was stuck in a small hole in the water meter-reader.  Poor little guy, how long had he been in this awkward position?  Thankfully, amphibian-loving Nathan elected himself to the mission of "Operation Toad Rescue."

Nathan carefully helped Mr. Toad make his way through the hole, gave a friendly squeeze, then released him in the flower garden.

Curious Caroline watches as the toad happily hops away.
   

Happy Father's Day

I like you because you're friendly, playful, energetic, and most of all because you are my DAD! 

Love, Nathan

p.s. You make the best omelets!

I love you because you are REALLY nice, fun, and I'm glad that you are my eternal Dad!!!    

Your loving daughter, Maren

p.s.  I think you are the #1 Dad!       

Thank you for sharing your breakfast in the morning and reading stories with me at night.

Hugs and kisses, Caroline

p.s.  "Acht!" 

Sarah and her "Daddy-A" ~ Galveston Beach, July 2008

8 Years

I remember the joyful moment as I held my precious Maren Elizabeth for the the first time.  As I looked into her small, dark eyes an eternal bond was formed.  How fortunate I felt to have a daughter of my own, to cherish and love.

Maren has a naturally happy, content disposition.  

She is always anxious to help those in need.

She is proper and poised.

She has a mother heart.

 She is nurturing and loving.

She is a good example.

She is a true Texan!

She loves to perform.

Today we celebrate 8 special years with our marvelous Maren!

(this picture was taken by my friend Carla)

A Boy and His Dog

These two adore each other.

Every night Rascal follows Nathan up to bed.  While Nathan reads, the dog enjoys an evening nap covered in soft sheets and a warm blanket.  I allow this only because our puppy is clean--two baths a week!

Nathan is learning how to care for a baby.  We will soon have a well-trained babysitter in our family!  After a tutorial on diaper changing, he chose to test his skills on Rascal instead of Caroline (who would not agree to it).  I gave Nathan an A+.  What a patient pup!    

Celebrity Look-alike

This afternoon Nathan was playing around with an ace bandage around his head.  Suddenly I was back in the 80's with Ralph Macchio--The Karate Kid.  Do we have a celebrity look-alike?  

June Blooms

Our flower gardens are flourishing after recent rainstorms.  Brightly colored blossoms are appearing on plants and trees.  It is such a beautiful time of year.  This afternoon, while Caroline slept and Nathan and Maren quietly played, I photographed a few of my favorites. 

Marigolds

Blue Salvia

Purselayne

Iris

Moss Rose

Mexican Heather

Rock Rose

Agapanthus

Lantana

Russian Sage

Crepe Myrtle

30 Ways to Cure Summer Boredom

The children have been home from school for almost a week.  We have really enjoyed a slower pace in the mornings and more family time!  However, I have come to realize their minds and bodies still need a lot of structure and routine.  The children are much happier when they are engaged in a project or game.  Here is a list of thirty activities that have cured them so far from Summer boredom and help to foster creativity and minimize the use of electronic devices.  If your child comes to you with the familiar line, "I'm Bored" perhaps you could suggest one of the following:  

1.  Make play doh (for my favorite recipe, click here) 

2.  Go on a nature walk (collect flowers/bugs)

3.  Mini Marshmallow Art (create 3-D designs using toothpicks)

4.  Alphabetize chapter books on a shelf

5.  Create something from a shoebox using around-the-house materials

6.  Bounce a large ball back and forth to each other

7.  Bake something 

8.  Build a fort

9.  Visit the library

10. Hunt for lizards and frogs

11. Play restaurant (have the children design menu’s)

12. Print math problems on a sheet of paper and solve the problems using a calculator

13.Type a letter to a friend or cousin on the computer

14. Dress up in costumes

15. Play a board game

16. Make jewelry out of pasta noodles or cereal

17. Collect leaves then make a leaf book using paper and glue

18. Make trail mix

19. Design a portfolio folder (for their summer artwork)

20. Play hangman

21. Invite a friend over to play for two hours

22. Make sock puppets (using old socks and buttons for eyes) 

23. Start a rock collection

24. Create a small structure using Dominos

25. Make a picture collage using old magazines

26. Quiet time (alone in bedrooms for 1 hour and quietly playing or reading alone)

27. Color by number artwork (there are several to choose from at Michaels)

28. Make cards (using cardstock, stamps and stickers)

29. Write a short story and read aloud to the family 

30. Play school (mom as the student) 

Healthy Summertime Snacks

"I'm hungry!"  I will be hearing this all summer long with three growing children in my home.  Here is a list of some of our favorite summer snacks that not only satisfy hungry tummies, but provide energy and nutrition for healthy, happy kids.


cubed cheese on toothpicks

pretzels dipped in peanut butter

apple wedges

carrots and broccoli served with ranch dip

fruit leather

trail mix

popcorn, goldfish and pretzel mix

raisins

celery with peanut butter

graham crackers with a glass of chocolate Ovaltine

pretzels dipped in Nutella

crackers with thin slices of cheese 

grapes on a toothpick

mini muffins

lettuce wedges lightly drizzled with dressing

granola bars

frozen yogurt sticks

fruit juice

dry cereal in a cup

apple sauce 

mini bagel with cream cheese spread

nuts

Today we celebrate the last day of school!  We are looking forward to a summer filled with lots of family fun.  

A Day of Remembrance

A beautiful day to remember our loved ones who have gone before us.

Thank you dear family for decorating Sarah's spot.