A truly WONDERFUL story

I just finished reading this book to my girls and with tears in my eyes I closed the book and wished that I too had an 'Edward'.

What a beautiful story about love. This is--by far--the best children's book I have ever read. It is a book for children but it is not at all childish. It will bring tears to your eyes and will melt your heart and there will be parts that will make you ache deep inside as you (as an adult) read Edward's story. I found myself cheering aloud, hurting deep inside, laughing at the colorful descriptions, and having to take a moment to control my emotions while reading.

This book is worth the money to have on your shelf. Open up your heart and give Edward a chance...trust me, you will not regret it.

Go here to buy on Amazon.

On the 3rd

We are enjoying the beach 'the summer way' as much as we can before fall really makes an entrance (then we will still enjoy it, but differently).

I am so thankful for warm sand, colorful shells, strands of seaweed that bring hours of entertainment, salty hands, cold little fingers that wrap around mine to keep warm, being snuggled up on a blanket with two little ones by my side breathing in the ocean air, and of course--no housework, just a soft place to sit, and a pile of sand to dig in.

Some day I hope to bring a book and a chair, but for now--there are too many "Mommy look at this, Mommy can you do this..." and I know someday that will all come to an end. So for now, I try to enjoy.

September

I love the northern coast in September (but I also love it in the winter, spring, and summer). School starts up, the temps drop, and suddenly the once crowded beaches are empty and everything is just so still, quiet. The beach becomes our private playground, where all treasures remain hidden until we happen to find them. I tend to be a lover of all things magical and if the magic isn't obvious, I search for it, or if I must--imagine it is there, but an empty new england beach, on a cool, foggy morning, or a cool evening at sunset, the magic is inescapable and the beauty overwhelming. I love checking out The Creators art work, it intoxicates me--I can't seem to find a way to breathe it in, and no matter what mood I am in, no matter what difficult thing life has brought my way, when I breathe in that ocean air--I find joy. Then once I again I am reminded of grace, and the ultimate gift that grace is, and everything else in life just becomes easier to handle--then my thoughts are filled with thanks to a Creator who offers grace so freely, and who surrounds us with His beautiful artwork as just an extra.

See you in September?

Life has been a bit busy. Summer is going by so quickly. I just can't seem to find the time to put into this blog at the moment. I want to enjoy the sun, nature, my family, and my friends and still have the time to cook, clean, and at least attempt to wash a load of laundry a day (even if they don't get put away till fall), and I just can't seem to balance it all and keep up a blog as well. So, I am saying goodbye till September, I think...Have a wonderful summerPLAY (the mess can wait)

Mr. Bill

This is our (female) gecko--Mr. Bill (yes, the girls named her)

3 cookouts-- 3 days--and 1 visit from the toothfairy

(this was tooth #2--thought it would never fall out)

a little bit of May

Mom's Day weekend

(yes, I know...a picture of me--shocker)

May

yes, that is a worm--one, very large, worm

Camping

It was a beautiful weekend to camp. The nights were a bit cold but the sun was out ALL day. I never realized how 'easy' camping can be when it is not raining (look back at camping post from Sept08 for more info). I am excited to go back. So, on that note, I am planning another backpacking trip-- with Kevin-- for Mothers Day weekend. I took a lot of pictures--the rest will be on facebook.