We're Off!

We are packed and ready to leave early in the morning for what I am calling the "Rags to Riches" tour. We are spending the first 5 days camping in a tent near Taquamenon Falls, just enjoying nature and campfires and the water. We are taking only the necessities that can fit in my husband's pick-up truck...so a true upper-peninsula camping experience is in our near future. We borrowed a fishing boat to take along, so I am hoping for fresh fish dinners cooked on the open flame each night for dinner. Then, we are going to spend 3 days on Mackinac Island at a very nice resort right on the water with manicured lawns, chocolate turn-down service, butlers, etc. For those of you non-Michiganders, Mackinac Island is an island between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan that boasts itself as a "step back in time". There are no motorized vehicles on the island (except for an ambulance, I believe), and there are horses and bicycles everywhere. The island is gorgeous and quaint and so, so charming--wonderful colorful cottages, lush natural habitat, historical sights, the clip-clop of horses, quaint little shops.....definitely a lot of eye candy for me and my camera! I have visited Mackinac Island many times both growing up and after getting married, but this is our very first time to stay overnight on the island. I love the contrast of these two experiences, and we are all awaiting this adventure with anticipation.

Some of my goals for this little getaway:

Re-read "The Artist's Way"--a book about reconnecting with and nurturing your creative energy;
Memorize Psalm 139 and meditate on what it really means to be "fearfully and wonderfully made";
Re-establish a regular walking routine--should be easy with the gorgeous Lake Superior terrain we will be staying within;
Help my kids with their "Summer Memory" books--made with photos, markers, and a few simple stickers only (back to the basics)!;
Roam the island spending time with only my camera and my art journal and a black art pencil;
Lots of quality play time with my kids and husband.

So, you will not hear from my again until probably after the Fourth of July. So be sure to find a fun and playful way to honor and celebrate this great country.....and don't forget to take lots of pictures along the way! I'll spend the week after we return sharing photos of our little Rags to Riches adventure......Bon Voyage!

Monday A.M.

Today was our first official morning that we could sleep in a little bit....now it REALLY feels like summer vacation! The kids had a KidsGAMEs program all week last week, but we have the beginning of this week with nothing planned but relaxing, swimming,laundry, etc.

However, we did decide to head north for a 6-day camping trip on Wednesday. So, I'm headed to Target in a few minutes to get a tent, screen tent, lantern, etc. We have lots of camping equipment but are used to camping in a trailer, so tent camping always introduces new needs into the picture. We are looking forward to some fishing, swimming, hiking at Taquamenon Falls, staying overnight on Mackinaw Island, etc. Oh, and the kids are so excited about stopping at SeaShell City (envision the king of cheap souvenier land, and you get the picture!). We will be back just before July 4th. There are so many cool festivals and fireworks in the West Michigan lakeshore towns that we really like to be back here for the holiday.

I had a great weekend with my sister and brother-in-law visiting on Saturday and Sunday. And, Dan, if you are reading this, yes I certainly WOULD be in trouble if I ever broke my right hand or shoulder (inside joke!). Thanks, it was great to spend time together just relaxing in the pool, having dinner together, and of course the yummy chocolate peanut butter sundaes.

So, enjoy your Monday!

Good for the {Creative} Soul.

Friday was an amazing day of creative escape. I was able to spend over 12 hours solid creating and playing and painting and reflecting. Really, REALLY good time for the soul. I also met some amazing women who share my passion for art, family, photos, and living the authentic Christian life. I got to play with the new lines from KI Memories (Love Elsie--love the chipboard buttons!) and the Funky Vintage line from Making Memories (love the chipboard buttons and the velvet scalloped ribbon in rich brown). I am not usually one to count pages, as I really try to just get lost in the process, but I was able to finish 22 PAGES! yesterday. So, not only do I feel my soul filled up today after a creative day yesterday, but I also was able to fill up a few more page pockets in my books. Here are a couple of the pages, for all you scrappers out there: I also received a few new FONTWERKS stamps today in the mail, so I'm looking forward to playing with those. Have a happy, family-filled creative Saturday!

It's a Choice.

In my field, psychology, one of the central premises of making sense of human thought, emotion and behavior is quite simple yet also complicated: We choose how we respond. Of course, the picture is muddied by the complexities of the human brain, neurological anomaly, abuse, life experiences, psychological disorder, etc., but generally speaking, in life, human beings have a strong element of choice in how they respond to their circumstances.

I was reminded of this truth today. My kids went outside, and I thought they were walking the puppy. Then, they each came in with gorgeous and plentiful handfuls of bright pink flowers.


My initial thought was: Where did those flowers come from? We don't have flowers like that....and then it hit me.....the hanging flower baskets. As I walked out on the porch to check out the situation, my suspicion was confirmed. Sure enough, the kids had pretty much picked every flower off one of my hanging baskets so they could present their bouquet to me. As I felt the angry words rising, I thankfully stopped them. Look at their smiles. They had done this out of love and kindness for me, their Mommy, wanting to surprise me. They had not done it out of obstinance or disobedience or malice. They did it with pure motive. And I could choose to embrace their giving spirits...... or crush their spirits in one fell swoop. Thankfully, I exercised self-control and chose to embrace it, embrace them, and thank them for the beautiful flowers.

So many times, we can choose how we respond. Right now in my life, I have two friends who are choosing to live with joy and faith, despite grim prognosis in their battles with cancer. I know others who are choosing to live with joy despite unemployment and severe illness and financial problems. Thank God, He gave us the gift of free will, and He allows us to exercise it. So, how will YOU choose to respond today? I challenge you to take one situation where your first inclination is to be angry, negative, and critical.....and choose joy instead. After all, the joy of my children are worth far more than any hanging basket (whether with flowers or naked!).

Wow, this is POST #200 here on Half-Baked. And I am CHOOSING to celebrate! My next post will mark this milestone....I'm not sure how yet, but I'll dream up something!

Late-Night Post.

Today was jam-packed with lots going on. I started out the morning trying out some new recipes to bring to my brother and sister-in-law as they settle into their home with sweet little 3-day-old Samantha. I was on bedrest with my first pregnancy for a full three months, and I don't know what we would have done without our church family helping us with meals. What a true blessing it is. So, I made three dishes: Layered Tortilla Pie (yum!), stuffed shells (so good!) and baked scalloped potatoes with pork chops (a great classic). And, because I doubled up the recipes as I went, I am also done cooking for my family for the week. Wow, I wish that I could do this every week, as it feels so good to be a bit ahead.

I also did a little "Daddy's Brag Book" scrapbook for my brother to take with him to work. I altered a box for them to keep Sam's baby cards, along with a hinged memory frame for her first photo and nursery hat. I then picked up a pink rose bush for them to plant for Sam. I think I am already spoiling my very first niece!

Tomorrow, we are making snacks for 500 kids, so it will be another busy morning. I already feel the summer speeding by, and I am trying to slow it down. The fourth of July is 2 weeks away, YIKES. I have two birthday parties to plan and I hope to get a bit ahead so they don't sneak up on me.

I've been doing some planting of perrenials in our front flower bed, to add a few splashes of color. Tomorrow, I plan to plan some Black-Eyed Susans and Shasta Daisies. Daisies always remind me to enjoy the simple things of life. They also remind me of my mom, who would rather have a fistful of daisies rather than a fancy bouquet of roses any day.....and, so would I! Good night, sleep tight.

Weekend Highlights.

Happy Father's Day, Bro!

My little brother received the ultimate Father's Day gift this morning just after midnight. He and his wife welcomed their first child--a little girl named Samantha Jay--into the world and into our family. She is a tiny little peanut--just 6 pounds--with unruly light brown hair and bright eyes. And she is truly a miracle. My kids are nearly 6 and 4 now, and you soon forget how very tiny and fresh and new they are when they are first born. To see my brother's look of pride and protection for his little girl, and to see him embrace this new role, was amazing. Now, my daughter is more convinced than ever that we need another little baby in our family, so I guess we shall see..........So today, I am thankful for my Dad and father-in-law and husband and grandfathers, and for the awesome miracle of new life that God has blessed our family with today.

Busy Days.

WHEW. Today it's Saturday, and I can finally breathe. The last week has been SO, SO busy with school ending, end-of-the-year parties and field trips, the emotion of it all. In the last two days, this is just a sampling of what happened in our family:

Hosted 20+ football players for a team lunch....boy, can these boys EAT!
Hosted 30+ coaches and wives and kids for a end-of-the-year appreciation cook-out. We have definitely purchased and grilled A LOT of brats this week! Thank the Lord for COSTCO!
Planned and executed a treasure hunt for the last-day-of-kindergarten party....so fun and the kids loved it!
Wrote and submitted a conference presentation for next winter.
Cancelled a pool-party.....after two parties the day before, I just couldn't do a third....we'll reschedule for later in the summer.

These things, mingled with everyday things like grocery shopping (did I mention that those football players can REALLY EAT!) and cleaning and chasing kids and potty-training puppies and trying to get a little scrap time in....and I am ready for summer! Yesterday, we headed to the lakeshore for a much-needed afternoon at the beach----just the four of us, a cooler of Diet Coke and juice boxes, a few buckets and shovels, and some great weather. A great last-day-of-school tradition that I hope we will be able to do each year.....photos to come later today. We have a graduation open house two hours away and we are getting ready to go. Have a great Saturday!

Tuck in and Story Time.

Tuck-in time is always a very special time around here. However, because I have two kiddos to tuck in, one of them always has to wait patiently while I finish story, snuggles, and praying to Jesus with the other one. Tonight, Kennedy was first, which meant that Hayden had to show patience.....which is not his typical forte.
Hayden LOVES his bedtime stories and cuddle time with Mommy.

I read with Kennedy, and then I opened Hayden's door to find this:




Hayden was
"reading" his favorite story--5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed--to his little sock monkey, who was tucked safely in bed next to him. And, he was pretty much telling the story word-for-word, thanks to the 1500+ times that we have read this story to him. What a precious sight for a Mommy to see her little boy loving reading and sharing his favorite story with whoever will listen.

Scrap Goodness.

I have been on a "scrap-roll" for the past two dsys, both in terms of organizing my room and getting some pages done. Tonight, I finally got the chance (and the bravery!) to start playing with the new SIS collection that I received a couple of weeks ago. The patterned paper is a bit bolder that what I typically like to work with, but I think I found something that works! And the good news is, I still have LOTS of stuff left from that kit, so the fun is only beginning.

Everyday Thanks.

On a Monday morning, I am finding myself walking around the house with my camera, taking photos of just everyday things that make our life easier and just a little bit happier. That is one thing that scrapbooking has given me.....it has made me TAKE NOTICE of some of the simple, "small" things of life, and it has caused me to CELEBRATE AND BE THANKFUL in a more aware and ongoing way each and every day. Here are some things that I am thankful for this morning:

Graduation.

"Start spreadin' the news, we're leaving today.......we want you to open the doors to the....first, grade, first grade......"

That's the sweet song my daughter and her kindergarten classmates sang at their kindergarten graduation today. It was so sweet. Really, since I was on the organizing team for the event, I was too busy running around busy attending to this and that....that I didn't really react emotionally as much as I thought. Until now. Wow. My little girl is finished with kindergarten. Graduated. And I can't tell you how many people said to me, "Just wait, you'll blink that they'll be graduating from high school." OK, I really did need to hear THAT today.
I am so very proud of my little girl. Proud of how straight and tall she walked to get her diploma. Proud of the fact that she was awarded the "Great Writer Award." So proud that she knew all of the words to the graduation songs. She has grown so much over the past year....not just gained 2 inches and 5 pounds physically, but how she has matured and deepened in her concern for people. How she looks for opportunities to learn and explore and grow. How she has bloomed in her reading and writing and overall literacy. And today was a day for celebrating all she is and all she is learned and that this is just the beginning.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day:





And my all-time favorite that just warms my heart:

And now, I can truly say that this is one exhausted and emotionally drained Mommy who is VERY ready for a good night's sleep and a relaxed Saturday tomorrow. I am planning on getting some scrapping time in tomorrow, which is very much needed. So Good Friday Night to you. Hug your kids tonight, let them know how much you love them and how proud you are of them. I know I will.

Fun on the Thursday Morning.

1. regular or diet soda: CF Diet Coke from McDonald's, to be precise. They have the best carbonation by far....we all need a little "fizz and pop" in our lives!
2. salt or pepper: Salt!
3. hot or cold weather: Hot.. I like cold, too, especially in the form of crispy fall evenings with a warm sweater or quilt.
4. dogs or cats: Dogs, though I am a bit frustrated with ours right now because I have like 10 pairs of flip-flops which all have little teeth marks in them, and with most of them, I can only find one of the two.....she likes to stash them in her secret hiding places.
5. dieting or exercise: Exercise.. though I have definitely done my share of both.
6. cooking or doing dishes: I am not a huge fan of either, but at least cooking is somewhat creative. Though I do love the feel of a clean sink, empty dishwasher, and full cupboards.
7. sleeping or shopping: Sleeping.....especially naps, my guilty pleasure. But don't get me wrong, I can shop with the best of them.
8. Red Lobster or Outback Steakhouse: I like both, depending on my mood, and you can get good Tilapia at either place. If forced, I'd probably go with Outback for the ambiance.
9. classical or hip hop music: Classical, though Praise and Worship music is my heart.
10. dancing or playing sports: Sports all the way.
11. back rub or foot rub: back rub. Don't you dare touch my feet.
12. fruits or vegetables: both, especially fresh from the garden or local farmer's market.
13. Grey's Anatomy or House: House.....he is such a fascinating character.
14. coffee or tea: chai tea.
15. curling up with a good book or a night out on the town: curling up with a good book or movie on a quiet night under a handmade quilt.....mmmmmm.
16. Straight hair or curly hair: straight, with a bit of wave.
17. skirts or shorts: I have really grown to love skirts, especially flowy skirts in the summer time. But shorts are the go-to standby.
18. burgers/hotdogs or chinese food: Chinese.
19. vacationing in Switzerland or Mexico: I've never been to Switzerland and I've been to Mexico twice (Cabo San Lucas and the Mexican Riveria)....I love Mexico but would love to experience Switzerland.
20. sports car or SUV: SUV.

Walking Around Town.

For their social studies unit on community helpers, my daughter and her class took a walk around part of our little town today to see some of the major sites. Now, mind you, we do live in a smaller town, so the sights are your typical hometown locales--today was the local icecream shop--probably the highlight of our town for many families--and the library, which is a very, very nice library for a town our size. We also got to see how policewomen function as crossing guards, and we got lots of Beep-Beep greetings from cars going by as we walked along the street. Lots of fun and learning was had by all. Even Hayden got to go along for the big kindergarten walk, so he felt like pretty big stuff to be able to walk along with his big sister and her friends. Next week--the pizza parlor and the fire station.

I'm struggling a bit as a Mommy this week. Having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that my daughter--my little girl, my firstborn--will be done with kindergarten in 6 and 1/2 days. Wasn't it just last week that I climbed on the school bus with her to accompany her to her very first day of kindergarten? They say time goes fast when it comes to your kids growing up, but I wasn't prepared for this fast. I'm sure it will really hit me Friday, when she officially graduates. I'm going to be sure to tuck a tissue in my purse that morning, believe you me.

Weekend Highlights.

It was a hot and rainy weekend for the most part here in West Michigan. We took a break from gardening and planting flowers, since we got our fill of that over the Memorial Day weekend. So, this weekend consisted of a lot of resting and family time. Highlights included:

Ruby's first vet visit--she is already 16 pounds and the doctor said to expect her to be a VERY BIG dog. Kennedy wants to be a vet when she grows us, so she went along for the visit and got to see the true workings of a vet office. I specifically requested a female vet, since I want Kennedy to see that women professionals fill all walks of professional life.

T-Ball Game--it is fun to see how each girl on our team is progressing. Even the little player who couldn't throw the ball overhand when we started made a pretty decent throw toward first base on Saturday. Each girl is making such positive strides, and it's fun to be part of that growth.

Swimming--We spent a good part of each day swimming in the pool. We purchased this pool last year from one of my colleagues at work, and it has been a great investment. The kids love being able to swim and cool down whenever they want to, and it is great family time. It is amazing to see how exposure to water every day helps the kids to advance their swimming skills and allay their fears of water. Even little Ruby got to take a few dips!

Kick-off of our Summer Kids Program--at church. We are taking a much more relaxed hands-on activity approach to the summer. During the first round, we are teaching collage art (see the photo of the frames--so cute), camping, basketball, and hospitality. The kids were very wired and ready to go....a loud and rowdy but fun morning was had by all.

A nice long Sunday afternoon nap--Have I told you how strongly I believe in Sunday afternoon naps? And when its a rainy Sunday........heavenly! After I got up, Kennedy and I got groceries to prepare for the new week.

I don't know about you, but I cannot believe that it's June already.....July is right around the corner. Slow down, summer days!