Schooling in the Mud

Today we ventured outside for school.

The kids were excited about the nice breeze and sunshine and me...well....I wasn't going to let a little mud get in the way of spending the afternoon learning as we listen to the birds!

My youngest in his favorite boots. Holy knees & all!

My daughter in her favorite spot. Under a tree with a book.

{P.S. These giant umbrellas were one of the best finds ever for this home school mom & photographer! Only 2.00 each at a yardsale!}

                                             My young lady loves to go outside in style...
                                 

            even if there is mud under the balnket and in between her toes!

My Boys worked very hard...they finished their handwriting & math in record time!

Maybe it was the sunshine, or the fresh air, or the anticipation of another adventure I promised they could have after school work was done. 

Either way I was one happy momma!

       As the wind blew and the birds chirped  I couldn't help but sit back
                         and watch them all three of my little blessings.
                            One day I know they will be grown and gone.
.

                             These clotheslines will be full of "Big Kid" clothes
                                          and the blankets will be packed away
                                 carrying taters and tears of the many adventures
                                   & school hours outside they carried.
                        I know that day might be here sooner than I want....
                  but right now they are still little {even if they are almost 13
                                 and may baby is almost 7!}

      They are my life, my every moment.
         They are why I stay home, teaching and raising them.
      They are why I smile. And laugh.  They teach me patience, forgiveness, and grace. {some more than others!}

     Every day they are changing and I don't want to miss any moment
                                                 big or little.
                                               


A moment {Where time stood still}
Dawn

Spring is here....

The snow is melting fast...

I already miss the smell of our wood stove.

But its here.

After a long. cold. Winter. 

                Seeds are sprouting...
         and my daughter can't resist cutting
                     a few and filling a jar for our table.
                                                     

The Apple orchard is ready. For blooms. For apples.

For little boys to climb and rest nestled inbetween their branches

reading their favorite book.

The mighty Oak {we think} is full of red tiny buds. Its just simply charming!

Before I know it these blooms and blossoms will be strong.

And another Spring will birth many new projects for my family & I.

Another season.

Another adventure.

Another chance to make more memories!

And on those very brisk still cold days as winter trys to hang on, I will just relax in front of the fire with my cup of Earl Grey! 

Another Moment in time,

Dawn

A Ceremony

                                          A Ceremony....

It was a breezy morning...the birds were singing and the clouds were overhead. This day would be special. The snow outside and the puddles of rain would not damper the beauty and simple elegance that filled the rooms of the church. As I came to help set up I was greeted with a bright smile...a hug...and excitement from the sweet bride-to-be. It was her day. She would be the bride and walk the isle with her love.

 Family and friends gathered in a prayer chapel and were seated in front of a small platform that was the backdrop for their vows. As music played they waited patiently and read a copy of their love story...a charming booklet left on the seat for each guest. It was simple, sweet and introduced the next chapter of their lives.

It was here where she begun to get ready. A day dreamed of her whole life...
                                                             
                                                                        {The Dress...}
                                               Handmade by a dear friend.

With elegant details and a custom pendant

 Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law joined us as she unwrapped her dress.  Words of encouragement came from her mother-in-law. Assuring her how beautiful she would be and her sister-in-law whispered how much her groomed loved and adored her. The warmth of their loved carried this bride throughout the day.
                                                         
                                                             {The Dressing Room}

Before we knew it the moment came where the
        final touches were being made....
      ~Lipstick of choice...burgundy

    ~Yellow "sunshine" earrings hung just above  her mothers necklace

   
     ~Fresh flowers....
combining the memory of
            her parents...sweet peas
              {a nickname from her father}
           and a pendant honoring her mother.

                      Flowers that she would carry close to her heart  
                                  as she walked toward the man of her dreams.
             

                             
       Like her mommy her daughter too was ready for the special day....

             Her final touches were being made
                   and curls danced in her hair.


                She held on tightly to her bouquet...
               with a sweet smile she squealed
            as I showed her how beauitiful she was!

                                                                      {The Reception}
              From wooden crates to sand and seashells six  food stations were in the center of the reception.

The Guests got a sweet treat...with custom M&M's at their seat 

The decorations were simple...newly bloomed
  fresh cherry blossoms, blue jars,
       sand & candles....along with a
 thank you gift at each place setting!

                                                    Even  a "Sand Castle" Room...
              where little children could find their own pail filled with goodies to keep them busy.

        And so their love story continues as they begin to walk this path...
                            one where a little lady follows in their footsteps!
                                 
                                 


A moment in time,
Dawn

Moments in the Everyday

A simple gift...from a dear family.

My oldest embrodiering her first sampler!

{Here is the link to our sweet friends Etsy shop....http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClementinePatterns}

Another moment in my day,

Dawn

A charming home

A Simple Place....

One full of charm, grace and memories.

Surrounded by books of old and handmade baskets this home makes anyone want to curl up in front of the fire with a hand made knitted blanket at your feet!

A picture hangs above the hearth...one with a story of elegance, and harmony!

                             
                     Inside everyones heart is a home...one where moments are shared and treasured

                      {Thank you Lou & Margaret for letting me capture the beauty of your home!}



Another Moment,
Dawn

{A new chapter in a love story begins....}

Puddles of sand, burlap scraps, shells from the sea and fresh flowers surrounded my sweet Aunt this past weekend. We had a day to encourage her as she prepares for a ceremony with her love.

 

A ceremony sealed with a ring and tied with God's word.

 

                                       
                                   The menu was very simple....

 

....kind of like a picnic at the beach

 

 

Strawberry Lemonade & White Chocolate cupcakes

 

 

 

{Some of us even made sand castles!}

 

 

 

 

The theme of this day was inspired by two books...one that has touched our hearts with a challenge to keep track of ALL the gifts God has given, and one to remind us of the footsteps in the sand we will take as we make memories in the years to come.

 

Each guest got to take home Ann Voskamps mini booklet. A heart challenge to keep track of 7 ways a day that our spouses {or God} show us they love us. Gifts of love. Ones that will rekindle that love when socks on the floor distract us.

 

My dear Aunt lives a life of joy.

 Her life reflects a heart of gratitude.

In the sorrow or the joy she is learning how to live fully right where she is.

                                                                       
                                                           {We love you sweet Amy!}

Another Moment,
Dawn