good things

--It's finally getting back to normal around here, or I should say, today was the first day it was summer as usual. Seriously, going out of town takes it out of you. Sure felt good to be back on track with not only my sleep, but exercise as well.

--It was the craziest surprise this morning when I turned on the Today Show for background noise and the first thing I saw was my friend Jordan being interview with her daughter & husband (her daughter was bit by a shark last week) and a couple of the photos I took of her family last fall were used in the news story. I must admit, it was more than a little thrilling to see a photo of mine on TV. Wahoo!! Of course more than anything I'm so so glad to see her daughter is alright. It's such a frightening story considering we were just at the beach.

--It was delightful to taste the fruits of my labor tonight as my dinner included basil that I'm growing in my backyard. I know that sounds pretty lame to most of you, but I'm not a gardener and considering that I have a black thumb I'm more than a little pleased I'm keeping this plant alive. Especially since I accidentally broke the stem of my tomato plant while trying to replant it and it's barely hanging on.

--I've been on jury duty all week, but so far have not been needed. Thinking I might get off this week without having to go in. :D


--Nothing like a cool thunderstorm on a warm summer eve. It was exactly what I was looking for to cool off. We opened all the windows/doors and listened as the heavy rain beat down against the earth. I actually considered going out in it to take pictures until I saw the lightening--i'm not that crazy.

52 photo project | week 05 | water

52photosproject

rainy days

i love...
the smell
the rich colors
the feel on my face
dancing in
the pitter patter against my window
the drops on my windshield
the misty mountains
the way the drops gently linger on the grass & trees

in the month of april...

we celebrated my little brother's 30th birthday.


bella started writing her first novel & tess spent time in the library searching for a non-fiction book to read. she settled on snakes.


we spent time just hanging out talking. seems like we have been doing a lot more of that lately, the talking, now that the girls are older and have a desire to add to the conversation.


megan started soccer. can you believe three out of five games have been canceled due to the weather?


& got a new smile.


the girls spent good times with their cousins--even the ones who live in washington.




the girls hunted for easter eggs at their nanas,


& grandmas.


we had our first official porch gathering/bbq of the year--hoping it will not be our last.


we had yet another tickle fight.




it was one of the snowiest/rainiest springs i can remember. i am praying may brings dryer weather.

since schools been out...

We've started swim lessons,


and been to the pool.


We've had the breakfast of champions,


and seen baby birds born.


I've said goodbye to a dear friend. Hannah I miss your face.


and jumped on a trampoline...it's been years. [photo by john mckenzie]


We've organized our rooms and spent rainy afternoons playing games or watching movies.


We've been to the book store,


and played with cousins and friends.


It's been a good, semi-crazy, summer vacation thus far. I'm still trying to adjust to the change in my routine, but I have the highest hopes for the next 76 days.

the rain

It has been raining the last two nights. Raining isn't even the right word...more like pouring. Yes, it's been pouring. It's the kind of rain you want to run outside and play in. The kind of rain you get drench after only being outside for a few seconds. The kind of rain that brings with it big bursts of thunder and lightening. The kind of rain that's beautiful to watch.



I distinctly remember the storm on Megan's 2nd birthday, sitting in the doorway watching the rain fall so hard you could see it race down our hilly street. Tess, hidden under her sheets, was the only one not with us...watching (she was for a few minutes, but couldn't take the sound).



Megan sat on Adam's lap waiting for her party to start showing him what the sound of the thunder was like and as quickly as it came it left. It's amazing to me just how loud a thunderstorm can be and even more amazing how, like a light switch, it turns off completely and all your left with is the damp earthy smell.

Monday night was one of those nights. We had just come from making a few visits around the neighborhood and the rain started. We made it inside before we really got it, but just barely. With everyone in their jammies we opened our double french doors and watched the rain come down cozy on our bed. After the girls left us for the night Adam and I sat talking the rest of the evening until the rain decided to stop or else we got too cold...I think it was the later, at least for me. It wasn't what you would call a deep conversation, we just talked about life in the jobs, kids, & stories kind of way. He made me laugh as he always does and I like to think I got him too.

I'm beginning to think the rain has a way of gathering us all together. When mother nature does her thing we all want to be apart of it in our own way. I guess this is our way. Gathering in the safety of our home enjoying the sights, the sounds, the smells...together.

after the storm

It was nice to get a break from the heat even though I've been dying for some warmth. I suppose I just wasn't quite ready for 90 degree weather.

Plus, rain has this beautiful way of giving life back to the earth and making the colors pop. When it was all said and done I had to go out exploring.











Okay now I'm ready for the warmth again.

reflections

I took this photo yesterday morning while the rain continued to fall. We heard it was suppose to rain so Bella took her cypher outside the night before. By 8 am we had already received 1 inch and throughout the day and evening the cypher overflowed with drops of rain.

It's strange when your moods seems to mirror the gray skies. I have been non stop preparing for Europe and while I'm so excited to go on this adventure, I am terrified at the same time. My anxiety is heighten to the max and I once again remember why I prefer to stay home and why I hesitated at the mere mention of crossing the Atlantic.

I feel much better today thanks to some reassurance from Adam. I think he's finally understanding how much I need the, "everything will be fine" speech. I know it sounds childish and crazy, but hey it's me and who doesn't like a little bit of crazy now and then.

So today I am grateful for a regular day. After dealing with Bella puking on Tuesday and the fear of it spreading to everyone I have finally decided that that just won't happen. That all is well and all will be well.

sigh...

practice photo

I have been focusing on my photography lately, more specifically composition and find it easier to start with still life (my children are on the move so much i can't keep up, let alone take a picture of them). I was shooting with my Nikon coolpix point and shoot, I'm not sure why I didn't just use my film camera. I guess I enjoy instant gratification to much. It will be nice to finally upgrade...one of these days.

Again enjoying the raining weather. It seems it rains at least twice a week if not more, I know the heat is coming and it will eventually stop so I'll enjoy it while it lasts. Love the smells, sounds, and everything associated with rain. Just can't get enough.

product of a raining day

I really love these photos. The flowers a beautiful, it's reminding me of the changing season (a little piece of spring that i am enjoying in my yard), and of course the colors are so vibrant...thanks to the RAIN!



It has been raining off and on for weeks. Apparently the most rain we've received since 1983. I am loving it, especially because of the colors and we desperately need it. So keep it coming, but only for a little while.