OF ROCKS AND TREES, OF SKIES AND SEAS

Oh Summer!  You are finally here! 

Your warmth, your color,  your adventure, and your bounty!

A little dramatic perhaps,  but between overcast skies, a herd of mosquitos hovering outside my door and the endless packing going on around here, I had a few glimpses of glorious summer this week.  

My list of 1000 gifts continues...

237.  the variety of geraniums at the garden center

238.  what $20 bought at the farm market

239.  little girls shelling peas,

240.  washing chard,

241.  cutting strawberries,

242.  wearing their aprons,

243.  and loving every minute of it

244.  the color and variety God supplies

245.  hula hoops

246.  friends who are gentle with your children

247.  and who share their favorite seacoast spots with you

248.  rocky beaches

249.  conquering the mountain

250.  delighting in cold water

251.  a day of sandcastles, ice cream, salt water taffy, and friendships

252.  the nonstop imagination of children,

253.  manning battle stations,

254.  exploring the desert island,

255.  creating castles,

256.  being mermaids

257.  shell collections

258.  a little girl, dreaming of being big girl, but not wanting her shorts to get wet

259.  piano recitals

260. good teachers

261.  a little boy who makes sure his wallet is tucked in his pocket before church

 

262.  progress 

263.  sharp tape guns

264.  bubble wrap

265.  organized chaos

266.  nearing the end

267.  looking forward to the cabin again

268.  and the 4th of July festivities

269.  good magazines

270.  Grace everyday

271.   Assurance of Love

272.  Confidence 

273.  Freedom 

274.  Hope

"...Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love, into our hearts"

Romans 5:5

I have a few schedules posts over the next month but my blogging days are few and far between.  I can't wait to show you our new home. I hope you have a wonderful summer full of adventures, plenty of ice cream and blessings to count.

FRIENDSHIP AND THE NEW ENGLAND COAST

Yesterday we had an outing to the coast with some dear friends.
The New England coastline is so beautiful!  We walked the Marginal Way, which is a paved path overlooking the rocky cliffs of Maine.  All along the path grow these beautifully fragrant roses.

Of course with 5 children, strolling the rose lined path wasn't going to cut it.  We needed adventure!

There was lots of rock climbing,

rock launching,

rock collecting,

and looking out for enemy aircraft.

All good adventures must include good food.

We had a picnic of sandwiches and watermelon,

followed by wonderful ice cream,

(this was the "kiddie size")

and then some salt water taffy from a candy shop called Goldenrod Kisses.

Then it was on to the beach for some sand between our toes.

The kids had a great time in the cold water and playing in the sand.  The mamas enjoyed the ocean breeze and the good conversation.

Pam has been a dear friend and support to me during our time in New Hampshire.  She has taught me what real friendship means with her honest conversation, her gentle ways with my children and her willingness to help at any time.  She was also what I call my "welcome home fairy".  Often when my family would travel (which we did a lot this year!) she would have milk and eggs in the refrigerator, and dinner in the crock pot when we came home.

We really enjoyed our perfect summer day with her and her daughter (who is really my 5th child!)

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

"HOLEY BATMAN" SCARF

I picked up this yarn and a free pattern for the "Holey Batman" scarf  at a great knitting store called Loops.  We were in Tulsa visiting my family and since my mother is a knitter too, we had to go.

We made a stop at the library first and checked out about 30 pounds of picture books.  Taking 4 children into a knitting store required some preplanning.  The books worked well, as did the promise of a treat for good behavior.  Half way through our visit the staff showed us a playroom in the back that was more than a basket of worn out toys tucked into a corner.  This was an actual room with french doors, an art table, a cute kitchen set, and some trucks and trains.  "Oh thank you!" I said with gleaming eyes.  (More time to browse without the rising panic that the kids are beginning to unravel!)

I've already packed it all up for our upcoming move or I'd tell you the name of the yarn.  It was wool (with just a little nylon I think) and lovely to work with.  I loved the variegated  shades of blues and grays. The finished scarf is long enough to double up and loop around the neck.  This is just the kind of fun and easy project I needed this season and I can't wait to wear it in Colorado this fall.

P.S.  We loved the store so much that we filmed our movie there.  Thanks Loops!

Another P.S.  I posted about the Keep Calm and Carry On mugs back in February.  Well I just found these knitting project bags  that are along the same lines.

"KEEP CALM AND CARRY YARN" -my new motto