Beauty

One of the things I love most about photography is capturing beauty.  Sometimes I'm caught off guard by it.  Like in this picture...

Sometimes I know exactly what I want to capture and have to work to bring it justice like this picture...

 or this one..

 

Sometimes the beauty comes from the creative expression of someone else like this one...

Goat Cheese Bites at the Museum Cafe...and yes, they are as good as they look!!

 

 

 

 

We are surrounded by beauty all around us, and I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my camera to try to hold onto it.  I think it would seem like sand slipping through my fingers.  So, really I have no choice but to take pictures.  It's what keeps me sane! : ) 

What's Summer Without a Sprinkler?

The other night we were grilling steaks and veggies on the grill.  Kyle had set up a sprinkler to water the garden.  I was in the kitchen and Kyle peeks his head in and says, "Ummm...is it OK if Maddie gets her dress wet?"  I smiled and had to grab the camera and when I got outside, this is what I found...

She just couldn't help herself!!

Maddie's Playroom, Part 3

We have been loving our playroom so much!  I can't believe what a difference it makes to have a beautiful space to play and learn.  Maddie still has to be prompted, but she will put away one toy before she gets the next one out so it keeps our playroom looking good.  Here's some more pics...

not the best picture, but gives an idea of the shelving unit from IKEA

Everything has its place, which I just love!

One of my favorite things in our room is our Christmas Cactus plant from my Granny!

It's so happy and cheerful.  Maddie and I will check it to see if it needs water, and Maddie smells it...you know because that's what you do with plants...er....flowers!  

Lots of good things happening in our playroom these days!

Lights, Camera, aaaannd, Cue Carrots!!

The other day we picked some carrots from our garden.  Maddie got a hold of them and put on quite a little show for us.  She sang...

and danced...

and even did a comedy routine...

taa daaa...

Who knew carrots could be such a useful prop!?

Baby Shower Love

I've been busy getting ready for a baby shower for a dear friend of mine from college.  I'm so excited!  She's going to love it!  We went with a garden theme and we are going to be doing things I've never seen at any other baby shower before.  I've been sewing these darling little diaper covers.

Aren't they cute!  If you want to make some to, the pattern and tutorial are available at this blog, MADE.
So, I've sewn two in each size and bought some fabric markers,

and the guests can decorate a diaper cover for the baby!   Like this...

So Tracy won't be going home with 20 diaper covers, we are also going to have things for people to make hair clips too.  My other friend whose helping me plan the shower crocheted flowers for hair clips!  I can't wait to see them, they are going to be so cute!
I wanted to decorate with things that are practical so I made this wreath.  It could be used after the baby comes if she wants to. 

I'm also working on a "blessing tree" where people can clip up words of advice and well wishes. Hopefully, I'll have pictures tomorrow at the shower.  Still more work to do...better go get busy!

Picnic Lunch

Maddie's Grammie was in town for a short while yesterday so we met up with her and had a picnic lunch at Martin Park Nature center.  The stroller stayed in the car...Maddie prefers to walk these days.  She led us through the trails and by the time we were ready to go home, Maddie turned left, adding another 15 minutes to our hike!  She wore herself out and fell asleep on the ride home.  Here's some pictures of the day.

the rocks were transformed into fascinating toys

playing hand games with Grammie

Stack 'Em Up

One of Maddie's favorite things to do lately is stacking things up.  And not just things that are meant to be stacked.  She gets really creative.  Here are some of her latest projects!

Yep, girl's got some crazy stacking skills!

Getting Dressed

I've been trying to encourage Maddie to learn to dress herself.  She's very interested in learning!

There's just a few minor details to get worked out!

In the Garden

We've been busy in our garden lately.  Our carrots, beets, kale, and chard are doing great.  

We've also harvested our garlic...lots and lots of garlic! 

Still waiting on our tomatoes to ripen...it's so hard to wait!!

Maddie has loved her time in the garden...

Clean up is pretty fun too!

Just Peachy!

Maddie gets things given to her quite a bit when we are out and about.  At the Farmer's Market the other day, a man offered her a peach.  She ate the whole thing! So, of course we had to buy more. 

MMMMMM......Good!

Happy Friday!