Bubbles, bubbles everywhere!

$15 bubble machine from Costco = tons of FUN! And means mommy doesn't hyperventilate from blowing bubbles nonstop!

These are edible right???

Walking in a bubble wonderland!

Travelers

Swinging

ALMOST as tall as daddy!

Waiting to get on our plane

Settling in for the flight with zebra...this kid LOVES to fly!

That little floatie was AMAZING, Jack had his freedom and so did mommy!

My boys <3

Eating at one of our favorite places in Palm Springs, fresh bagels made daily with yummy spreads.

Jack opted out on the coffee for the more healthy smoothie! :)

The little fish ready to swim

He was the first one in the pool and usually the last one out!

All in all we had a fabulous trip in the sun!

Jack

Nothing like a warm sunny day and a swimming pool to put a smile on your face!

Oh and a cute little butt! ;)

Family Time

Every once in awhile we get a nice evening...just a little brisk, sun setting in the west, and a fire in the fire pit!  I love doing little family things like this, a great way to wind down, share a memorable experience and toast some yummy marshmallow goodness!

Sunshine= productive day outside!

Big chickens!

Onions planted...check!

Chicks getting some sun...check!

Other indoor plants getting some sun too!

Our little adventurer

Nothing like a fire and marshmallow roasting to finish off a great day!

 
A couple weeks ago we enjoyed a couple of nice days...and well you know what that means.  Working outside!  Our greenhouse is finally, mostly finished and up and running, I will post some pics later of our plants in there!  But it was time to let our chicks get some air and also plant my seeds for the garden and baskets! We finished off our very productive day outside with a backyard fire and some marshmallow roasting...perfect!

Easter pictures

Easter picture

Daddy's tie makes the perfect prop

So does one of our chicks

For Easter this year I decided to TRY to take some cute pics of Jack to put into a card...may I emphasize the TRY part again because that really sums up my picture taking abilities and Jacks attention span!  Here are a few of the better ones that I got.  Actually considering all Jack did really quite well as a model!

New Baby Chicks

We got more chickens recently...we've been selling our eggs and with that and sharing with family they go pretty quick! Here is Jack introducing them to Henry.

Sunny zoo trip in March!

Early this month we lucked out with some fabulous warm and sunny weather. Of course being the NW people we are, we jumped on the chance to get out and enjoy it and the zoo! Justin took an afternoon off and away we went.

Catching a birdseye view on daddy's shoulders

Watching the ducks

We lucked out and the Cougars were REALLY close!

Jack really liked the penguins...here he is waiting for it to come swim by.

Checking each other out.

He just looks so soft and cuddly!

We also lucked out with the lions being right at the window as well but that picture is on my phone. I think because we went in the afternoon it was almost feeding time by the time we saw them and they were ready to eat, Jack was just about the size for an appetizer!

Kale chips sprinkled with thankfulness!

I'm thankful for Kale chips...delicious, wholesome, healthy chips! They are another lovely thing that I found on Pinterest, my new favorite place to hangout online.

image via [Whole Living Eat Well]

These things are super easy to make and a yummy, healthy alternative to potato chips, which are my nemesis! If it sounds crazy, don't know it till you've tried it! This recipe called for sesame seeds but I left those out, otherwise its the same. I just made some and I guiltily ate one whole pan myself, much to Justin's dismay as he likes them too! Well maybe not so guilty as that whole pan has about as many calories as a handful of potato chips. If you do decide to try them out, I would double or triple the recipe, cuz once you've had 'em its hard to stop eating them!


Okay, okay...enough about my Kale chips....nom, nom, nom! I also have started reading the most wonderful book called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. It was recommended to my by a friend and I also saw some amazing things about it on Pinterest...told you I loved that site! Its very poetic in its style, a different read for sure, but the message is so beautiful. It has really challenged me to examine more closely all the that I have to be thankful for! As I've started to do that, my eyes have been opened to all the small amazing ways that God puts things into my life for my joy. In some ways its learning to be a kid again as you discover each new thing you are thankful for. I'm this and I'm only 3 chapters in! I can't wait to see my perspective on life when I'm through.

Image via [Christianbook.com]

So those are my are my thoughts for today. Kale chips and thankfulness. I hope you try the chips! And can you think of one thousand gifts you have to be thankful for? I hope so, and that your heart is filled with JOY as you start naming them.

Me and my singer!

I love to craft. Crocheting, scrapbooking, paper crafts and more recently sewing! Justin got me my very own Singer for Christmas and boy have I been having fun. Its amazing what having a brand new sewing machine can mean in terms of productivity. Before my new machine I used an ancient one that came with the house. I spent most of my time untangling thread or hand winding my bobbin. But those days are gone and I'm enjoying trying more complicated sewing projects other than sewing ribbon onto burp cloths! :)

Last year I got onto a website called Pinterest...if you've never checked it out, DO! Its amazing. I found most of my ideas for Jacks bday party on there, not to mention lots of yummy recipes...the list could go on. Most recently I was inspired by some DIY folks who were making their own pillows and since I have a fabulous new sewing machine...well I'm sure you can put two and two together. :) Here is a photo journal of the process (which only took about an hour, if you don't count Jack breaks) I hope you feel inspired!

Stencil, fabric, brushes & paint!

I've been obsessed with canvas and burlap fabrics of late.

I cut a 19.5"x18" piece and sewed it with a 5/8 seam

Just a little opening for all the stuffing that will be added later! Which I back-stitched on either side of where I took out the stitches and ironed so it would lay flat.

I taped the stencil on the fabric at the corners to ensure it wouldn't move then painted away!

Now they just have to dry for 24 hours then I can stuff em and sew them up!