i love google

I love how you can figure most anything out through a simple 

google search.

I love how my son's response to just about anything is, 

"Let's search it up."

They're growing up in a day and age when they have endless 

information at their fingertips.

Take this little guy for instance, with those big eyes and antennae.

At first I just thought he was sweet.

But for four days straight now he has flitted through our yard.

Landing on each child's hands to hang out awhile.

Until today I didn't have my camera handy in time.

This little lady, she's the most determined to have him visit.

It made me want to find out what is he?

I assumed a moth.

But no, he's a skipper butterfly.

Named skipper because of his characteristic skipping motion.

He's just too darling.

And I love that he brings such excitement and joy.

O Lord, how manifold are your works! 

In wisdom have you made them all; 

the earth is full of your creatures.

Psalm 104:24

147. the way #3 walks

148. her determination

149. #2 helping her little sister

150. creative kids .. all on their own

151. planning a surprise party

152. pinterest, pinterest, pinterest

153. messes without angst

154. a new workout

155. cool breeze in the evening air

156. nature studies in our own backyard

157. google

the wonder

Oh how beautiful these two are.


I sat outside with my youngest while we had a picnic lunch with her friend.


I kept noticing these morning doves.  One just sat on a branch and did not move.  While the other sometimes pecked at her, do you see him nudging on her there? It was so sweet.  I'm assuming that's the Dad, but I suppose I could be totally wrong.  Anyway, he was very busy moving all around.

I wondered if our being there was making them nervous.  But I saw no nest.

Then I realized what the movement was about.  I believe they're just beginning their nest, the spot where they'll care for their babies.  This little guy would leave and pick up a leaf or stick.  

One by one he'd bring them back.  Then what was so interesting to me is he'd actually jump up on her back and drop the leaf over her.  

She'd pick it up with her beak and begin putting it in place.  I believe I'm watching the beginning of a bird's nest.  I've never seen one right from the start.   It was utterly fascinating. 


Our day was filled with playdates, therapy visits, grocery store runs and art class.  And I was inspired to try some new recipes from a couple of favorite raw food blogs.  

This is a cream of cucumber soup recipe and the salad is inspired by the mango-kale salad, only using peaches instead.


It went perfectly with this blueberry peach crisp recipe.  The green recipes my girls were not so into, I made an alternate dinner for them.  But they couldn't wait till it was time to dig into the dessert.  

It's The Simple Things

I love to be in nature.

So do the kids.

Too often tv's are turned on and video games are played and kids forget how to really play.

So do adults for that matter.

I'm bound and determined to keep the simple in our lives.

The kids thrive.

We thrive.

This summer since we haven't had to rush out of the house (most days) our favorite thing to do as the kids wake is they each creep into our bed.  We open the windows.  Have a cup a tea... kids included (herbal of course) and we watch what we've named 'the bird show'. 

It actually works.   

It's really my most favorite thing to do.  To have a slow start.  A slow start together as a family.

We're closer to each other.  Closer to God.  Closer to nature.

It's really the way it was meant to be.

That's not to say someone doesn't get bumped or bruised or hair pulled or kicked as they start to twist and wiggle and try to play 'gofer holes' into the depths of our comforter.

And that's when we know it's time to officially get up and at em. 

But I love that time when it's quiet and peaceful and we're all together.

So we're off to a week long camping trip in Santa Cruz.  There'll be lots of playing in nature.  Probably not so many slow mornings snuggling with tea.  But plenty of other blessings.

Hope everyone enjoys their week and you have a chance to enjoy some quiet outdoors.