Fstop Memories

Strawberries & Watermelon

I'm not much of a summer person. The heat makes me cranky. So, besides hiking in a shaded forrest or taking a dip in the lake (or pool) one of my favorite things about summer is all the yummy fruits! Yesterday, the kids and I went strawberry picking with some friends. Sweet Abbey has been waiting for this for over two weeks now. She was up at 5:30 am asking if it was time to go strawberry picking...sigh! After a full day of playing at the water park we ended the day at a local strawberry patch. I think we could have stayed all evening!

I've been hearing the kids ask "Can I have more strawberries, please?"  They can't get enough! I'm looking forward to making some jam and perhaps we'll have to go back next week.

Today, I also want to share with you a layout I did for the Scrap and Stamp challenge. I have dropped the ball on the 52 sketches. So, I thought I'd work on a weekly sketch challenge to get the juices flowing again. You can check out the Scrap and Stamp challenge here.

I absolutely adore these pictures of my kids and Grandma. They were taken a few years back. During a quick visit to Wisconsin. We enjoyed some fresh, juicy watermelon at the park. My then 93 year old Grandma plopped down under a tree right next to the kiddos. Love that!

I'm grateful that my kids have had the chance to spend time with her. I have a wonderful memories of visiting my Grandma as a kid (and adult). She will turn 97 this year. The amazing thing is she still lives on her own! It would be nice to see her again.

Products used: Stamps: Unity (tree) and Stampin Up (journal lines) Ink: Papertrey Dark chocolate Ribbon: Stampin' Up and wal-mart Paper: Basic Grey

Hope you all have a beautiful day!

Happy Creating!

J@

A little quiet

Frank took the kiddos to the park this morning. So, I'm enjoying a little quiet time. I thought I would share some photos and a quick layout.

When I have my camera out lately Abbey is quick to pose with a grin of cheese....

Abraham on the other hand would rather not have his picture taken unless it's to showcase one of his many projects...but I snuck one in at the farm the other day. Frank took the picture of him with the balloon...I love it!

  

And here is the quick layout. I used limited supplies...cardstock, photos and left over felt from the LarryBoy doll.

Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful day the LORD has provided for us!

God Bless and Happy Creating!

J@

A good start to a beautiful day

Today started with a phone call from my husband! It was so good to hear his voice. Soon I'll be able to wrap my arms around him...can't wait!

I was also blessed with some extra quiet time this morning. My daughter often wakes up around 5-530. It was 6:40am before I heard the pitter patter of her feet. I enjoyed the extra time reading, praying and sipping coffee in bed.

After making the bed and thinking it was time to go, go, go Abbey turned to me and said "Mommy lets just sit in your bed and talk." We talked of dreams of giants and what it's like to be a kitty cat.

Which more then makes up for the antics of yesterdays library trip. Both my children decided the cushions on the lobby couch would make great flying saucers.

Well, the day is filled with sunshine and cool air. We are off to take a bike ride. Hope you have a beautiful, blessed day.

Happy Creating!

J@

Bumble Bees and Sunflowers

Weekend outing with the kids.

Annual trip to Christian Way Farm for pumpkins, hayride and fun.

Exhausted mommy.

Dirty kids.

Sun-kissed Cheeks.

Bumblebees dancing on sunflowers.

Missing Frank.

Ready for bed.

Night.

A week in my life

Ali Edwards is documenting a week in her life and has asked her readers to play along. You can read more about it here. I'm starting my week of documenting today. It would be great if some of my blogging friends joined me. What do ya say?

Have a great weekend! & Happy Creating!

J@

Love Thursday

Hello Everyone!

It has been quiet around here in the crafting department. I've been catching up on things around the house and doing some fall decorating. I'll be back soon. Until then here is my photo for Love Thursday at Shutter Sisters.

This boy has my heart.

Happy Creating!

J@

Love Thursday

One of my favorite blogs is Shutter Sisters. It's a community of photographers that share their beautiful work and lives. They encourage photographers of ALL levels to join them. Every Thursday is Love Thursday and today I decided to participate for the first time.

 

I usually have to steal shots of my husband...or I get a hand or the back of his shaved head. We can say he's a little camera shy. On this summer day I asked him to just look at me like he loves me. It is to date my favorite picture of him. It was taken shortly before his third deployment to Iraq. We are now nearing the end of this long, tiresome separation.

I miss waking up to this face...to the smell of him. Soon we will be together again...how sweet that moment will be.

Hope you all find some love today.

Happy Creating!

J@

I'll let you decide

I was just going to show you all some picture of my beautiful daughter in a dress my mom made her and leave it at that. Then I decided to give you the story behind the pictures....

My sweet Abbey has a style all her own and I love that about her!

 Here is an example:

 

I let her embrace her creative style almost daily. That being said the other day I turned into the the evil mommy and made her wear a dress. It was a handmade gift from her Grandma. I just wanted one picture to send as a thank you...just one! You see during the making of the dress Abbey decided she didn't want anything to do with dress, skirts, lace or even the slightest ruffle on a sleeve (she calls them spikes). Now there were a few tears and some "you are not nice mommy!" But she did put it on.

Now, this goes against everything I know is right about parenting...but I will let you decide if this looks like a tortured girl.

 

Her big brother told her she looked like a princess. Abbey's reply "Don't talk about my dress!"

 

Hula hooping with a puppy in one hand and a baby doll in the other...now that's talent!

 

Okay, one more....

 

Grandma even made baby doll a matching dress! Thanks Grandma!

I know I'm evil mommy through and through. She did end up wanting to leave the dress on all day. She likes the yellow and the pretty flowers. The deal breaker of course was how it spun around.

Happy Creating!

J@