And Then The Rains Came

I've found the best way to enjoy a thunderstorm is with a cup of tea and a cuddle with someone you love - in this case it was our one year old puppy . (Who snores when he sleeps ;)  I chose one of my favorite mugs , a birthday gift from my friend Gaby, and decided to document this rare occasion (rain in the desert) with a photo. 

May you always see the rainbows that come after the storm! 

-J

Idea #8 - Play With Fire ....

SING IWTH ME ..."Hot Dogs .... Roasting ..... On An Open Fire ...."
 
The season is upon us! Whether it's holding roasting sticks over a  simple campfire on the beach with the kids, or a BBQ in the backyard with all your friends and neighbors, throw a smokie or two over the flames and enjoy the simplicity of easy summertime mealtime entertaining! 

You Still Remember Me, Right?

Is is sad that this is the most revent photo of me? Taken back in the summertime? ACK! 

 

Ahhh, the joys of being a photographer, you spend all your time behind the  lens taking pics of everyone and everything else so much that ya kinda forget about actually being in any photos yourself!

 

Quick photo update then of the past few months ..

 

 

A backyard bonfire party with friends, that resulted in a housefull of hyped-up, happy children with sticky-marshmallow faces and exhausted parents, and a slightly scorched patch of grass in the backyard, hahaha ( it;s all mostlygrown back now, thankfully)

Ridiculously delicious pizzas made primarily by yours truly.

 

 

 

Helping this lovely lady prep for her successful craft fairs. She had such beautiful gifts to sell, all original, handmade lovelies that were so thoughtful. I especially loved her paper "Mistletoe-to-Go" crafts. For you married folks I recommend hanging it from the headboard of your bed.

 Not exactly subtle, I know, but definitely effective, hahaha!

 

 

We're getting all ready for Christmas, here is my son Zach with his Operation Christmas Child Shoebox gift that he put together himself (he spent his own saved money to fill it) before sending it out. Proud Mama moment here. (Though not proud of the pic quality, sorry folks!)

 

 

My next challenge is to try to snap a pic of myself at the gym. I love to workout so I love that they have a good sturdy heavy bag there for me to work my marital arts on.

I'm also working on some homemade gift ideas in the coming weeks so I will be posting those as DIY's so y'all can get 'er done like we are, hahaha!

 

Homemade Everything This Christmas,

-J

 

 

 

 

 

What I’m most thankful for:

In light of the holidays, I decided that instead of my usual “Friday Favorites” post I decided I’d share with you What I’m most thankful for: . . .

My totally awesome kids – they brighten my whole life, my li’l mama heart is bursting with love for them . . .

 

My Family . . .

 And my friends (I have far too many dear friends and photos of you all for me to post here, sorry.! I just found these few in a Facebook album) I love you all!  . . . .

Church family . . .

 Our little town – an valley oasis in the middle of the desert . . .

 

Holidays that bring everyone together and remind us of our many blessings in this life . . . .

I'm also especially thankful for all of my blog followers and readers, for your comments, your encouragement and your support. My heart is forever thankful for each precious one of you!  

From my thankful heart to yours,

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

-J, xo