a lot can happen in a year.

we've lost 60 pounds between the two of us.

15/30

silhouette.

(summer) favorites!

church experience: "Rock Solid" - Bill Hybels @ Willow Creek

treat: frozen yogurt

restaurant: Chili's

study place: Starbucks

vacation: 2 weeks in Peoria

inspiring moment: Steamboat Classic

way to spend alone time: reading books and blogs

way to give: donating hair; volunteering for water.org @ Brad Paisley's concert

verse: James 3:17

message: "Love: a most vehement flame" - Jeff Thames @ The Garage

song: "Hold Me" - Jamie Grace

fruit: peach

find: peacock ring @ Third Sunday Market

book: and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

new thing: headbands; exploring and pinning on Pinterest

craft: fabric camera strap

movie: gnomeo and juliet

drink: green tea frappuccino; almond milk

website: IHOP 24/7 Prayer Room

snack: celery & PB

adventure: 5 mile walk w/ Chelsey... coffee, library, park, and praying

day trip: Arthur, IL (Amish Country) w/ Kate and Leah

first: House of Blues (Neon Trees concert); Balloons in the Park

book of the Bible: Jeremiah

breakfast: oatmeal

"first hour" moment: being one of the first to welcome sweet Juliette Grace

"first day" moment: reading Beautiful to Georgia Willow (& her mama)

new hobby: running

cookie: oatmeal chocolate chip

accomplishment: 2 consecutive weeks of no ice cream!

a last day

today, we kept to our most usual routine of breakfast, sesame street, sid the science kid, word world, playing, a walk, lunch, reading, and rest time... but threw in an enjoyable out-of-the-ordinary trip to the playground.

today also was our last day together.

there will be no more mornings of lots of peanut butter (on bread, on sandwiches, on crackers, on celery)... no more holding that cuddly little boy as he sleeps in my arms for an hour or more... no more building towers or towns with blocks and cups and legos...

there will be no more whys after every statement or request i make... no more lounging around as we hear of the word on the street or what elmo's thinking about today... no more quiet but excited laughter when we do or make something incredible...

there will be no more humming of motors or vacuums or weedwackers... no more books read about wind turbines or rugs used as yards to be mowed... no more main street or garages or getting new tires on a deal of buy one get one free...

there will be no more dinosaur shaped sandwiches... no more chasing bubbles or picnics on the patio... no more applesauce on baby pancakes... no more tickle wars and airplane games... no more puzzle making, ball bouncing, or xylophone playing...

but although this was a last day, it was a good day. it reminded me of how wonderful this summer has been, including spending many days of complete routine with these 2 boys. these boys are probably the calmest, most laid-back kids that i have ever met and our mornings were most often just quiet and simple and good. overall, this season of summer has been just that - quiet and simple and good.

do you have a "last day" that's on your mind? feel free to share!

AND, do you know what comes after last days??! ... first days! (to be continued... :))

frozen fruit*

i joined Pinterest about 2 weeks ago, created 11 boards regarding photography, decorating, crafting, things to remember for the future, etc... and have already pinned 223 things and liked 9. i probably spend too much time exploring others' "pins", but i think the idea of Pinterest is genius. in the past, i have bookmarked everything i see online that i don't want to forget and then very quickly have hundreds of bookmarks and no idea what each is for. Pinterest is set up in a very organized and simple way and honestly, i'm just kinda in love with it. i've been so inspired to try so many things because the creativity and great ideas of others is literally at.my.fingertips!

i was inspired by a few women and their idea of a Pinterest Challenge... to DO your own spin on something you pin.

so here goes my Pinterest Challenge #1 - frozen fruit*

*fruit that is dipped in chocolate and then frozen

what you will need:

(oats not pictured)

frozen banana bites.
(originally seen here)

my recipe isn't vegan, but i did use natural peanut butter!
and instead of coconut, i sprinkled on some oats from a Bear Naked granola mixture.

chocolate kiwi popsicles.
(originally seen here)

my chocolate coating wasn't as smooth and crispy... but then again i didn't use coconut oil as the recipe calls for either...

NONETHELESS, both treats were fun to make and yummy to eat! and i am left with one final concluding thought... you really can dip/coat ANYTHING in chocolate!

9/30

someone you love.

i adore my mom. as friends have faded in and out of my life throughout the years, she hasn't. she is always there and she supports me in everything i do. she is patient, kind, dedicated and selfless. she is fun and silly and can always make me laugh. i am so grateful to have her as my mom and one of my best friends...

8/30

a bad habit.
(piling up clothes... "dirty" piles and "clean" piles)

7/30

fruit.

6/30

from a low angle.

5/30

from a high angle.

4/30

something green.

3/30

clouds.

2/30

what i wore today.

1/30

with this new month and a flip of the calendar, i am starting a challenge.

a 30 day photography challenge.

self-portrait.

(details here)

5:54 am