Joyfully Weary

E arlier this week the boys asked to make cornstarch goo. This is a classic science experiment: when combined, cornstarch and water create a  non-newtonian fluid - having properties of both a liquid and a solid - but we make it simply because it's fun and messy.  supplies: tins, cornstarch, water, liquid water colors (or food coloring) spoons. mixing their colors pouring in the water. we use approximatly 1 part water to two parts cornstarch - i let the boys play  with the consistency and if too much water is added the excess drains off pretty easy. mixing it up i love how mini-man is always checking to see how big buddy does things little strainers are perfect for cornstarch goo i left the room for a minute and they got out the play-dough toys and straws?! the straws actually turned out to be a pretty cool tool.  messy but worth it This kept us busy for almost an hour. It tends to get messy but it c...

Yesterday I got my hair cut and while talking about our summer plans, my stylist asked about my ideal vacation spot. In my mind I ran through all the places I'd love to go again (Paris, Colorado, Italy), but ultimately it came down to the people. My favorite thing about vacations is the uninterrupted time I get to spend with the people I love - with them by my side, the location doesn't matter a whole lot, we are going to have fun! Over the last two weeks we've been blessed to take two little vacations, one with family and one with friends. We didn't go anywhere exotic - though both places where beautiful and super cozy. And unless I could of brought them all with me, I wouldn't have traded either one...even for Sienna, Italy.  I wasn't very good at taking pictures on either of our vacations but here are a few of my favorites from our family get together...  the lindsey bunch  big buddy currently thinks most girls are fun  ...

Jeremy - today you and I have been married for seven years. I was going to try to pick out a photo for every year but there were a couple problems: first, you seem to rarely be in front of the camera and, second, it was impossible to narrow it all the way down to seven. I got close, here are nine pictures from the past seven years that made me smile. leaving the church, in shock that you are mine this is probably my favorite photo - i loved that you cried tears of joy when you saw our first child this is the only picture i could find to represent how amazed  i am at the way you have loved on my sisters and treated them as your own such a good dad and an amazing example of a hard-worker brothers! moving in to our home touring europe with you, watching you teach, it was amazing harry potter - so much fun being nerdy with you  watching this little lady melt your heart melts mine :)

Last week we were in southern Illinois with family. This week we are on vacation again, this time with friends. We are so thankful for these two families, for their examples of faith and for their friendship. last day of our vacation last year I am particularly thankful for these two ladies, and so excited to be joining them once again for a vacation full of tea, laughs, and good books.  vacation last year w/  joanna  and bethany  

This weekend we are here... taken at last years memorial day bash (photo credit: tonya lindsey ) ...surrounded by family at Jeremy's aunts' house in Southern Illinois. I know I've said it before, but when I married Jeremy I hit a double jackpot - not only do I get an amazing husband but I inherited a pretty terrific bunch of realitives. I'm so thankful that his mom and sisters are some of my dearest friends. His extended family is also pretty great. They are probably the most welcoming and generous group of people I've ever met. I can be a little  very quiet and socially awkward when I first meet people, but this group has always made me feel welcome and at ease. To say that our annual Memorial Day Bash (we are a little behind this year) is one my favorite weekends of the year is an understatement.