Around Here | July 2015

Wow, it's almost August. Say what?!

July has been a really full month for us. Nearly-every-square-filled-on-the-calendar-kind-of-month. 

It's been a month of playing and eating and camping and celebrating and watching movies and hiking and buying a few baby girl goodies and spending time with family and friends. 

We started the month off celebrating Fourth of July with old friends. It was HOT--totally to be expected in Sacramento in the summer--and Noah loved playing in the pool and eating ice cream. Later on in the evening, he waved sparklers around, and watched fireworks from his godfather Scot's lap. Brian and I had fun catching up with church friends whom we don't see much anymore now that we live in the foothills. 

Noah took swim lessons and gymnastics classes this month. He loved swimming, but wasn't quite sure about gymnastics. (He just wanted to jump in the ball pit, over and over again!)

I attended yoga three times in all--and twice by the river, which was such a treat. (Having a yoga buddy--my sister-in-law, Lori--the second time was great!)

Brian attended a Giants v. Mets game with some firefighter friends. (He was quite happy that night because the Mets won!)

Noah and I spent several mornings with friends at two local splash pads.

Brian and I took Noah to the movie theater for the first time, and he (well, we) loved it. Six thumbs up for Inside Out!

The three of us also tent camped for the first time this month, and we had a great time. Noah rode his Strider bike around the campground and campsite, and along the paved trail that wraps around the perimeter of Sugar Pine Reservoir. Brian and I both agreed that 3 1/2 years old is an absolutely perfect age to tent camp.

We tended to our growing vegetable plants, watering them each day and applying Miracle Gro once a week. Just this week, we harvested our first handful of cherry tomatoes and two yellow zucchinis, with -- fingers crossed -- lots more to come. Liquid fence for the win!

We celebrated Brian's cousin's nuptials in Old Sacramento. (A big thanks to Brian for keeping a close eye on Noah, so I could take photos during the ceremony and reception.)

We attended the Fast Fridays Speedway races in Auburn twice, and Noah loved it. As a kid, Brian attended the races on Friday nights with his family, and so it was really special for him to take Noah out there. (Just keeping it real: Speedway races are not my cup of tea, but it sure makes my boys happy.)

In our front yard last week, I spied a mama deer and her two babies. It's rare that we see twin fawns--and of course, with their white spots and wobbly legs--they are just the cutest!

We attended Brian's mom's family reunion last weekend in the San Joaquin Valley. There, we ate and swam and chatted and posed for photos and played a little basketball. Noah and his cousin, Sammy, loved eating at their very own kids' table! 

And as much as I enjoyed myself this month, there was a part of me, especially this past weekend, that longed for a slower pace...with more down time at home. Some time to just be in and around our home, puttering around in the yard or reading a book in the hammock or drawing hopscotch boxes on the driveway.  

Luckily, a new month starts soon, and August doesn't look to be nearly as busy as July has been. Phew!

Your turn: What are some of your memorable July moments?

July 2013 Layout

Inside Scrapbook Circle's July kit, I found this awesome 12x12 Jillibean Soup paper with die cut frames. 

It's just perfect for showcasing nine of my favorite iPhone photos from July.   


I love this shot of Noah grinning as he sits on my parents' ride-on lawn mower.  (Thanks, Dad, for snapping the picture!)

One Little Word Update

Now that it's 2012, I thought it would be fun to share the second half of my 2011 One Little Word album.  Back in April, I wrote this post about the first half of my album.  As you may remember, my One Little Word for 2011 was FAITH.

In MAY, I documented five actions or goals I was currently working toward or hoped to tackle in the near future.

  

In JUNE, I decided to forgo Ali Edward's assignment and photocopied an article from the book, You Can Adopt.  The piece, written by an adoptive father, really resonated with me and I knew this album would be the perfect place to keep it.   

In JULY, per the prompt, I searched for song lyrics that discussed faith, hope, love or strength.  Ultimately, I chose songs that spoke to me, that encouraged me, that inspired me. 

In AUGUST, I snapped a picture of myself, and then added two paper strips and some writing around the edge using a Sharpie marker.

In SEPTEMBER, I placed this Real Simple magazine article, The Miracle of Faith, in my album.

In OCTOBER, I searched through my recent photographs and selected 10 pictures that I felt represented faith.  Faith in the adoption process, faith in the institution of marriage, faith in the power of scrapbooking, faith in friendship, faith in my students.  

In NOVEMBER, I completed the following prompts: I know, I am, I believe, I love, I am thankful for, This word, and I learned.

I also included a quote I found on Pinterest: "Let your FAITH be bigger than your fear."

In DECEMBER, I spent time reflecting on my faith and writing down some facts and feelings about my One Little Word.     

As I say goodbye to my word this year I want to remember:  

How much I enjoyed this class.  It was such a great experience: The writing, the photography, the reading, the reflecting, the art.  It all helped me to become more faithful. And even though I have chosen a new word for 2012--JOY--my faith necklace will continue to serve as a reminder to have faith in myself, faith in others, and faith in God. 

  

Want to join Ali Edwards for the 2012 One Little Word class?  Click here.   

J