The B Skep Chronicles

Pirate Chic

2012-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

All dressed in pink and red for a Valentine's Day mother/daughter tea.

Just Raegan and I and our rad new pink pirate mugs!

Winter Walk

2012-01-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

Snowflake Lane

2011-12-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed quite a show of snow princesses, reindeer, toy soldiers and (very loud!) drummers along the street in Bellevue the other night. The best part was when it started to "snow" from the rooftops. Funny ~ it looked so much like soap suds.

Not A Creature Was Stirring

2011-12-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe this mouse. She was thrilled to be able to dance in the Nutcracker performance this year! We've been getting our own private "mouse dance" every day for weeks now as practice.

Please admire the charming tail she's showing off. And the two missing front teeth ~ how ironic for a mouse.

Seven Is Heaven!

2011-12-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Especially when you get a new Big Girl's Bike for your birthday!

And it's pink. Which is absolutely the most beautiful color in the whole world!

Those are chocolate covered peanut butter malt balls on the cake. Oh, yeah.

Do they get windier with each passing year?

Oh, happy day!

Finn and the Tiger

2011-11-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Um...Mom? I think I'm about to be attacked by this tiger. What should I do?

Oh, right, right...don't make eye contact and back away slowly. Or is that for bears?

Ahhh! I'm freaking out!

Oh, whew! Big sissy to the rescue! Hooray, I'm saved!

Persimmon Is One

2011-09-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

One year old...

and one naughty kitten!

Persimmon, don't you lay a toenail on that carpet!

"What?...this carpet?"

What We Did For Summer Vacation

2011-09-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Loved the baby.

Played in the ocean...

and the pool...

And the creek.

"Spotted" an owl.

Enjoyed a sunny day at the lavender farm.

And discovered a fantastic (cheap!) theme park for little kids in Carnation.

(baby peacock...SO precious!)

Taught Finn to crochet.

Spent lots of time in the hammock. Just swingin'.

A Whole Month Already!

2011-08-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

Baby Bunting lounging on a sunny summer afternoon...

in a green sweater and booties that Mama crocheted...

with delicious pudgy fists resting on the rabbit skins.

Sunday's Child

2011-07-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Monday's child is fair of face
Tuesday's child is full of grace
Wednesday's child is full of woe
Thursday's child has far to go
Friday's child is loving and giving
Saturday's child works hard for his living
And the child that is born on the Sabbath day
Is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Finnegan Archer Browning
Sunday, July 24, 2011
6 lbs. 8 oz.; 20 in.

Charlie's Angels...With S'mores

2011-07-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about the corny poses, but we sure had some fun on the 4th roasting marshmallows...

...and watching a whole barrage of fireworks after dark.

(I need photography lessons.)

Another Year of Ballet

2011-07-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

Our little harvest fairy making her debut in Cinderella.

And our seasoned performer: a snow fairy.

How blessed I am to have two sweet ballerinas!

Sasquatch?

2011-06-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

No, just a "small" black bear meandering down our trail to the creek. I'm glad he didn't make a meal of any of my outdoor critters. Our neighbors now walk the trail carrying bells and mace...just in case.

I tried to get a shot of a dog print (upper left in this picture) and kitty tracks (upper right) for comparison with the size of the bear.

He's big enough, in my opinion.

Would You Like to See Pictures of Our New Baby?

2011-06-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Three new babies, actually. Two chicks and a turkey poult. Maud (the turkey), Matilda, and Guinevere.

Did I fool you into thinking it was a baby Browning?

No, not yet. I still look like this:

Snippy the Snapper

2011-05-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Grandma's old electric scissors. Very noisy and very fun.

Education Alfresco

2011-05-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

And then some fun in the hammock!

They Say Cats Are Clean

2011-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Some Much Needed Encouragement

2011-04-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

For you, dear sisters:

I am woman.
I am invincible.
I am tired.

I did a Bible study a couple years ago using Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss that really spoke to me and gave me a refreshing perspective. She writes: "...the Lord Jesus Himself was given only a few short years on earth to accomplish the entire plan of redemption. Talk about a long 'to do' list! Yet, at the end of His life, Jesus was able to lift His eyes to His Father and say, 'I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do ' John 17:4...
I find that truly amazing. Rarely can I say at the end of the day that I have completed the work I set out to do that day. To the contrary, I frequently drop into bed at night with a long, mental list of the unfinished tasks I had hoped to take care of that day. How was it possible for Jesus to finish His life's work -- especially in such a short period of time?
In Jesus' words, we find a clue -- a powerful Truth that sets us free from the bondage of hurry and frustration about all we have to do. Notice what work Jesus completed in the thirty-three years He was here on the earth: 'I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.' That is the secret. Jesus didn't finish everything His disciples wanted Him to do. (Some of them were hoping He would overthrow the Roman government!) He didn't finish everything the multitudes wanted Him to do. (There were still people who were sick and lonely and dying.) But He did finish the work that God gave Him to do. ...Freedom, joy, and fruitfulness come from seeking to determine God's priorities for each season of life, and then setting out to fulfill those priorities, in the power of His Spirit, realizing that He has provided the necessary time and ability to do everything that He has called us to do."

May each of you be blessed. ♥

Pond People

2011-04-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

This one is blowing bubbles through a dirty hollow reed in a scummy puddle (that the cat drinks from).

This one is drinking it.

This one is contemplating the new pond he's just dug. That the cat is drinking from.

An April Birthday

2011-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

...with presents,

and cake (red velvet, of course),

and the first campfire of the year.

Some philosophy from the birthday girl: "Goodness is good; badness is bad."

This celebration of 4 years definitely falls under the good category.

Happiness Is...

2011-04-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

...hand sewing with my mama's vintage embroidery bag ~ that she used when she was about my age. I love the envelopes labeled in her handwriting with all the colors of the rainbow. And the needles still holding floss from one of her projects.

Happiness Is...

2011-04-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

...finding a vintage dress form at a local estate sale for $50. She's been lowered for travelling; I'll have to figure out how to make her tall again. Her previous owner called her Heddie ~ because she has no head. Maybe I'll rename her something along the lines of...Marie Antoinette? And I'm thinking of having her show off my wedding dress.

School's In

2011-03-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Getting school supplies in the mail is good.

The box they came in is better.

Hooray for Timberdoodle!

Snow Flurries

2011-02-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Ready, set, go! Sledding is serious business as you can see by the look of concentration on Pea's face. Or maybe that's just because she's snacking on a handful of snow.

Mama may or may not have ventured down the hill a couple of times, too.

Making the snow angels. Rae had to make a "choir of angels."

After the fun, the snowsuits are hung to dry by the fire...

and we enjoy hot cocoa with enormous marshmallows to warm us to our toes. I followed the recipe on the back of the Hershey's cocoa can, but added some cinnamon with the sugar (left over from baking snickerdoodles.) Yum.

Bearing The Cost

2011-02-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

"Once more, a little whispering laugh passed through the leaves, and she thought she heard them say, 'I was separated from all my companions, exiled from home, carried here and imprisoned in this rock. It was not my choice, but the work of others who, when they had dropped me here, went away and left me to bear the results of what they had done.
'I have borne and have not fainted; I have not ceased to love, and Love helped me push through the crack in the rock until I could look right out onto my Love the sun himself.'" ~ The blood-red flower of Forgiveness, Hinds' Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard

From The Mouths Of Babes

2011-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Babies are a common topic around our house right now, as you might guess. The other day, Raegan was happily chattering about getting to help feed and dress our newest little one and summed up her feelings in general,

"Babies are such nice mammals."

Yesterday the girls were having trouble listening and obeying quickly. We were taking a trail walk and had a pie baking in the oven and I strongly suggested that we hurry back so the pie wouldn't burn. When they lagged, I decided that maybe not having a slice would be a good reminder to mind Mama. At home Morgan solemnly asked if they really had to miss out on dessert. I told her that sometimes I needed to take drastic measures to help them remember to be good.

"But not like calling the police, right?"

note: They did eventually get pie...

Three Little Kittens

Three little kittens,
They lost their mittens,
And they began to cry,
Oh, mother dear,
We sadly fear
Our mittens we have lost.
What! Lost your mittens,
You naughty kittens!
Then you shall have no pie.
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
You shall have no pie.

The three little kittens,
They found their mittens,
And they began to cry,
Oh, mother dear,
See here, see here,
Our mittens we have found.
What! Found your mittens,
You darling kittens!
Then you shall have some pie.
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
You shall have some pie.

The three little kittens,
Put on their mittens,
And soon ate up the pie;
Oh, mother dear,
We greatly fear
Our mittens we have soiled.
What! Soiled your mittens,
You naughty kittens!
Then they began to sigh,
Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
They began to sigh.

The three little kittens,
They washed their mittens,
And hung them out to dry;
Oh mother dear,
Look here, look here,
Our mittens we have washed.
What! Washed your mittens,
You're such good kittens.
I smell a rat close by!
Hush! Hush! Hush! Hush!
Hush! Hush! Hush!
I smell a rat close by.

nursery rhyme from kididdles.com

Bee My Valentines

2011-02-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Busy little sweethearts making valentines.

Choosy Nester

2011-02-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Lady G has decided that the old bench on the front porch is a much better nesting place than her freshly cleaned coop. So she has figured out how to fly out every day around noon to lay her egg here. Then she startles me with her very loud announcement in front of the window, and wants me to put her back in her pen.

It wouldn't be so bad if the egg didn't crack every time because there are no shavings to soften its landing.

Terminator...

2011-02-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

...you look fabulous, dahling!

Poor Old Blue

2011-01-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

Of all the many cars I've owned, my truck was by far my favorite. But she was getting older and needing some work (don't we all?) So many tears were shed when we traded her in.

Now meet Frieda. She is German. Sie ist sehr hübsch, ja? (That means she's a looker.)

Our happy dilemma: how to fit three car seats in there.

Anatomy 101

2011-01-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

My girls know that in a couple of months we'll get to have an ultrasound and find out the gender of their new little sibling. Pea's instructions to her sister on how to interpret the results, "If it has a pink dress, it's a girl." Makes sense to me!

While on the subject, Rae solemnly informed her sister that she wouldn't have much time to play with her when the baby came, because she would be far too busy helping Mama and Daddy with him.

A Peek

2011-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Our 11~week old baby!

Raegan insists on having a baby brother; Morgan says, "No, it's a 'her'!" Guess we'll find out in a couple months...

Cheers!

2011-01-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here's to new beginnings and new ventures! I love a clean slate, a fresh start. And while most of my resolutions fizzle out in a couple months, I am hoping to spend more precious time with family and friends. Maybe I'll even blog a little more often (sheepish grin). But don't hold me to it!

How about a sneak peak of one of my new ventures? I began a class a few weeks ago to learn a new "skill". I am so excited to say that I designed this and made it entirely with my own two hands. Can you guess what it might be? I'll give you a hint: it isn't finished yet, but when it is I'll wear it on my wrist.

May each of you have a wonderful new year, full of unexpected blessings and surprises!

Christmas

2010-12-27T12:06:00.001-08:00

...past.

Christmas present.

Christmas future.

It's Just A Guess

2010-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

...but I think *that* one is a double yoker.

Power's Out

2010-12-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

So we went on an archaeological dig.

It's dark and cold in the Egyptian desert at night. And sand gets everywhere.

The work is tedious and difficult.

But, the "priceless ancient artifacts" are worth it!

*Interested mamas can find these fun adventure kits here. =)

Birthday At The Nutcracker

2010-12-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Raegan and the Mouse King!

Admiring the Midsummer Night's Dream costumes...sublime!

Lovely Seattle.

Well, now I'm just showing off my excellent photography skills (ha ha). Still a darling picture, because of the little darling in it!

Birthday #6

2010-11-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

A half dozen years now under her belt. It was a "wonderful" day with ballet practice, macaroni and cheese, and presents. We already had some birthday fun yesterday, and will have some more on Saturday. Tune in again for more pictures.

There's a sad story about that pitiful little cake (it was *not* baked in a bundt pan). I won't bore you with the details, but the moral of the story is, "Never bake in a hurry." =)

Hair History

2010-11-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

Some of my groovy hairdos for your amusement:

"The Mrs. McGillicuddy"

Oh, wait! That's a wig! It IS terribly appealing, don't you think?

"The Bangs"

I believe this is commonly referred to now as a mullet.

"The Eighties Business Woman"

My favorite era...not!

"The Susan Powder"

It got a little dicey here.

"The Pixie"
Here we went darker. Nice duds there, Farmer Browning!

"The Platinum Pixie"
So many colors, so little time...

"The Burgundy"
Hair coloring disaster. I've only shown you the toned down version; the first run was not pretty.

"The Monroe"
Whether Marilyn or James, I'll leave it to you to decide.

"The Rapunzel"

Letting it grow as long as possible. (Long hair IS fun; I miss it a little.)

And here's the current style:
My own color. My own design (with a little help).

What daring coifs might the future hold?

Fall Fare

2010-11-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

I tried out a recipe from dear Martha today and it turned out de-and-licious!

Braised Pork Shoulder

6 ounces pancetta, finely chopped (I used poor woman's version: bacon)

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

1 bone-in (or not, if Costco has boneless) pork shoulder (6-7 pounds)

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 head garlic, minced

2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted and ground

1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds

2 cups Belgian-style ale

1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock

1. Preheat oven to 300*. Crisp pancetta in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, until fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.

2. Add onions to Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 25 minutes. Transfer to plate using slotted spoon.

3. Season pork with salt and pepper. Add oil to Dutch oven, and sear pork, fat side down, until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip, and repeat.

4. Add garlic and spices to pot. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ale, stock, pancetta, and onions; bring to a simmer. Transfer to oven, and braise pork, covered, basting every hour, until meat is falling off the bone, about 4 hours. Shred meat (just what you're using) using 2 forks, and drizzle with warm skimmed jus.

recipe from Martha Stewart Living

And I got to cook it in this gorgeous new red Dutch oven that Mr. B. bought for me! I'm spoiled rotten...=} He just couldn't wait for this meal, having anticipated it all week.

Caramelized onions...mmmmm.

Crushing the fennel.

It doesn't look half as scrumptious as it was! And while it was cooking I vacuumed and scrubbed, so the house was neat and smelled divine when Daddy came home. He had three helpings, so I'm thinking he liked it. =)

P.S. I haven't forgotten to share pics of the new do. I'll try to get to those soon!

Costume Parade

2010-11-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

We have our kitty, complete with paws (can you see one?) constructed of Mama's socks stuffed with wool and stitched with thread to make toes.

And our graceful fairy. The tooth fairy, specifically. Gotta love the rubber boots to complete the ensemble!

On our way through the forest to seek out some sweets.

And this handsome couple! What a TREAT to have such great neighbors!

*

2010-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

"...she came walking in with a very queer expression of countenance, for there was a mixture of fun and fear, satisfaction and regret in it, which puzzled the family as much as did the roll of bills she laid before her mother, saying with a little choke in her voice, 'That's my contribution toward making Father comfortable and bringing him home!'
'My dear, where did you get it? Twenty-five dollars! Jo, I hope you haven't done anything rash?'
'No, it's mine honestly. I didn't beg, borrow, or steal it. I earned it, and I don't think you'll blame me, for I only sold what was my own.'
As she spoke, Jo took off her bonnet, and a general outcry arose, for all her abundant hair was cut short." ~Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2010-10-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

Please pardon the pj's; I had to do this early before I chickened out!

Here it goes!

Yes, it's messy and asymmetrical. But that's what I was going for! I'll have my friend clean it up for me tonight...if I've left her anything to work with. I've never been too terribly sentimental with my hair. I really like to do fun and wacky things with it. For the last six years, though, I let it grow to see just how long I could get it ~ I got a little "attached". So I nearly fainted halfway through cutting the ponytail. Oh, silliness!

I'm better now. =D What do you think?

Tiny Bubbles

2010-10-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

This bathtub makes the BEST bubbles!

I May Have Gone A Little Crazy With The Fruit

2010-10-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

Lunch Time

2010-10-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

"I want milk"

"Please."

"PLEASE!"

"Purrrrrrr, purrrrrrr..."

Just A Couple Of Pumpkins

2010-10-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Raegan counted 53 pumpkins from our picking on Saturday. That includes the jack~be~littles on the step; can you see them in the background? We have about that many more in the garden left to gather!

A couple of crooknecks.

Most of our pumpkins didn't turn orange completely, but that's ok because we really like green anyway. =)

They make great seats!

Help with our pumpkin picking: Miss Grey Showed Up One Day Probably Our Kitten's Mother Very Sweet But Did We Really Need A FOURTH Cat!?

Something's Missing

2010-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Raegan's first contribution to the tooth fairy's stash. And the sneaky ol' sprite left her a present in exchange: Toy Story 2!

Now we run around the house shouting, "There's a sssnake in my boot!"

Run, Percy, Run!

2010-10-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Eleven Glorious Years

2010-10-09T23:57:00.000-07:00

"...for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" Ruth 1:16b

Zucchini Harvest

2010-10-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

And scarlet runner beans...

"Mmm..."

...and cosmos and chrysanthemums.

Note

2010-10-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Oh, and we took our wee kitten with us. Heated his milk on the camp stove, he played in the grass, and slept in his box in the car...with his girls.

October Camping

2010-10-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

We like to do everything outdoors in the fall: camping, hiking, picnicing...we even had our wedding outside in October. We live on the edge.

A car seat makes a nice improv camp chair.

Our tent has had an epiphany. =)

On our way home we stopped at the steel bridge. It's been a long time since I've seen it, and the rest of the family had never been there. We drove slowly across the old one-lane trestle to the other side, and then got out to walk along the edge with the entirely too-skimpy railing (in my opinion) to throw some (natural) objects over the edge. Daddy found a rock, Pea grabbed a nice stick, and Rae chose a lovely leaf...which refused to fall because of the air current above the gorge. I think she was a little disappointed.

The actual height is much greater than this picture would have you believe. Those are tall trees, and a big river!

Announcing Our Newest Arrival!

2010-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

The sleepless nights, the bottle-feedings every few hours, the constant crying, the potty-training...

You mothers know what I'm talking about. It's tough work, but what are ya gonna do?! I mean, just look at this face...

We discovered our "unexpected blessing" in the flower bed under the hollyhocks and lupine. We were on our way to the trail for an evening walk when we were distracted by a mournful cry. I picked up the cold little puff ball, and we decided that a trip to the pet store was in order, and I came home stocked with tiny bottle and milk replacer for our week-old baby.

If he was a girl, we would have named him Holly, short for hollyhock, but I think he's a boy. (Just how does one know for sure?) So we're considering Persimmon. He's the right color, and born in the beautiful russet fall.

He prefers to sleep bundled up warm in a towel in our arms. And he thinks the girls are his littermates; he runs to catch up to them.

Remembering Grandpa

2010-09-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ellsworth Joseph Browning

August 20, 1918 ~ September 15, 2010

We love you so much, Grandpa "Great"♥

Crafting With Vintage Pencils

2010-09-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

OK, one thing: I save e-v-e-r-y thing! If you saw my craft room right now, you'd want to call the Hoarders show.

But when I needed some nifty craft items for the girls to make a birthday card, I found these perfect *plast-o-led* pencil crayons that I'd saved from my mom's stash.

What more could you ask for? No melting, no crumbling. And check out the date they were made...1974. And purchased at Ben Franklin for the quaint little price of $1.99.

Now. What to do with my 13-plus years of magazines...

Our Walk

2010-09-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

Did The Puyallup

2010-09-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Which one doesn't belong?

" We got to brush a pony. We can't bring one home, but we got to brush one."

Stopping to smell the flowers.

The giant slide!!!

Dragon coaster.

" Where's the fire? We'll put it out!"

And finally, the flower displays for Mama.

A Tricycle

2010-09-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

...built for two.

Slogger Weather

2010-09-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Nice and sloppy.

"Once upon a time there was a frog called Mr. Jeremy Fisher; he lived in a little damp house amongst the buttercups at the edge of a pond. The water was all slippy-sloppy in the larder and in the back passage. But Mr. Jeremy liked getting his feet wet; nobody ever scolded him, and he never caught a cold! He was quite pleased when he looked out and saw large drops of rain, splashing in the pond--"

The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Beatrix Potter

In Pursuit of the Last Blackberries

2010-09-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Back to Ballet

2010-09-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Miss Kendall returns for a fourth year! Seasoned veteran.

And Miss Presley is just beginning her dancing career because she's "big enough" this year.

Looking forward to another year of graceful dancing!

Enjoying a tasty snack on the long drive home.

Practicing an arabesque in her new blue leotard (which we had to purchase on the way to class). No more pink tutus for this ballerina!

Daddy is always so thoughtful...he surprised us with beautiful flowers for the first day of ballet classes!

Pea's bouquet of *red* gladioli is bigger than she is!

Making Mountains Out Of Mole Hills

2010-08-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

...er, ant hills?

Miss Rae: "Come look! These are the tiniest mole hills I've ever seen!"

Bird Brains

2010-08-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Chickens might not be the most intelligent of creatures, but they certainly have big personalities! Lizzy decided to perch herself on my back while I was checking the coop one day, and rode around there while I tried to snap a picture. Self Portrait With Hen. :}

The girls ~ Queen Elizabeth (or Lizzy), Coco Chanel, and Lady Godiva (who will lay the chocolate colored eggs) ~ have a new location in the yard; lots of new weeds and bugs to snack on.

The Library

2010-08-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

We made our first trip to the library the other day, and we've been back every week since then! Who knew there was such a place as this!? A whole building full of BOOKS...and you can borrow as many as you want, bring them back, and get some more! Novel idea, don't you think?

We even joined a summer reading club, so we get prizes whenever we read. Prizes AND stories! The fun just never ends!

Now why didn't Mama think of this sooner?

Beachcombing

2010-07-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

A misty, chilly trip to the shore while visiting the Pacific Beach "Greats". This is the beach where Daddy grew up! Plastic bags from Grandma in hand (she says, "You never know when you might find something you can't live without!"), we patrol the sand in search of treasure. We come home with some broken shells and, oh joy! oh rapture!...a PINK golf ball!

My biggest kid. =)

Literally combing the beach...

Venturing farther into the surf...

and farther...

TOO FAR!!!

A Sunny Bank

2010-07-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

What a treat to be able to walk down to the creek on a hot summer afternoon for an icy dip!

Pea Harvests

2010-07-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

...and so does her sister.

Food Is Pretty

2010-07-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

I'm no photographer (I'll leave that to Mr. G.), but I just had to share some pictures of our tasty supper with you. When I was "working" ;) my favorite lunch was a vegetarian sandwich like this from the little nearby café.

Here's how I recreated it:

Spread mayo and pesto on fresh ciabatta rolls. Layer provolone cheese, sautéed portobello mushrooms, marinated artichoke hearts, and just~picked organic spinach from the garden.

Serve to a hungry family outside in the grass on a warm summer evening.

A Fun Fourth

2010-07-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

A celebratory pie made with berries found hanging out in the freezer.

And fireworks with Daddy at dusk. All in all, a very happy independence day. We hope yours was, too!

Prima Ballerina!

2010-07-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is Raegan's third ballet performance; she is an iris in the ballet Paquita.

She has learned so much over the last three years, and performed beautifully! She couldn't be more excited about dancing on the "big stage" in front of an audience with all her beloved little ballerina friends.

Can you tell that she's in raptures over the beautiful flowers her proud Daddy presented her with?

What fun to be a part of such a lovely art! Worth all the fuss beforehand... ;)

Letters From Honduras

2010-05-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Beautifully embellished letters arrive faithfully from our friends in Honduras, whom we have the privilege to serve in a very small way. What we receive in return is worth so much more!

There's just something about a handwritten letter. And these with their lovely borders always make our hearts happy.

How precious is this little guy? His sweet mother is the writer and artist. Looking forward to our next treasure in the mail!

Mother's Day At Swanson's

2010-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

My sweet family took me to Swanson's Nursery in Seattle on Mother's Day for a sunny afternoon of plant shopping. We brought home so many beautiful treasures for our garden:

~Himalayan Honeysuckle

~Bridal Wreath

~Peony

~Spriaea

~Jacob's Ladder

~Toadflax

~Japanese Maple

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Shirt Says It All

2010-05-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

And they're scratch 'n sniff...

Dad's Buttons Go To Australia

2010-05-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I got a request last week to send a wholesale order of the antler buttons to a lady who is opening a store in Australia in the fall. How exciting to have a little bit of our handiwork halfway around the world! I hope they arrive safely; I've never packed up a bunch of cards to be sent so far without bending or crumpling. I used a large amount of tape and cardboard!

Hoping the Aussie customers enjoy their bit of the Pacific Northwest!

So Sweet Lilacs

2010-04-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Out of Africa

2010-04-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's a very fortunate thing to have a sister who is working on her PhD, and takes trips to exotic places such as, oh...Cameroon, Africa. And brings back wonderful treasures like elephants and crocodile bottle cap openers carved from ebony wood, and beaded necklaces, and beautiful fabric.

Here's the fabric sewn into a cute little bag by my talented mama with an antler button made by Dad. It looks like an elephant's tusk, don't you think?

Sweet #3!

2010-04-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Can it be three years already since we brought this tiny person home?! Nameless for two weeks...we needed to find the perfect one to suit her personality. She has a huge heart for doggies, kitties, and whatever critter that happens to be within reach. She's a cuddle bug! Extremely generous with "big, juicy hugs and kisses". =)

Happy Birthday, Morgan Presley! xoxoxo

A Blissful Monday

2010-04-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

Laundry on the clothesline...

...and a profusion of flowers from two wee garden fairies.

Buttons

2010-04-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

My dad has been a great outdoorsman for as long as I've known him (and probably longer). Deer being one of his favorite subjects, I asked him if he could spare some antlers and test out making some rustic buttons from them. He wasn't willing to part with any of his trophies ;) but he did scout out some winter shed that the mice hadn't gotten to yet (they eat them!) Dad sliced the antlers, drilled the holes, and polished them into these beautiful buttons. And I put some in my store.

Aaahhh, Bath Time...

2010-04-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Caution: "fowl" video follows, involving outdoor bathing. ;)

This little chickie enjoyed her dust bath immensely! Just listen to her contented sigh as she tells all about her busy day.

Now these little chickies desperately need a bath, too!

And finally, this chick is going to enjoy a nice, long soak in the tub. Aaahhh...

A Very Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

"But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"The angel said to the woman, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said...'" Matthew 28:5 & 6
What good news!

We had a very busy, and very blessed Easter yesterday. How about you?

My little Daisy and Daffodil modeling their eyelet Easter frocks.

The Easter table with my little spring peeps. All ready for a feast with family.

More of my peeps hunting for brightly colored Easter eggs.

And finally, a trip down the trail for a delightful end of the holiday.

The Vintage Mouse Dress

2010-03-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is the original. Worn almost 30 years ago by Auntie Shan. It's been passed to friends, and children of friends, and though it is looking a bit well~loved, still has plenty of good playtime left in it.

I love the little knot in his tail. I wonder what milestone in his life it marks.

Awards

2010-03-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

I've been blessed with two awards recently. Actually, this first one is not very recent ~ my apologies, Heather!

Seven interesting things about me (wow! I'm really not very interesting!)

1. I've never had my ears pierced. That's right; I've held out for 33 years. I have considered it before, but my hubby prefers my maiden earlobes. =)

2. I was "sweet ~~sixteen~~ twenty-one, and never been kissed." Can you guess who he was? ;)

3. When I was 16, I had the amazing opportunity to tour Germany and other parts of Europe with my high school German class. Only regret: I didn't appreciate the experience quite as much as I would now, at twice that age. But, I did have so much fun!

4. I do not like Kielbasa sausage. Neither does Papa B. We never have. It's because of the "white things."

5. I used to want 17 children to beat Rosie, the sweetest little old lady we used to visit in the nursing home who had 16. She couldn't remember all their names.

6. I still have my tonsils, appendix, gall bladder, all that good stuff.

7. One time, I ran out of gas on the freeway, walked to the nearest farmhouse, asked the two young men who lived there if I could use their phone, and when they said they didn't have one, allowed them to drive me to a pay phone to call my dad...in their low-rider...with some sort of fringe along the top of the windshield...and (velvet?) seats...

Gave my guardian angel a run for his money! (But really, they were very kind people to me, bless their hearts. It was my dad I needed to worry about when I told him what I did. =D)

Thank you so much, Heather, for the sweet award! I pass it on to:

I know some of you have "award free" buttons on your blogs, so please don't feel obligated in any way. Just know you're appreciated! :)

And this award is from my dear friend, Kat. I'm so honored that she thought of me, and that she so often visits my little blog with such kind words. Thank you! Readers, you really should check out her blogs; she has the most amazing talent for poetry, haiku, words in general. And her genuine love for all creatures is so happily obvious. =)

And now I get to choose a dozen sunny blogs to award, too.

Blogs with a beautiful mix of family and creative home life:

Weaving God's Word Into Our Lives

They Call Me Mama

The Adventures of Roo and Wren

Blessed Femina

No Greater Joy
With A Grateful Prayer And A Thankful Heart
Sweete Felicity
A Merry Heart Journal
Ivory Spring
Greyhaven Pines
Le Monde de Catherine
Robin's Egg Blues

Only twelve, huh? But I'm not done. I could name so many more wonderful spots on the web, so please check out my sidebar for a whole bunch of treasures from blogland. ;)

Caution: Student Driver!

2010-03-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

One is terribly anxious about this speedy contraption, the other can't wait to step on the gas! Can you tell which is which? The look of impish delight might be a clue.

"Oh, good grief! I didn't see that Buick parked there, honestly! Sis, don't be so dramatic."

Please excuse the lack of camera savvy. ;)

Words of Promise

2010-03-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

From our 5 Bible verses the girls and I read together every night before bed...

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."

~ Psalm 50:14 & 15

Hot Cross Buns

2010-03-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

Hot-cross Buns!

One a penny, two a penny,

Hot-cross Buns!

If ye have no daughters,

Give them to your sons.

Hot Cross Buns

4 to 4 1/2 cups all~purpose flour
1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash ground cloves
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
3 eggs
2/3 cup currants or raisins
1/4 cup diced candied orange peel (optional)
1 beaten egg white
1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing
[1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon milk or orange juice

Combine ingredients; stir in milk or juice 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches drizzling consistency.]

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups flour, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a pan heat and stir milk, butter, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt till warm (120* ~ 130*) and butter almost melts. Add milk mixture to dry mixture. Add eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high 3 minutes. Stir in currants and orange peel (if desired), and as much remaining flour as you can.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl, turning once. Cover; let rise in a warm place till double (about 1 1/2 hours).

Punch dough down. Turn onto floured surface. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into 20 portions. Shape portions into smooth balls. Place balls 1 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise till nearly double (45 to 60 minutes).

Using a sharp knife, make a crisscross slash across top of each bun. In small bowl combine beaten egg white and 1 tablespoon water. Brush mixture of egg white and water over rolls. Bake in a 375* oven 12 to 15 minutes or till golden brown. Cool slightly. Drizzle Powdered Sugar Icing into slashes atop each bun. Serve warm.

Traditionally in England and other Christian countries, these buns were eaten on Good Friday, because of the symbolism of the cross. The cute little nursery rhyme was originally a street cry in London in the 1700's at Easter and Christmas times.

"Good Friday come this month, the old woman runs
With one or two a penny hot cross buns." ~ Poor Robin's Almanack for 1733 (info from wikipedia. Check out their link for more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_cross_bun)

Back to Business

2010-03-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

My poor PC picked up a virus somewhere last week (no more playing with the other little PCs at the playground, I guess...ugh, I'm such a nerd!) =) We're all fixed up now, so I'm sharing some projects I've been working on for my Etsy store. So much fun and quick to make!

The apple scrubbers.

And some wash cloths that remind me of springtime daffy~down~dillies.

Has Spring Sprung Already?

2010-02-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hoping for a little feathered family to move in soon.

Patience Is Rewarded

2010-02-24T22:35:00.001-08:00

After a lengthy sabbatical, Lizzy is back in production! Yippee! No more buying pricey organic eggs from the store, or begging dozens from Mother. =)

(In)Famous Quotes

2010-02-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

♥ Raegan, after enjoying a tasty lunch, "That was de~ and ~licious!"

♥ Morgan, rummaging through a pile of plastic animals for a certain dog, "Oh smash!" (though not with frustration so much as glee...)

Stitching Up Some Fun

2010-02-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

...in my shoppe. =)

B is for Banana Bread

2010-02-17T21:48:00.001-08:00

When life gives you black bananas, make...

Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
(throw in some nutmeg and a dash of salt, too)
1 egg
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium)
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cooking oil

Grease the bottom and half inch up the sides of an 8 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Make a well in the center of dry mixture; set aside.

In another bowl combine the egg, bananas, sugar, and cooking oil. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just till moistened (batter should be lumpy).

Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a 350* oven for 50-55 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Recipe here says to cool, wrap and store overnight...but, I don't follow directions very well; we ate it warm with lots of butter. =)

♥ Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

2010-02-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3

♥ Buffalo Valentine ♥

2010-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

"Smooch, smooch!"

On Saturday we trekked up to the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim to celebrate Valentine's Day. Romantic, huh? We'll take dining on cheap bread with wild animals over wine and caviar in a fancy restaurant any day. ;)

This guy had it all figured out. "I'll just park myself right here in the road, so they'll HAVE to stop and feed me!"

And then up to Dungeness for lunch on the shore. I love the sharp wind on the water in February!

My three sweethearts. ♥♥♥

"Look at the puddleduck!" A seagull elevated in status by Beatrix Potter's wonderful stories. =)

Just Bee~Cause

2010-02-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

How fun to find a surprise in the mailbox! And especially such a bee~utiful ;) apron from my sweet sis~in~law! She is an accomplished seamstress and knows that I just adore honey bees and winged things. How happy I am that she shares her gift with me! Thank you, thank you, Lizzy!

All the little bees have clever quotes like BeeTween You & Me, BeeFriended By You, BeeYond My Expectations. I'll wear this when I'm busy...

Elephant Parade

2010-02-11T21:50:00.001-08:00

Just look at that last little guy! Isn't he so cute?

My Machines Are Smoking

2010-02-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

Six loads of laundry washed, dried, and folded! A very productive wash day.

Now I just have a few things to iron and my little OCD will be (almost) satisfied.

What We Found in Our Backyard!

2010-02-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Or in our neighbors' backyard, that is.

Will you take a walk of discovery with us?

We cross the lawn and enter the mossy woods where our properties meet.

Across a little fallen log to the path. A deer trail that has been travelled by two~legged explorers recently. Deer have the most delightful adventures!

Wild ginger. =)

Passing through the two trees that meet to form an arch over the path.

Under low~bowing limbs dripping with moss.

All the way to the rustic steps and handrail that lead to...

the creek.