a date night diary

(I'm afraid a few more less-than-ideal iphone pics may be in this blog's future...Sure, I'm loving the convenience of the iphone, but I'll always prefer my nikon!)

It seemed a little crazy. A date in the middle of the week, after a tiring (but great!) first day of school at one job and the night before my first day of school at my second job.  I mean, I still had seating charts to figure out and piles of paper strips to cut. And honestly, I wasn't feeling that great. And Levi didn't nap, so he'd probably be cranky for whoever babysat him..blah, blah, blah. 

Crazy, sure, but also perfect and just what I needed.  Brian's a pro at listening to my list of hesitations and gently reminding me how much fun we'll have and how it always helps to just get out and do something. I'm usually smart enough to comply and it turns out that he's always right. 

We headed to the next town over where we spent some time perusing a quirky bookstore and then walked next door to a newly renovated theater for dinner and a movie. It's a cute little cinema (2 screens, I think) and you can even have your dinner and/or dessert served to you while you watch the movie. (oh and did I mention that my date wore a bow-tie? He did and it was awesome.) 

And now look at me. It's only 10pm and I've been on a lovely date, finished seating charts, cut piles of paper and I even have time for a blog post. Not bad. :)

First Days

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, 

as faithful stewards of God’s grace..

1 Peter 4:10

The last few days have been spent cleaning desks and scrubbing sinks, organizing art supplies and ordering new ones, printing and laminating new posters and job charts, hanging art and colorful decor, printing syllabi and putting finishing touches on lessons plans. I'm ready and raring to go, which is fortunate because classes begin today!

As always, my unending gratitude and thanks to Katie, Mom James and Nana, who love and care for my little guy while I spend a few hours each week encouraging and inspiring the creative artists and thinkers of tomorrow. You guys are truly the best. :)

streams of mercy

Come thou fount of every blessing

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

And teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

I'll praise the Mount I'm fixed upon it

Mount of Thy redeeming love.

-R. Robinson

Thankful, for...

- streams of mercy, never ceasing
- a birthday party shared with Kimmie and Grandma; good fun and thoughtful gifts
- a fancy schmancy iphone for my birthday, from my parents (!!)
- warm biscuits
- a beach picnic with Kimmie and a farewell dinner
- time to read
- story time with Tirzah and Elsie
- couch cuddles
- unexpected time with an old friend
- this in my inbox- "I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" - Psalms 116:1, 2
- Fro-yo for lunch, courtesy of a sweet husband 
- a fun day at the Gloucester Maritime Festival with the James parents; crafts, seeing friends, a foggy harbor, Levi love of snakes, holding creatures in the aquarium touch tank, a yummy lunch...

camp crafts - a crochet rope rug for Kimmie

I was able to do quite a bit of crafting on our camping trip. With so many willing and able hands to entertain Levi, I figured I'd take advantage of some time when MY hands were relatively free. 

After crocheting that little rug with old sheets last year (seen HERE), I had the idea that I could probably crochet a rug in a similar way with rope.  A quick google search and I found out that other people had the same idea and even posted some patterns for me (bless their hearts!). I went to the only little convenience store near our camp and found thick cotton clothesline that looked perfect for the project.  500 ft of it later, I had myself a rug. The woman at the counter definitely gave me the side eye as I kept coming back in 2 or 3 times for more rope.

My first rope rug was given to my sister Kimmie for her birthday, along with some of my black and white nautical-themed photographs to hang in her new apartment at school. I love how this project turned out and I'm thinking one or two of these might be perfect for my bedroom... 

(I used THIS pattern - although I must admit that I didn't the right sized hook or rope, so needed to tweak quite a bit of this so that it lay flat.)

Today Kimmie is heading off to start her last semester of college. We'll miss her like crazy...but we're thankful it's Pennsylvania and not, say, Rwanda or Thailand. :)

deck make-over

The little deck on the top of the steps to the second floor has never been used in any capacity other than that very thing- getting to the second floor.  There's always been a planter or two, but other than that, it was wasted space.  

A few weeks ago, I decided to see if our small patio set would fit up on the deck.  We rarely used it where it was, so there was no hurt in trying it out somewhere else.  Surprisingly enough, it fit perfectly and we instantly had what felt like a new "room" to enjoy.  

I bought a cheap (but gorgeous!) outdoor woven mat to make it a little more home-y and filled the old flower boxes.  A candle lantern and houseplant on the table and we were set. 

I've also been wanting to add a screen door for a while now and when I starting researching prices, I realized that you could get an unfinished wooden one for a measly $20 at Home Depot. SO worth it. Now we can leave the door open and let in the breeze. It also gives Levi the ability to go in and out and I can monitor him from the kitchen if he wants to play outside on the deck. 

With the Sea Kettle being a relatively cozy little house, it's been fun to take advantage of some new space and have a new place to read, eat meals and play..at least until winter sets in!

be glad!

"This is the day that the Lord has made, 

let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Psalm 118:24

Thankful this week, for...

- the excitement and promise of a new school year
- an inspiring work retreat and the holy vocation of tranformational Christian education
- Trader Joes treats
- quiet naptimes
- morning walks
- more birthday treats; especially my favorite candy bars and a gift certificate for a foot massage from the BFF
- cool, temperate days
- flourishing window/patio boxes
- dinners with siblings
- hand-knits in the mail
- Salem East potluck and our new intergenerational community small group
- a sermon inspired by Brother Lawrence - his life and prayers: "We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed."
- staff clambake, good friends and energetic kiddos
- a fun time hanging out with Brian's Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dave and cousin Alex; a nice walk downtown, lunch and ice cream, and fun and thoughtful gifts for Levi's birthday picked out by Alex. 

(Hi, Alex!)

Family Camping Trip 2013 - Sebago Lake, Maine

"Live in the sunshine, 

swim in the sea, 

drink the wild air"

-Emerson

'til next year, Sebago!