my sometimes

Sometimes your baby is sick and reverts to waking up all night like a newborn, and then wakes up for good before the sun does, and you wish you hadn't stayed up so late making even more bunting for your art room. 

Sometimes you're still adjusting to your husband being back at work after a wonderful together-ful summer while trying to prepare two art programs and two classrooms by yourself with an accident prone toddler in tow. 

Sometimes the housework piles up, but there are too many people and things and to-do lists vying for your time for you to bother.

And then, sometimes, you learn that your Dad has lung cancer, and it feels like he's just recovered from the last bout of cancer and you wonder why, why, why must he go through this again? And you're anxious about the future.

* * *

So sometimes you gather your tired, cranky, runny-nosed babe, pack some strawberries and cheerios, a picnic blanket and your life line and you walk to the sea; because the air is crisp and the space wide-open and your sick baby is enlivened by the wide water, gentle ocean breeze, open space and the early morning dog-walkers. 

Sometimes you breathe deep, sip your coffee, soak the morning sun and watch your son happily toddle to and fro, waving to you proudly from across the lawn, back often for a cuddle and a cheerio.

And you read this:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
he leads me beside quiet waters...
he refreshes my soul.... (from Psalm 23)

And you remember this:

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you... (Psalms 55:22)  

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  (John 14:27)

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3: 22-23) 

And then, sometimes you are overwhelmed with thanks.

these days...

lesson planning, bulletin board-ing, poster laminating, bunting hanging, inspiration reading, material ordering, classroom nesting...

with a whole lot of this in between for good measure...

School year 2012-2013, commence!

A Beachy Bridal Shower

On Saturday (and a perfectly temperate summer one at that!) we had a bridal shower for my brother's fiance, Sarah.  We knew that she had really wanted a beach wedding, but it didn't end up working out due to lots of logistical issues(and it would be rather cold in October on the beach!). Instead, we decided to throw her a beachy bridal shower in my parents backyard. It was fun putting together all of the themed details and it really came together nicely. Now only about a month 'til wedding time! (these McKenna kids are being married off like hotcakes! watch out, Kimmie!)

(paper lanterns hanging off the canopies, mini baskets with chocolate shells for favors)

(Centerpieces - large and small glass containers, sand, shells, water, a floating candle and tea lights with more shells sprinkled about)

 (Dessert - buttercream frosted cupcakes, sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs, candy shells; topped with a paper "beach" umbrella)

White tulle and netting galore. 

Menu - shrimp, bacon-wrapped scallops, fruit salad, ambrosia, pineapple and dip, cheese and crackers, Nana's punch)

Oh yeah and there were people there, too. :)

28

celebrating 28, 

(a little late), 

with my love, 

by the sea

so free, so infinite

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

-Charles Wesley

Thankful...

- a fun bachelorette and special bridal shower for my almost-sister Sarah
- a refreshing (and mite overwhelming) teaching retreat
- the seeming end of Levi's summer cold
- working on a beautiful collaborative rock wall sculpture with Kirsten
- beautiful birthday earrings from Ariel
- seeing the Ansel Adams exhibit at the PEM with my parents and grandparents
- dinner and fun with the Bornes 
- more artists coming out the woodwork for the Creative Arts Ministry
- fro-yo with the Schmidts
- some teaching inspiration
- my birthday date with Brian (spinach and feta croissants, beach, pottery)
- a powerful and spirit-filled highrock service
- how Levi was extra cuddly with his Grampy, on a day his Grampy needed it
- mercy all, immense and free!

evening sling

(Joining with SouleMama)

crafts with kerrie (or "awkward fashion shoots with kerrie")

If you have a pinterest account, you've probably seen the plethora of things you can make with old T-shirts. I was in charge of planning a craft for the retreat and decided to lead the group in making t-shirt scarves. The three scarves I chose are crazy-easy to make and way-cute to wear. 

Unfortunately I neglected to take pictures of these lovely ladies with their homemade scarves, so I reluctantly submit the following awkward photos for your humor enjoyment.

make the Frilly Scarf

make the Fringey Scarf

make the Ropey Scarf

(photos taken by the very handsome and multi-talented B. James with the very fun and retro Dreamy Diana lens. and please note that the I had nothing to do with staging the following photos...I'm just lucky enough to be married to someone who is secure enough in his masculinity to wear fashion scarves.)