Last week was one of those weeks that had me questioning my mothering skills.

Last week had me constantly searching for the right words...

right when they left my mouth I found myself second guessing myself.

Could I have articulated them better?

Did they boost my children up?

or

Did they fall flat...

unhelpful

uninspiring

When it comes to being a mother aren't I suppose to be helpful?

Aren't I suppose to have all the right answers?

Last week was the first week of school

&

guess what?

Mothering and starting a new school year doesn't seem to ever get easier...

but after an earthquake and a hurricane

my focus is sharper

I realize I was over thinking everything

because I wanted to make everything

perfect

And perfect is everything I don't want to teach my children!

Challenges are teaching moments.

Obstacles keep us sharp.

Strong core beliefs~faith keep us centered on what is truly important.

A strong inner voice is your best friend!

and a family that is always there will help lift you back up...

set you on your feet

let go of your hand

&

yell from the highest mountain top

so it will echo over and over again

so you will never forget to just

xoxo,

I'm all worn out for words today...

it's amazing how quickly calm waters turn choppy...

my voice is plum tuckered out

but

on days like today...

there is goodness

there is light that fills my heart

the goodness of today are the blessings of family & friends...

who let me talk their ear off...

who helped carry my load of worry

&

make the toughest of day

so

G R E A T

Here's to friendship and having a safe strong place to land on when days are turbulent!

xo,

Why must vacations come to a close?

As we bid our sad farewell to the magnificent scenery

deeply inhaled the fresh air

tilted our face to view the clear blue sky...

said a big thank you to the Pacific Northwest for being such a fabulous host

for showing my children all you have to offer....

dipped our toes one last time into the lake

returned the kayaks to the sandy shore...

motored our way via wave runner across the sparkly water...

laughing

racing

circling a few times before docking

not wanting the ride to end...

As we shook off sandy towels

packed up our gear

drove back to my parent's house...

I love going home

I love seeing my children in their grandparent's home

I love seeing everyone gathered around their kitchen table

eagerly awaiting breakfast treats

with tousled bedhead




We didn't want our trip to end...

saying,

"see you soon"

"we will be back"

"come see us"

love YOU

Love you

thank YOU

Thank you for everything!!!

saying goodbyes to my parent's, sister and her sweet family is always so hard!

We live so far away...

trips back home are never often enough!

As we buckled up

taxied down the runway

soared higher and higher

I felt such peace

very blessed

so thankful for the love of family

This trip was just what I needed

what we needed





Here's to vacations, family, love, memories and coming home!

P.S. School supplies were quickly purchased

backpacks are somewhat ready

so we can enjoy the remain days of summer before the first school bell rings next week!

xo,

Not only has our vacation been a beautiful getaway...

but full of adventure!

Right before my very eyes

my 6 year old son hops into a kayak

for the very first time

a solo voyage

mastering the skills effortlessly...

off he went to Pirate Cove

searching for a bountiful treasure!

Our return trip home is fast approaching...

so we are digging deep

capturing memories

with the precious time remaining

Here's to a weekend full of new adventures, laughter, new firsts and unexpected surprises!

Be back soon from vacation {Aug 10}, rested,recharged, sun kissed and ready for regular blogging posts...

until then...

wishing you sun kissed days!

xoxo,

calm waters

sparkling reflections

quiet talks

Wishing you a fabulous day!

xo,