Perspective ...

My goodness, July has certainly made a grand entrance with temperatures in the 90's across the country.  We finally got some relief with thunderstorms today.  Regardless of the weather, it's still fun to be home with the kids.  Enjoying some free time, our home, and each others company.  As they have grown older, their insightful questions, thoughtful conversations and caring nature is such a joy.  They help keep me grounded as my A-Type personality tends to "over think" things and worry about plans usually years in the future.  I forget to live for the "here and now".  They make me laugh, tell me to relax, and help put things in perspective (without knowing they are doing it) ... something I need reminding of sometimes.  I admit it.

We returned from vacation a couple weeks ago, it was a much needed get-away for all of us.  Since we were in a mountainous area during the summer, we spent an afternoon at a ski resort that had used the mountain side to build a sled run.  It was high, it was long, it was fast, and it looked like a ton of fun.  The sleds were for a single rider with a hand brake between your legs to control speed.  While I kept an eye on our belongings, my husband and kids took to the sleds.  The route wound through the trees - the start accessible only by the ski lift.  I couldn't see the top nor the route ... only the last 50 yards or so.  First my husband comes whipping down the slide racing our daughter who is in the track next to him.  Both enjoying the race and talking about "this turn and that turn" as they pile out of their sleds.  Then we wait ... and wait ... and wait ... where is my son?  We wait some more.  We talk to the men who are gathering the sleds.  They get on the walkie-talkies to the top of the mountain.  Still no sign of him.  I'm ready to walk up that mountain track to look for him (you know the feeling) when we see a head above the sides of the slide.  Slowly he comes around the final turn with the hand brake pulled in it's full rearward position, going as slow as molasses, looking around at the scenery and singing "The Wheels on the Bus" as loud as he can with a smile on his face.  While the other two couldn't stop talking about the twists and turns, my dear sweet son told me all about the birds he saw on the way down the hill.  I continue learn a lot from him.

I am still smitten by our Polka Dot papers and will warn you again that you'll be seeing them frequently.  In the last post it was a luscious red, today I'm showing off wonderful shades of green and blue.  Recently an ETSY order came in for a favorite of mine - some handmade vanilla flowers (with pearl centers and just the right touch of shimmer on the petals).  While filling the order, I decided to make a couple for myself to share with you too.  The tickets are actually from a new wheel ... perfect since you can make them any color you want with changing either the card stock, ink, or both!  Just wheel them then snip them - easy!

For my next post, I switched over to shades of blue.  LOVE this Polka Dot!  Another handmade flower, a glittery chipboard heart, a sweet greeting, an even sweeter silhouette, and a perky bow ... all layered to add depth and texture.  

The storms have let up so it's time for a walk then back home for popcorn and a movie.  Tonight is "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" ...  hilarious!  Thanks of stopping by today.