Family Vacation

We recently spent some much needed vacation time with our family and loved every minute we had together. Unfortunately, my camera is on it's last leg. It only focused about 50% of the time so most of my photos didn't turn out. =( Here are some pics of the visit that turned out better than most:

We had so much fun! Historical tours, fun on the lake, farmers market, bbq's, parks and long walks in the cool air. We spent time with a lot of other family members who are not pictured because I'm so awful about remember to bring my camera! It really was the best vacation ever. The hardest part was leaving. . . I miss them so much it hurts.

Hair Flair

I made some new flowers to attach to clothes, barrettes, headbands, etc. I have been in love with green lately. Can't seem to get enough. I actually only had red and green silk on hand so that's what I used. I loved how they turned out. I think they will make great gifts so I'm making many more. I haven't listed them on my etsy site (Clear Water Designs), but I think I may...

Cotton Ruffle Flower Love

Irene and I wandered through Abercrombie yesterday. They have the most perfect combinations of soft cottons, hand made ruffles and flowers. All my favorite things! However, the price wasn't close to what my budget currently allots for shirts. =) So, we decided to embellish some of our own t's and tanks. I'll follow-up this post with pics of what we come up with.

This is love!

Cody's Jr. Prom!

Cody and Ariana before the Prom! So beautiful and handsome!

Learning to Dream. . .

I've been in a season of stretching in the area of dreaming for the last few years. I guess you could say that for most of my adult life I was living in survivor mode. Trying to keep food on the table, my children safe, sound, and feeling loved, etc. I didn't have the luxury to sit around hoping, wishing, wanting or dreaming. . . or that is at least what I thought. Over the last few years I realized that mindset can lead to a state of being without much hope. What I realized is that God has so much more for us than just keeping our head above water and surviving! God made us with imagination, wisdom, creativity, and dreams. He wants us to dream with Him and see the amazing plan and purpose He has for us. I don't want to be anything less than what He created me for. There is so much more with Him!! I saw this quote this morning and thought it was something to hold on to...

Clear Water Designs

I actually did it! After much prompting by friends and family...about a month or so ago I started a little business on Etsy called Clear Water Designs! I am really excited and nervous but can't wait to see what the future holds. My friend Sarah bought me a sewing machine a almost two years ago. (Yes, she is the sweetest friend!) I started out just making gifts for friends who were expecting. It's grown from there. I am so thankful for friends and family who continue to support and purchase and spread the word. I'm still trying to grasp the fact that people will pay to buy things I make. So humbling!

I also created a Facebook page for Clear Water Designs. Make sure to check out that site for new item updates, coupon codes, and sale info! Oh and if you are so inclined you can "Like" Clear Water Designs on Facebook too!

If you have minute, grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair and have fun doing some browsing!

Here are a few items currently listed:

Sometimes change is good . . .

Life has been bringing changes left and right for Alex this year and he's done a great job at navigating them. Asking for guidance when needed, wisely making choices and choosing to look at things positively. I'm so proud of him! He decided to add to the changes in his own way by totally revamping his hair. I love the new look! This change turned out so good!

It's hard to believe in a couple months he'll be 16. Talk about change...time goes incredibly fast doesn't it?? Seems like yesterday . . .I know, I know, I used to get a laugh out of how my parents would say things like that about time passing, etc. Today, I know they were right (as usual) =). I miss my kids being little some days, but I have loved every stage, age, and phase that has come with them growing up. It's rarely easy, but sometimes change is good.