Life in Focus

Just because

I love thoughtful surprises!

This is what I recently came home to.  A totally unexpected, out of the blue, no holiday or birthday attached kind of surprise.  It was the most beautiful bouquet of pale pink roses I had ever seen!  It  made an "ordinary" day a little more special and I felt so loved and appreciated because of it.  These roses helped me remember that as much as I love to receive these types of surprises, I love to give them too!  There's something extra fun about making someone's day like this because, in the process, you make your own day too.  So, my personal "challenge" this weekend is to surprise someone else...just because. 

Thank you for the reminder and thoughtful surprise Kevin!  You are the best!

Happy Friday!

Fun Finder

It is official! Summer is in full swing and kids are keeping themselves (and me) very busy!  It's a good busy though, full of fun and relaxation with some "work" on the side.  I learned very early on in my parenting that it pays BIG to be prepared and organized, especially when it comes to having three children home all summer.  One of my favorite tools of all time is......

our Fun Finder Binder!

I can't quite remember where I originally snagged this idea but I love it and have been using and updating it every summer  for as long as I can remember.

The binder is divided into different sections of reference.  For example, we have a section for games to play, projects to create, recipes to make, things to learn, things to celebrate, and even ideas on places to go.  Throughout the year,I fill each section with cool stuff that I find from magazines and other sources.

I love that it puts the power of inspiration and ideas in the hands of my kids when they need a little extra help in knowing what to do next.
And, since the "b word" is not allowed to be spoken in our house (you know..."bored"), this helps a ton!

So, every June I pull out this notebook full of fun, set it on the coffee table, and enjoy the instant resource for those times when we need a little extra inspiration.  That's good stuff!

 

Everyone should have....

                                               An inspiration garden!

 
                               

One of my favorite places to hang out during the summer months is in my little garden.  I love to read, sip on a cold drink, reflect, sketch, and dream.  There's something so magical about this spot that even a few minutes of time (which is usually all I have) has the power to soothe, relax, and inspire me.  Now, keep in mind that I've never had much of a green thumb and I'm not very knowledgeable about  plants and such.  Even so, every year I try....try to learn a little more, experiment a little more, and enjoy and appreciate it a little more than before.

I believe that in our very busy and rather scheduled lives, everyone should have a few moments each day in a place like this.  A place to plant a seed, grow a tomato, feed the birds, sit quietly, and enjoy the gifts of an "inspiration garden."  It's truly magical!

       

       

           
 

Getting Ready

Today begins the last week of the school year and the last week before I have 3 kids home with me for the summer.  I absolutely love this time with my kids and we're all so ready for the break from our regular routine.  However, in order for me to be able to "love" it and enjoy summer as much as my kids do, I have to be organized, ready, and armed with a plan.

So, this week is all about getting ready.....
to celebrate the last day of school
to go on a family vacation in July
to help my daughter train for the cross country team
to send my oldest on a plane by himself for a big adventure
to have friends over
to put out our "fun finder binder"
to find out what each kid wants to be sure they get to do before school starts again
to make a summer art journal
to have a garage sale
to prepare a calendar of things to do & places to go
to begin the kids' list of jobs
to check our craft supply closet
to sit in the garden and sip on homemade lemonade
to celebrate summer

June = Happiness

                                                                          

10 Things to be happy about this month:

1.  Freshly mowed grass
2.  Father's Day celebrations
3.  Blue skies
4.  The ice cream man
5.  Fireflies
6.  Impromptu water fights
7.  Bare feet
8.  The last day of school
9.  BBQ dinners
10. Beautiful gardens in bloom

So much to look forward to, appreciate, notice, and celebrate this time of year.........June = Happiness!