Saturday Mornings.

Saturday mornings I have a little helper that goes grocery shopping with me.  I LOVE this time to just be with her.. she is so fun, so delightful and so helpful! It's our special date! We typically just go to Trader Joe's...but this morning we ran a few additional errands.  Can you tell that she enjoys grocery shopping? ;)

Haircut

Our very good friend Ashley came over last week and gave us all (minus Bryant) a haircut.  She had been gone the last 3 months doing a photography internship in Africa so it was so nice to see her hear her stories (She does hair, makeup AND photography!).  The girls and I missed her!!

Littlest Sister's first official haircut.

A little photoshoot afterward.

Someone is happy with her new short hairdo! ;)

She looks so big here... it's scary. 

Ashley also brought us some special gifts from Africa! 

Handmade necklaces...made with recycled paper.  I love the colors!

Kidseum

Ever since the Arts Retreat, I've had more opportunities to be creative... I also have a stronger desire to be inspired by Art and surround myself with it.

On this particular day, I had planned to go visit one of my favorite art museums in Pasadena...but at the last minute changed my plan and took the girls to the local Kidseum. Which they loved.  It wasn't so inspirational to me...but it was just as fun, watching the girls exploring and enjoying their surroundings.

Random Blessings.

My little helper.

 Pinkberry on a hot spring day.

A house full of girls.

Daddy turned her into a robot.

Shopping with Daddy.

(No, he did not buy the Corduroy bear.)

Relaxing in the hammock.

One of the girls' favorite places.

Mochi and our new rug.

 Craft time.

Making bunting for a baby shower.

Arts Retreat

Last weekend, I went on a retreat with my church's Arts Ministry team.  I was honored to be able to spend time with some of our church's most talented artists.  I didn't know anyone...and noone knew me.. so it was definitely awkward at first... but they were such great people and it was wonderful spending time with each of them!

I loved that as soon as we got there, we dove right into the Word... and spent a lot of the time during the weekend, reflecting on God's truth and journaling.. It was truly a retreat for me to not cook, clean, change diapers, discipline, etc.. I was the only married one (other than the host) so I felt extremely old.. but they accepted me anyway. ;)

We stayed at a stunning cabin which was designed/built by an architect who attends our church.  Him and his wife so generously allow people to stay at their cabin at no cost!!  I fell in love with the place. Love at first sight.  Here are the photos. ;)

The view from the front and the back of the cabin.

The living/dining room and study room.

Two of the many bedrooms.

Love the rustic feel of this place..

After this weekend, I feel like I learned more about our church, the leadership at our church, the Arts ministry..but more importantly, I learned that God values Art.. He does so much through it.. empowers, speaks Truth, touches, heals... God is awakening my passion for the Arts and I'm excited to see how He wants to use me in this ministry!

Tidepools

We recently went to the tidepools at a nearby beach. It was lowtide and perfect weather.. so I thought, now is the chance! And it was so much fun! When we first got there, there were only a few people at the beach... The girls and I walked amongst the rocks and saw many crabs, sea anemones and fish!  I was enamored by the formation of the rocks and tidepools... and just the beauty in even the smallest things that God created.  A homeschooling mom once told me that "everything under the sun is schooling," and it's so true.. as long as see it from that perspective and take advantage of it!  

 I was pleasantly surprised by how much Big Sister loved the tide pools!