summertime

I must say, this screen shot just makes me happy! It's a collection of all things "Summertime".......food, activities, beverages, gifts, etc.....ideas and recipes I want to add to our Gussio Family Summer Bucket List. I can't wait to get started!!!

Summertime Pinboard

life through my lens

I have been in a bit of a "big camera" rut lately. I just haven't felt like lugging the big one around, and as a result, I have taken a LOT less photos than I normally would. BUT.....lucky for me, my iphone is almost always within arm's reach, so with the help of a few apps, I have managed to get a few shots I might not otherwise have gotten.

my sweet boy & I at his school's Mother's Day breakfast

(horrible photo of me, but it's the only one I have)

making pizzas with the cousins

3 trips to the dentist & still no cavities!!

date night to watch the Mavs win!

bringing gifts to his teachers on the last day of MDO

"School's Out for Summer!!"

Teacher Appreciation gift for an amazing teacher!!

field trip to the gentle zoo

an impromptu run through the water park

our first visit from the tooth fairy

donuts in the park on a Saturday morning

and a little swingin' to round out the weekend

Obviously I could have gotten much better "quality" photos with my DSLR, but the important thing is that I captured the memory......forever, and because of that, these moments will never be forgotten.

happy mother's day

Wishing all of you the HAPPIEST of Mother's Day Weekends (yes, I claim the entire weekend, not just the one day we are given!!).

For me, motherhood is an amazing roller coaster ride of emotions. There are high highs and low lows. 

There are smiles & laughter & tears & heartache & that's all just in one day :-)

There are some days when I feel like I simply can not get up and do it all over again, and then there are days when time flies by so quickly that I wish I could bottle it up and save it for later.

Motherhood is definitely not easy......it takes prayer and grace and faith and for me at least, it really does take a village.  But, I am so very thankful that these 2 amazing little people call me "Mama." 

I pray that this weekend, we will all take the time to celebrate mothers every where. Happy Mother's Day!!

tea with Oprah

I don't normally watch the Nate Berkus show, but I tuned in yesterday to see Oprah give a tour of her "Tea House" in Montecito, California, and I am so glad I did! Unbelievably, breathtakingly beautiful!

A few takeaways:

1. Someday I would love to have a field of lavender right outside my back door.

2. I really enjoyed the part of their conversation that focused on the "energy" of a space.....they talked about how stress and negativity can seep into the walls of our homes and literally attach themselves to the furniture. It reminded me that I want to create a space for my family that is warm, inviting, safe and comfortable. It reminded me to pay attention to the sights, smells and sounds in our home. It reminded me that I want our home to be a place where kind words are spoken, prayers are given, and gratitude is the focus.

3. We need to have a bit more nature in our lives. Cut flowers from the "garden" and bring them inside. Turn the tv off and go for a walk. Lay on our backs and look at the clouds. Take more pictures outside. Talk to my kids about the beauty of nature and how God created all of this for our enjoyment.

4. I love the idea of having a place to sit, relax, read, meditate, pray....a place to get away from the stresses of every day life and to restore your soul. Hmm......maybe someday?

5. The photo book that Oprah received as a birthday gift this year from one of her producers is absolutely amazing!! I would love to do something like this of my kids someday soon (maybe blurb??).