A Surprise on the Counter

I was pleasantly surprised to see these on my counter in one of my favorite vintage milk bottles. (Don't they make the best vases?) I think they were from sweet daughter #2 with a little help from my #1 (~and only~)  hubby.  Flowers make me happy. Especially fresh cut flowers. Especially from my own garden! Especially as a surprise gift!

I love to use jelly jars to hold pens & other necessities that are needed immediately at the counter for homework! 

 The dry erase ceramic "board" was found at Goodwill for $2:

The quote was borrowed from this blog. I love it! I also write what the evening activities are, although it isn't fitting well these days! & stuff like "practice piano~5 days till recital! Love, Mom"

These are coral pieces from our trip earlier in the month. The ring (isn't it great & big??) was a find by my daughter on the soccer field! 

I have a little something hiding out of view on my counter. Check back later this week as I will be giving it away to one lucky winner! It is something for outdoors & very "summery"! 

What's on your kitchen counters these days?

Florida Keys Beach Tour

Florida has so many beautiful beaches! I am drawn to the Keys. The biggest pull is the color of the water! It is absolutely gorgeous! This is what my camera captured & none of these have been photoshopped for color! Enjoy!


The first 5 photos were taken at Bahia Honda State Park(south of Marathon FL):

This is my favorite posed photo~Key West~look at that water! I think Miss Boo agrees!

Our best family photo~I was adamant about getting a photo of the 5 of us! Glad you can't see the sand in our hair & on our faces! {Key West}

My gang throwing the football on the beach. I want my girls to know how to throw a football on the beach. This will be really important in future years*I may come to regret this* as boys ask my girls to throw the ball with them* but for now it is nice they get to play with their Dad & brother & I get to take photos! {Key West, just outside the cutest Italian restaurant on a beach where you can sip drinks & look at the beach & ocean & then throw the football}

Skimboarding , Sombrero Beach, Marathon FL

Girls @ Sombrero Beach {Mr. F is over Miss Boo's shoulder, cool, eh?}

Hope you enjoyed my Florida Keys beach tour! 

Coffee & other stuff

I had coffee with my best friend, Mrs. A, this week. It was only for an hour, but it was such a treat!


I am loving this beautiful weather that is more summerlike than springlike. I know it won't last as we are due for colder weather in the next day. I had my morning coffee on the front porch today. That's where you will find me most mornings from spring to fall~ making my lists, saying some prayers & relaxing while trying to get motivated for my day. If you are in the area, stop by for a chat & a mug of hazelnut creme coffee!



*You might even hear some trumpet music from this guy:

Mr. F after last night's band concert. Photo credit to hubby~thank you!

Spring in My Backyard

This is what spring looks like in my backyard right now.


This is my view from the kitchen table where I make my to do lists:

Green grass, blooming pear trees, & pretty water! Those dark spots along the back edge of the pond will grow into pretty green grasses. We have to burn them in late winter so that they will continue to grow & be thick & pretty. 

This is where the kids practice soccer & cartwheels. 

The grass is even greener than in these photos. It is so pretty! Soon the trees will fill in with leaves & it will be even prettier.  Mr. F was out here playing his trumpet while throwing a tennis ball to our black lab yesterday. I couldn't get to my camera to snap it.


The sunsets are heavenly. We picked a wonderful place to raise our kids. Lots of happy memories & more to come. Can you see a graduation party here in 5 years?