Friday Favorites!

So much for my intentions of actually posting this summer, ha ha! This has actually been a pretty low key week for us, and I STILL haven't been able to make the time to do it! Posts are coming, I promise. ;) I've still got garden and landscaping updates, as well as some changes in our bedroom and in Levi's room. Oh, and when Ethan heads to college, we'll be changing up the boys' shared space downstairs...but we're not going to even think about that just yet, right? Right. #cuethetears Or rather: #staymybaby

Anyhoo. I digress. :)

I know so many of you are packing in all things summer because you're gearing up for school in a few weeks, or LESS! I've got to say, I can't even imagine. And also, I think I might be a little jealous, HA! Summers are so different with big kids, they really are. Not necessarily bad, just different. Good thing I've still got two smaller ones to keep summers fun! ;)

I have to share this one! It just cracks me up! We've spent a LOT of time out here this year and I do love it. Twice this week we've had thunderstorms roll in in mere minutes and have had to evacuate rather quickly. I don't mind getting caught out in the rain, and the cooler air that came along with it felt SOOOOO good. It has been a really hot summer this year!

I don't know if this is nation wide, but a few theaters near us have summer movies for a dollar. It is fabulous! I brought the boys when they were small, and then with Isabelle, and I have the best memories of some fun trips to the movies and lunch with them. Well, this year I thought I'd brave the trip there with Levi, not really thinking he'd make it through, but he did great! He got a little antsy part way through, but then I just busted out some snacks and that did the trick. My Mom and Dad ended up coming with us last minute, and it was just the best morning. So fun! We saw Ferdinand- I thought it was adorable. And I only partially cried at two...no, three... parts. What a sap. I can't help it! Animal movies just get to me!

Look at Mr. Social! Waving to everyone, just saying "hey." SO unlike him- what is happening to my serious little guy?!?!?

Then we went out for lunch and got ice cream cones! My Dad, Grampy, treated, which was so sweet, and it worked out perfectly since I'd left my wallet in a JoAnn's bag in the sewing room (I'd dropped it in there quick when Levi took off toward the parking lot and had to run and grab his hand.) Such a beautiful summer day! And isn't Isabelle's new haircut the cutest! Her texture was just made for that style- I love it!

Here's a little sneak peek of my garden. It's small but has been growing so, so well. I think I may add another box next summer. Being out in our backyard on summer nights is probably my favorite thing to do!

So excited about this rose! The plant was nearly dead last month- shortly after planting it (Mother's Day gift), it lost its leaves and looked pitiful, so I've been babying it a bit, and this rose just opened the other day. Gorgeous!!!

I've also been quite busy sewing! These white dresses are my favorites, and apparently they're other Mama's as well because I seriously cannot keep up! Thank you so much to those who have supported me and my family! It means so much. :)

Simple White Coming Home / Blessing Baptism Dress

I hear from Mamas that these dresses are being worn as simple but elegant blessing and baptism dresses, beach portrait dresses, coming home dresses, and yes, of course... summer nightgowns! They're cotton and so soft, no harsh chemicals. They look so darling in pictures, especially sister sets, and can be made up to size 9/10!

White Petite Polka Dot Blessing Baptism Dress

(this dress has a ruffle at hem also)

Big brothers are the best! I find lots of gems on my phone that just make me smile. I love that they're always playing with Levi. I can't begin to explain the joy that he has brought to our whole family.

Speaking of Levi... he's up, time to go. Hope you have the best day and a super weekend! 

Joining in with Erika, Andrea and Narci today! Thanks, ladies!

What's Up Wednesday :: May 2018

Hi friends! I haven't joined in a What's Up Wednesday with Shay , Mel and Sheaffer for a long time, so here ya go. Can't wait to read what's been up with YOU. :)

Even though we've got three full weeks left of school, summer snacks are on repeat over here!

Recipe 

The three below are in this post: Favorite Summer Snacks

This time of year always makes me a bit nostalgic, too. It makes me think about when the kids were little, and all the fun things we did. I really miss those carefree days!

Here is a post with a big round up of ideas and links to have fun this summer with little kids AND bigger kids:

Banish Boredom this Summer

We've had recitals and concerts and meetings and lots of this and that lately. Isabelle did a great job in chorus and playing the piano! I've been taking lots of long walks with Levi and meeting friends at the park to play. Then it was Senior Prom and gearing up for all the end of year festivities. I'm overwhelmed but excited.

Try keeping this one entertained throughout a very loooong recital! Whew!

 Here's the full post if you want to see more pictures- her gown is GORGEOUS!!

I'm loving all the time we get to spend outside now. It was such a long winter that it still feels SO good to just be outside again and see color. And I love how our landscaping is coming together! Every time I walk out and see how our plants and shrubs are growing, I just smile. It's been a lot of hard work, and we still don't have much actual grass- that's the last thing we'll be working on, but at least weeds are green, right?- but it looks so pretty and I just love it. 

The Columbine here just got added- aren't they the neatest flowers?! I'm going to do a full landscaping post soon, so check back!

And Isabelle discovered these babies by the pool! We have another family near our garage.

This corner is by our garage...it's really shaping up this year!

I'm dreading bills. Life with five kids is not for the faint of heart, ha. #truth #reallife

We've been working on being more intentional in our marriage this month, making time for one another in special ways, and having FUN. Marriage is hard, life is hard, raising teenagers and tweens and toddlers is HARD, and it's so easy to get swept up in all that hard stuff and before you know it, you kind of forget how to relax, laugh and just have some fun. And take-out. You can never go wrong with take-out and a movie.

For Rose and Ruffle, I've been a busy bee working on summer things. You can visit the shop using the link on the side bar or click here. I LOVE making sets for sisters, so if you see something you like, let me know!

Until last weekend, I'd felt like pretty much the ONLY person in the world who hadn't seen The Greatest Showman. And then to top it off, I didn't like it. I know, I know. So anyway, I watched it with Isabelle over the holiday weekend and liked it much better. Go figure...

I've been reading some YA novels for fun, okay, so it was one, and the rest are parenting books, Christian living books, and devotionals. I try to read more for fun but I always end up going back to my practical, driven ways. Ugh. ha ha

Still listening to that soundtrack, along with the rest of the world. And ColdPlay- I've been on a huge ColdPlay kick these days. When I get moody thinking ahead to how our life is going to change when Ethan leaves for college in the fall, that music is a good fit, ha.

Soon enough it will be swimsuits and cover ups all day long, but for now I've been living in dresses or denim shorts with cute tops. Our mornings are still quite chilly, so I start the day with a light sweater or cardi.

And for the record, no, I am not expecting another baby- I don't know why that dress is looking like that! Oops!

Oh yeah, and outfits like these. :)

Hopefully this weekend will be full of swimming and BBQing, but it's most likely going to become party prep for me- so many details!!!

And then the first week of June will be Ethan's last week ever of high school. It feels so surreal. I mean, wasn't I just graduating from high school like a couple years ago? There are awards ceremonies for him and Jonah, other special events, Bill's birthday, and then graduation. Jam-packed for sure!

Favorite summer salad?

Easy!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

And fruit salad of course! I can never get enough fresh fruit in the summertime. 

Thanks for reading! Hope you found some inspiration...have a super rest of the week. :)

New Baby Bonnets at Rose and Ruffle

Hi friends! I've got just little minute to share some new things at the shop with you. It's been a good but busy week, lots of time spent outside planting and playing! I'll share a landscape/garden post soon because I'm pretty darn proud of our hard work. :) Right now the sun is peeking through the trees across the road and all the leaves are sparkling a million different shades of green, one of my favorite things ever. Here are some pictures of the brand new baby bonnets just listed at Rose and Ruffle... I LOVE them so much!!

I've included the direct links to the items, and these are all Ready to Ship. If you see something you like, contact me and I may be able to make something in a different size for you. Thank you as always. :)

Lace Dreams Baby Bonnet

Boho Pastel Blooms Bonnet

Blue Southern Charm Bonnet

Retro Barnyard Chicks Bonnet

Also, do you shop with ebates? If not, you should! It's so easy and it gives you money just for buying things you'd be buying anyway. I have a link on my sidebar, so you should check it out. Etsy participates with ebates now, too! (I would let you know if I might make a cent or two if you use my link, but I honestly have no idea. Oops. I should probably look into that, ha ha...)

Hope you have a terrific Thursday! We've got errands and well check appointments on our docket today...fun fun! ;)