Family – Page 3 – Skies of Parchment

August 29, 2013August 29, 2013

A Family Holiday.

So my husband planned a sponteous family getaway, in the mountains of the northern part of the state.

He googled ‘best state parks’ and this was the top in our state. It boasted beautiful scenery, great hiking trails, and waterfalls.

AND it had cottages, which was a huge plus for me. It’s not that I don’t do tent camping – it’s just that tent camping and three kids and six hours away and making all your own food seems extremely time consuming and a bit stressful, and I’d rather enjoy my vacation, please! And it said ‘cottage’ – not even ‘cabin’! I was sure we’d be enjoying nature in style.

So off we went, with excitement through the roof on all of our parts. We had never done a family holiday before! With my family living far away, and my extended family living far away in yet another state, all of our travels have been to see them. And I have loved that! But maybe it’s as our family grows older that it’s felt as though we need our very own little family times as well.

So the packing began, and I was beaming as I packed my cute vintage suitcases, and our ~~very old~~ vintage ice chest. Later, as Ben unloaded, I realized his true feelings on my charming finds. “I feel like a GRANDMA,” he announced, quite embarassed. And I do have to admit – maybe the idea of vintage luggage sounds better than the actual usage! :)

We checked in to our… cottage, which was really a rustic CABIN. Hello, just call it a cabin then! But hey, it had a [very teeny basic] kitchen, and a shower, and beds to sleep in, and air conditioning, so I guess it still was like camping in style. Just not in luxury – you can’t compare a State Park to a Hampton Inn!! :)

After getting settled in, and the girls running around shrieking in excitment, and Hudson running after them screaming just because it seemed to be the thing to do, we headed out for the trails.

It was then that we realized we had missed an important memo; actually, we had somehow missed the bold print title of Canyon. The whole state park was built around a deep canyon, and nearly all trails led straight down into the gorge! This was no leisurely stroll through the woods; this was considered ‘strenuous hiking’ even by the park map and ‘Warning: not intended for those with heart trouble’ on the big sign leading down the trail.

We’re used to flat land, pine trees, palm trees, and beaches. I had hardly realized that Georgia actually has mountains as well!

And for those of us who aren’t exactly in tip-top athletic shape and who had to piggy-back kiddos part of the way, we had a few things like shaking legs and heaving lungs by the time it was all completed. But, we did it, and completed it! All 1200 steps, all the while passing other heaving and puffing and sweating fellow hikers. I guess we weren’t the only ones not quite prepared for the strenuous part of it.

The view at the bottom was so worth the thousand steps and mile and a half tough hike – the 100 foot waterfall was so beautiful, and the kids were so wowed at the huge rocks everywhere.

The next day we did find a two-mile trail that was definitely more family-friendly. A rambling walk through the woods that was not life-threatening! Perfect.

All that hiking and outdoor activity made for some hungry folks. And what’s better than an old-fashioned supper on the grill? But I have to say, taking all your own food for even a weekend vacation is a lot of work!! At the end of it all I was calling it a “Family Weekend” rather than a “Vacation.” Somehow, as a kid, vacations like this didn’t seem like so much work!! :)

// typical Hudson face after a nap: big puffy Barkman lips and tousled hair. i could eat him alive. //

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And we are left with a hundred fun and funny memories, and a few better-toned muscles besides. :) I love my little family SO much.

May 20, 2013May 20, 2013

Lovely Pennsylvania.

So it’s the evening of my daughter’s birthday and she is out on a date with her daddy (tradition) and got to pick where she wanted to go: The Park. So they just skipped across the street and took Zoe along, and the baby is sleeping and I had pictures ready for the blog, so here we go – still trying to catch up from a few weeks ago! The postings are all out-of-order here, and there are so many things that don’t get posted – either time or just privacy – but there are a few things that I like to document on a blog, so ~ here is a trip we took north a few weeks ago.

My sister Claudia is getting married in 3 weeks (!!!), so we went up so that Ben, who is in the carpentry business, could help her fiance’ work on their house. Naturally, it was a great excuse for us to go! After not being home for 5 months, it was special to be back.

It was a good week, with family and friendships and breathtaking springtime beauty, to be found only in the north.

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There were lovely blossoms on orchard trees surrounding the home of my parents.
There were evening walks with sisters and friends in said lovely orchards.

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// an orchard beehive //

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There was another seester who joined us. ♥

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… There was a double-date with our friends. Time is never long enough with them! Especially when we spent half the evening laughing because of all the things that went wrong with our meal. :)

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Me & Mine

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I love this woman and her dear friendship! ♥
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There was a visit to my sister at the darling cafe where she works…

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… the view of a child. it makes me rather sympathetic! :)

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… There was a most special morning spent with my two sisters and two lovely ladies and friends, sisters of my dear friend Ruth. Time spent with her family means the world to me, and to be with those who loved Ruth best and who Ruth loved most brings healing to my heart…

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The ache of Ruth gone still leaves a hole so large it seems it can never be the same. And perhaps it won’t ever be the same, and perhaps that’s okay, because it makes the life after this seem more than a mere thought, and Heaven so REAL. I l know Ruth is fully alive, in the world that is a bigger reality than this one. It’s just that, for now, there is an aching void.

My sister Claudia and Hannah’s darling little girl. Claudia is praying she’ll have a daughter just like her. :)

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Liz’s handsome handsome little son, a future musician, for sure. :)

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I just liked this picture. :) Not great quality, but just a cute little sister-smotherly-picture. Typical.

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Claudia’s wedding invitations! Seriously, who else but her has such darling envelopes! And yes, she and her friends sewed every single envelope, all 300+, if I’m not mistaken.

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Time spent with my family, and with old and new friends is never long enough! I don’t get nearly enough of pictures! I didn’t spend enough time with the people I did get to see! There are always people I wish to see, but didn’t! There is always more I wished to do, but couldn’t!

And when my baby had a flu bug part of the time, and when my dear grammy was in the hospital because of a stroke most the time I was there, there are priorities that shift and plans that change, and it makes me treasure the time all the more. It’s a reminder to me yet again that I just can’t take this life for granted!

Ooooh, and I went garage saling! On a freezing cold morning, with my mom and two sisters and husband. It was such great fun, and worth being bundled in a jacket from the 90’s just to stay warm. :)

Two favorite garage sale treasures: vintage plates for my wall! I’ll show more pictures later!

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And a set of 12 of these goblets for $8! I can’t remember the official name for them, but since I bought them I’ve seen them on etsy for $39 for a set of 4! Does my treasure hunting ever give me a high. :) In the past I would not have liked this design and style. Now? I think they’re adorable!

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And I met Aimee!! I have long admired her blog and amazing creativity, and when I met her in real life, I liked her all the more! I think it’s funny we met at while bargain-hunting, but we both love hunting for treasures! It’s just too bad I didn’t have a camera to document it, or a pen to get her autograph. :)

My family is back and kiddos are getting ready for bed…

Be blessed!

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May 8, 2013May 8, 2013

A Family Photo Shoot.

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[since this blog also serves as a family journal of sorts, i’m playing catchup from the past few weeks…]

“Just ONE nice picture!” I begged my sisters, “that’s all I want! Just ONE!”

It had been nearly three years since we last had an official photo shoot with all of us. A new member of the family and three years make a big difference in the appearance of a younger family. Sure, we’ve had lots of pictures, lots of them. The guy who works on our computer from time to time can’t believe how many I have on my computer, but I just smile, knowing I’m not alone. :)

So we were visiting lovely Pennsylvania in the springtime, and it felt like a hug from Jesus that all the orchards began to be in bloom just when I was there!! I grew up surrounded by fruit orchards, so springtime was especially a favorite time of year. Now with living far away I don’t get to see it often, and when I do, it is so very special!

I had visions of beautiful relaxed pictures; the girls holding [homemade] pinwheels, happy, smiling, not making it a long affair but enough time to capture little kid personalities and a few of just Ben and me [so very rare].

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There was one PERFECT evening. Warm and balmy, lighting that was magical and every photographer’s dream, the orchards in full white blooming glory. That was the very evening that Ben worked late, so we just hoped for another nice evening….. in vain. It turned cold the next day, and began raining for the last several days straight.

[edit: Maybe it was a God-thing, because I had no idea what I was going to wear. Meanwhile I went to Goodwill and found an adorable H&M dress just my size for, um $4? I was a little bit giddy. It paired well with my new cowboy (girl?) boots that I like so much, and well, I was happy. :)]

Finally, on the morning that we were leaving to return south, my very obliging husband and three children-just-rolled-out-of-bed and two kind sister-photographers trooped out to the orchards who were past their blooming glory, in 40* weather! It was freezing cold, and windy, and I knew these pictures were going to be different than I had thought!

“Just one good family picture!” I kept repeating to myself, and anyone who would listen. “It will be so worth it. And please, dear darling children, try not to look so cold!!” :)

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We had the speediest picture-taking time you can imagine with three children, laughing and making the best of it. My brother-in-law-to-be even climbed a tree to hold a blanket to block the bright sun and shadows from our faces – bless him. He’s got a spot in the family for sure. :)

And they got it – the one good family picture. I love it!

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The shoot was not what I had first envisioned, but it speaks of real-life family; where photo shoots aren’t perfect, where there are sweaters covering pretty dresses, where a little southern baby boy looks a little shell-shocked at being out in the northern cold, where my sisters and husband and kiddos obliged me by taking pictures on an early morning just because.

And because oh how it shows real life, I think I like the out-takes as well as the “good” ones. :)

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Even when little kids looks freezing cold. :) We already look back and laugh!

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Meet the family: where bliss and happiness meet real life challenges, and choose to love each other anyway. :)

Happy Wednesday!

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May 6, 2013May 6, 2013

Hudson is One!

My son – our son – had his first birthday yesterday.

// Yes, he has killer blue eyes, just like his daddy. :) //

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I don’t know HOW it is possible for a year to go by so quickly, for a little person to become so intricately interwined in our lives, for our love to grow so deeply, for our hearts to swell with love for a new little person in our family…

I tried not to cry, but I kept swallowing tears all day. I don’t want my kids to remember me as the mom who always cried on birthdays!! I mean, seriously! But I guess I am that very person. I just try to do it in private instead of in front of everyone. :)

I remember his birth, the excitement of a new baby, the thrill of a BOY, the tiny bit of ohmygoodnessit’saboy, i don’t know anything about boys!

I had thought three girls would be perfect; now, I see that, for our little family, the order of two girls and then a boy is what is perfect. So very perfect.

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I never expected that Zoe and Olivia would be so thrilled with a brother. I thought it would be the parents who would be so excited about a new baby in the family; but it’s the girls who multiply the joy.

I never expected to love a little boy so much! It’s not more than my girls, but it’s a different kind of love. I can’t really explain it, other than I am hopelessly SMITTEN with him. He completely melts me.

I didn’t expect a boiy to be so sweet, so snuggly. He’s the kind that loves to play hard and make tractor noises, but he can also give the best kisses and loves some good snuggles. ♥

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Having a son has given me a bigger vision for godly manhood than I had before. Not that I can or will do this perfectly, but by God’s grace we want to raise a son for the glory of God. Not a pansy, not a man who always takes the easy route, but a man who follows God and obeys Him and loves Him no matter what, a man who is a leader in the Kingdom of God, however God should chose to use him and place him. Leaders are not always out-front kind of men, but leaders are always influencers of other people; sometimes quietly, sometimes more strongly.

I get excited about Hudson being taught by his daddy, about being a servant-leader as his daddy so clearly lives out, about respecting the women in his life and treating them with honor, about having a heart for the weak and helpless, about rescuing the defenseless…

I don’t know the plans that the Lord has for this little man, but his father and I will do our utmost to raise him in kingdom ways, in the fear of God, and then to release him to fly. That may be scary, we just talked about that a few days ago. The “safe” men are easier to raise, easier to release. It’s the daring ones, the adventurous men, the ones willing to take risks that are more challenging – as boys, as men. But what this world needs is real men! I have seen them, I am married to one, and I am excited about the plans of God for this little one!

We had a little party for Hudson, with emphasis on the little. :) A person turning one does not understand what is happening, and much money and time spent on that particular birthday will not necessarily go down in the annuls of ‘feeling loved by mommy and daddy.’ But, there are two big sisters around here who are wildly excited about birthdays and parties, so it was more for their sakes than for Hudson’s that we spent time preparing and crafting and baking and sewing [tie shirt and ‘1’ bib]. But, in the words of Zoe, “It sure is a lot of work getting ready for a party!” :)

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The Tomkat Studio is a more recent-found favorite go-to place for party ideas and such. It was a great save for this last-minute party planner! :) Hudson was a Cinco de Mayo baby, but I wasn’t really into the whole Latin theme party, so we went with a bit of mustache and color – something that was on his birth announcements and I’ve made shirts for him with mustaches and it just seems to fit him.

We crafted paper medallions, which were ever so much fun. I was going to do a tutorial on them, and then after we were finished I realized there are many other sites with super great tutorials and pictures, here and here, for instance.

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The cake was going to be for Hudson to dive into, but for the sake of our dinner guests, we allowed him a cupcake to demolish instead. :) He loved it!

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Little Man, how we {{{ LOVE }}} you! I’m so glad I get to celebrate the gift of your life!

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March 13, 2013March 27, 2013

Holding Tight.

There are some moments in life when your breath is taken away by the sheer beauty of it.
The little taste of heaven.
The feeling that earth is as it should be.

And there are other moments when it’s the sheer pain of life that takes your breath away.
That phone call, hearing words that make your heart pound with fear.
That bit of news that you think just can’t be true.
Most of us have had those moments.

I’ve had both.
And it’s so strange how the two can run side by side.
I don’t understand it. At all.

This week my heart has been torn for my friend,
for her precious baby girl that she will not watch grow up.
The grief of seeing her bury her dreams as well as her baby.

It’s in moments like those when it’s so perfectly clear:
We were not meant for this world.

This grief, this pain, this suffering –
this is not as it was intended to be.
We were made for another World.
A World where we ache when someone goes first, leaving us, but where we want to go too.

I’ve just been thinking about that a lot lately,
about our Real Home.
I don’t think it’s ever seemed so real, at this very moment, as it does now.
This life really is just a shadow in comparison.

Until then, it seems that I cannot love my little family too much.
I cannot get enough of my little son, who steals more of my heart every day.
I can’t hug my girls enough, or give enough of kisses on their soft cheeks.
I can’t spend enough time with my husband.

This moment. This sacred moment.
What a treasure you are.

~clarita

March 5, 2013March 27, 2013

Three Kids and a Mom {vacation}

Once upon a time, there was a girl.
Actually, a mom.
A mom and her three little kiddos.

Uh, yes, three kiddos. One didn’t make it on the picture.

And she had a friend.
A very dear friend, whom she had made so many memories with in Pennsylvania and Ohio and all across Asia.
This same friend invited her to Florida for several days.

The mom deliberated.
It sure sounded fun.
This friend is so dear indeed.
And there was a new baby girl to meet.

But it was 6 hours away. One way.
With three kids. Because it didn’t work for Husband to go.
Would it be brave or crazy?

There was much deliberation.
But then she decided:
it was waaaay too much fun to say no.

So they went.
And they picked up the mom’s sister on the way, which also added to the off-the-charts fun factor.

They stayed at a house with the friend, her friend’s mom, her friend’s mother-in-law, her friend’s sister-in-laws and baby.
It was such great times.
There was always a party.
Even for the kids.

They got to meet this adorably beautiful little girl, who has so much personality for a three-month-old person.
And the time with the baby’s mother was just so amazing.
Real friendships just are so precious.

There were a few moments of stress for the mom,
including one morning when all her kiddos awoke at 7am to a house that was planning to sleep in.

She had to send up an SOS to the Lord to calm her soul,
and help her with a vacation that was more like a superfunsuperbusytime than rest and relaxing.
Kids sort of make that change, and she wasn’t quite prepared.

But after that one morning, it was really great.

There was her grandmother to visit, Grandma Susan, as the kiddos call her, about fifteen minutes away.
[and no, I’m no towering giant. my dear grandma is not quite 5 feet. :) ]

There were oceans to visit.
Or, I suppose it was actually the Gulf.

[pre-ocean anticipation]

There was a fabulous kids’ paradise to spend the day at.
The kids and the mom were even brave enough to touch the snakes and gators.

There was an auntie who loved her nieces and nephew so very much, and was a great help to the mom.

And a mom/daughter picture that hasn’t happened for a very long time.

There were jungle trails to walk, with popcorn in hand, of course.
What else would you eat while walking a jungle trail?

And there were flamingos to feed that made the oldest daughter simply leap with excitement.

The happiness factor brought sisterly hugs to pictures with not even a hint from mom.

There was a favorite little breakfast joint to eat one morning. Er, two mornings.

And ice cream. They couldn’t forget the ice cream.
It was a daily necessity, from anywhere and everywhere.

This was probably the favorite place.

It was a pretty big WOW of their vacation.

And then, despite the attempts to lengthen the days and the desires to the kiddos to “let’s MOVE here!”
it was time to return home to their very own little cottage.

The sister’s husband came to have a romantic weekend getaway with his bride.

And the three kiddos and a mom made their way back home.
The first three hours was a dream.
It really was amazing. Sleeping children, singing children.
It was too good to be true.

At hour three, we ran into a problem:
the interstate was closed. Closed closed CLOSED.
There was a massive detour which would take hours longer.

The mother, who had been deliberating whether to call herself ‘brave’ or ‘crazy’ decided on crazy. :)

A stop at Walmart to buy movies (hey, movies are cheaper than a hotel!)
a stop at McD’s for Happy Meals (gotta keep up the morale with new toys)
and a few years, I mean tears, later,
they all arrived back home safely.

The six hours home only took nine.
Yes, nine.
She felt like a rag doll when she got home.

It was a delicious vacation, there in Florida.
It was worth every minute of that nine hour trip home alone.

But three kids and a mom [on vacation] later, they’re happy to be back home with the Daddy of the family.

And they all lived happily [ever after]……. :)

February 25, 2013March 20, 2013

Ten Favorite Things

1. {Bed-head and a daddy who loves her}

2. {Sorry games on Sunday nights. }

It’s becoming tradition.

3. {Giveaway}

Some of you were asking what all was included in the giveaway package.
At the time, I didn’t know. :)
I took a few pictures before the package was sent out.

4. {Food Food Food!}

{Quiche}

Tomato, Feta, & Spinach Quiche, to be exact.
All credit goes to my friend Rochelle, who made it, and I declared it THE best quiche I’ve ever had.

I’ve only made it like, three times, within the past week.
I must remember not to over-do it.

{Crusty Bread}

All credit goes to my friend Shelly, who served it to me in the first place.
Making bread sort of scares me, so it took me a few months to muster up the courage to try it.
And when I did, I made this recipe 4 times within a week. :)
Twice for other people, I have to add that in.

I’m having great fun cooking these days. Which is saying a lot! :)

{Coffee with Whip}
It takes a home-brew to a whole new level. It’s the little things.

5. {New light}

For the kitchen.
Free. Which is always better than cheap.
A bit of a spray paint job over the hunter green, and now it’s a silver.
Almost exactly as i wanted, but just didn’t want to buy.
I love my husband’s remodel jobs. :)

6. {First Blossoms}

Simple things delight me.
Especially when they smell divine.

7. {Spring-ish Winter-ish Mantel}

chalkboard sign inspired by Pinterest

8. {Baby Gifts}

Not for me, for my friends.
The swaddling blankets are my fave,
I make the burp cloths and diaper clutch for My Faire Lady.

9. {Blanket and Mattress Forts}

It makes a disaster, this is true.
But their imaginations can go for it all day long, and it’s worth it.
For a day. :)

10. {My little son, at 9 months}

Sometimes blogging seems so… trivial and shallow.
After my friend Ruth died, I wondered if I could ever blog again.
How could life ever be the same, when part of me died too?

And the answer, I’m finding, is that life will not ever be the same.
The pain of losing such a treasured friend will always be there.

And yet the legacy of her life, the way in which she lived,
continues to inspire me.

I want to live, and live well.
I want to treasure my days,
to love my family and friends,
to not take a single minute for granted.

And surprisingly, my little blog has been one way for me to do that.
To stop and remember the things that are precious and good,
to honor my God,
to give thanks for the things I’ve been given,
this life I’ve been given,
even when I ache daily with the loss of Ruth.

I find it’s often those little things in a week that make it special.
That phone call, that rainy day at home,
that special little comment from your daughter,
that late-night talk with your husband…

What’s made it special for you?

~ clarita