Berry Picking

Catching up a little bit--Over Father's Day weekend, we went to a local farm that was hosting a Black and Blueberry Festival where we got to pick our own berries.We hit the blueberry patch (orchard?) first, because we knew we wanted more blueberries than blackberries. At first the kids didn't like it because the first of the bushes had really tart berries on them. Eventually we realized that we should taste-test the bushes to find which ones we liked the most. So it wasn't unheard of for one of us to shout, "HEY!!! I found a gooood one!" and a few kids would come running to help pick all the ripe berries. Here are my favorite pics.

Baby Boy lost interest in picking REALLY quickly, so he decided he'd man the wagon which worked well.

After the blueberries we chose to pick a pint or two of blackberries. These ended up making a GREAT cobbler, and I sorta wish we'd picked more...

And then the light was so pretty next to the car, I snapped SK carrying some blueberries.

Noel Mignon Balboa kit recap

Oh my goodness, I just realized that I have neglected to post my final 2 layouts using the June Noel Mignon kit, "Balboa". Ack! SO I'm going to post the final two along with the previous ones for earlier in the month.  The thing I love most about Noel's kits is that I can EASILY create 4+ layouts without skimping on paper or embellishments. So here are my June layouts, 2 of which are making their first appearance here. (If you'd like upclose pics or design details, feel free to check out the Noel Mignon blog. )

VERY soon I'll come back and fill in all the happenings from the rest of June. We went berry picking, hiking at a local state park, lots of trips to the pool, and more. Those pictures will be coming soon.

In her HAPPY place

Today is my day to post over on the Noel Mignon blog and I thought I'd share one of my favorite pics of Caroline doing what she loves best--drawing and coloring.  I got my inspiration from the photo itself as well as the green "happy" overlay found in the Balboa kit.

Have you SEEN the Balboa kit?? I love this kit so much for all it's bright bold colors and patterns and I wanted my layout to reflect that.

 

Here's the layout I shared over on the NM blog:

Also, as my scrapbooking has evolved over the years I've found that I like to focus on my photos first and foremost and let the design revolve around them. Today's layout is no different. I chose to layer 3 different patterned papers behind my picture and then bring in even more color with the top and bottom borders. Since the "happy" overlay wasn't quite the size I needed it to be, I cut away the frame and used the word as a part of my title. I'm all about making my kit work for me! Plus it's fun sometimes to deconstruct embellishments and use them in new and different ways.


Well that's all for me. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Sidewalk chalk + cursive

Sidewalk chalk + cursive handwriting has given me my most favorite candids of Caroline yet. Baby girl is growing up.  Goodness I love her so!

Creek Exploring

Whenever there's a creek nearby my kids a sure to be in it. They can't resist exploring new places especially when it's a creek. So the other day the girls were invited to a friend's house and told to bring their swimsuits because they'd probably wind up in the creek. Wind up they did, and I got to sneak a few shots of them playing.

 

I love that they love the outdoors and enjoy exploring. I did too when I was their age and it's a fun way to grow up. Creeks are just another reason to love summer!

8U Champs!

Hi everyone!! I've got a celebratory layout using the brand new Noel Mignon Balboa kit to share with you today.

This Spring I helped coach Caroline's softball team and we ended up winning the end-of-the-year tournament!  We'd started a tradition last summer of taking selfies before the season and before big games. So Caroline and I took a selfie BEFORE the championship game (the one on the left) and then AFTER the game when we'd won the whole tournament. She was so excited to win a medal! It was a super fun moment, one I'll always remember, and I'm so glad we got to share it together!

  

I kept the color scheme pretty simple, and chose to highlight the pictures, the fun green and yellow embellishments as well as the black chalkboard elements that come in the Balboa kit. I love the the chalkboard adds texture to go along with the brads, rub-ons, and the different printed patterns. I had fun making this one. Be sure to check out the Noel Mignon blog to see what the other designers are doing with this kit too!

Hope you have a great weekend!


ETA--linking up with the August Paper Issue, Admit ONE. Check out this issue here.

Nature stays in nature (and not in my house)!

For as long as I can remember the girls have been fascinated with nature. Early on we adopted the phrase, "Nature stays in nature" because I would often find rocks, blades of grass, butterfly wings, etc. in the house. So we had to put a rule in to place--NONE of that in our home. God gave them a home. So nature stays in nature.

So far the girls have done pretty well at following that rule. But that doesn't stop them from enjoying nature and searching for creatures. In fact, now, because of that rule, there are many a Mason jar covered with aluminum sitting on our back patio. Last night they went in search again, this time for roly poly-ies (however you spell that). I followed with the camera.

Apparently the neighbor's garden is the best place to find a roly poly.

 

Guarding her rock, I mean "diamond", collection. 

 

And then she caught a lightning bug.

  

So that's how I spent MY night. 

Confession: Hi. My name is Deanna. I stalk my children. I'm a Mama paparazzi. 

At least we're knocking out our summer bucket list.  

Hooray for summer! Thankful.