dressed in table linens

We searched high and low for a beautiful dress for the occasion of her First Communion.  After scouring the mall, several boutiques and the internet, my dear mother decided to make her a dress.  The dress was made with old linen table cloths from the family.  They were carefully cut and pieced together to make an elegant and meaningful dress for her special day.  It was all quite fitting for the special day--beautiful table linens adorned her as she took a place at His table.  

The morning was dark and rainy and the lights went out for a portion of the service.  Hymns were sung by the morning light streaming in through the side windows of our church.  At one point candles were placed all over the communion rail to provide additional light.  It was all so memorable for a First Communion Day.  She knelt, and didn't laugh (something she was afraid she would do), drunk the grape juice from her small glass cup and took part in a very special meal--one of many more to come.

piles of leaves

In our neck of the woods, piles of leaves happen in the springtime rather than the fall.  After much pleading from our big girl, we spend many hours raking leaves for these three to jump in and toss about.  Thankfully, after all the leaf frolicking was over they help re-rake and bag the leaves for trash day.  The simple pleasures of nature that unite and delight these three makes me so happy!

Happy leaf collecting to you!  

Spring Rain

In a flash, the skies behind us grew dark and laden with rain.  Ahead, puffy white clouds stretched high into the deep blue sky.  The stark contrast between the sky ahead and behind us was amazing.  We watched the weather change in just a few minutes, soaking the land beyond the valley with thick forceful rain.  But ahead, the sky remained clear with bright white clouds.  Witnessing the changing sky, especially during spring storms, is wonderful!  The clouds never cease to astonish me with their glorious and ever-changing beauty.

Ah yes, spring is upon us and with it lots of spring rain (we hope!).

dress-up days

Today she sits at the window sill with a long white dress over her clothes.  The puffy sleeves remind her of a princess.  She sits dreaming about little fairies painting the pansies with spots of color on their petals, horses, sweet sisters {ugly ones too} and friendships galore.  She hums little tunes that linger in my brain all day--little songs from her favorite movies and shows.  She is happy and somewhat disturbed and startled when I pop over with my camera to document this beautiful imagination.  She stares at me with a sparkle in her eyes and a far-off look--a look that tells me she is engrossed in her imaginary world and somewhat oblivious to me.  I snap a few shots and retreat to watch her from afar.  

Happiness is a window sill, a white dress-up dress and a vivid imagination on a quiet Friday morning.

silhouette

 So much can be read through the lack of small details in a silhouette.  Eyes can focus on the scene and characters alone rather than the expressions, clothing, accessories, etc.  Perhaps that is why a silhouette is so timeless.  The fewer details to distract our eyes and opinions allows us to truly appreciate the image.  I love the way older sister is delighted to look after her younger sister in this photo--feet, just lifting off the ground as her face beams with joy.  Delight reigns between these two and it is incredible to watch.

Spring!

Happy Spring to you!

We have awaited this day for a marked change in our weather.  Thankfully, it arrived today with bright skies, soft breezes and warm sunshine.  We are delighted to romp in the spring days ahead!

little talks

"Mommy, when I was walking back to my class after seeing the principal, I saw Mackala in the hallway.  She was cheering me on and waving her hands up and down."

Oh, she showed up at school?  How nice you saw her.

"No, she is with me everywhere I go...even birthday parties.  I can see her but no one else can. I can talk to her with my brain."

"Mommy, I was dreaming!  I had a dream!"

What was your dream about?

"I don't remember.  My brain knows but it won't tell me."

"Momma."

The word I have been dying to hear!  Yes, she has been saying "Momma" but only in reference to more food, not me.  Today, she called for me!