Hanging in RJ's father's house is a picture of

Richard with a Landon-sized RJ on his back.

They're fishing a river in Montana.

RJ's passed out, sun shining on his little blond head.

And Richard has a look of absolute contentment spread across his face.

Throughout the six hour drive to Yosemite

RJ reference that picture.

How excited he was so share fishing with Landon.

What a big moment this was for both of them and

the hope of many father/son adventures to come.

Normally RJ has to half drag me into my waders.

I've never loved fly fishing the was he has.

Until this trip.

I had such a good time.

Partly because the weather was gorgeous and the scenery amazing.

Largely due to the fact that the rivers were wide.

So I didn't spend 90% of my time untangling my line from trees.

But mostly because of the joy on my man's face.

Every half hour he would grab my hand and tell me:

"I'm lovig this."

"It doesn't get any better than this."

"My wife and my boy. Fishing. I'm so happy right now."

Yosemite Adventure #1

The Home-Base

I've been camping my entire life.

And RJ and I have probably backpacked and camped

more often than we've stayed in nice hotels.

I might even be so bold so say that we're camping experts.

We know what to bring. What to leave at home.

The type of food to pack. Where to poop in the woods.

The best equipment to buy. The clothes to wear.

We are always prepared.

This time we needed less prep than normal.

We had gotten our reservations from a coworker that couldn't use them.

For an area of Yosemite we had never been. (Tuolumne Meadows)

We were staying in canvas tent cabins that had wood burning stoves

and showers down the lane.

I was excited for these luxuries as it was our first camping trip with Landon.

So after a 6 hour drive we were ready to get out of the

illegally stuffed jam-packed car and get this party started.

The scenery was gorgeous.

We had no idea this side of Yosemite existed.

No crowds. Amazing meadows. Wide, smooth rivers.

It was going to be four days in Paradise.

Until we pulled up to spot #238.

And there was nothing there but A PLOT OF DIRT AND A FIRE PIT.

"RJ. You've got the wrong spot, babe."

"No. The number is definitely 238.

"Then were the hell is the canvas cabin with sheeted beds!"

"Ummm, let me double check the reservations. Oh. Looks like

we have tent camping - not tent cabin - reservations." sheepish grin

Had there not been a small alpine store that sold tents and

sleeping pads I might have checked myself into the largest room at the Ahwaahnee Hotel.

But - after the most expensive tent purchase ever - my anger simmered.

And we did have a killer view.

We drove.

We hiked.

We Fished.

We Played.

We were hit by a multitude of UNEXPECTED surprises.

Landon's first camping trip.

More unfolding soon...

Well Done Today

Give yourself a pat on the back today!

Some days, I am much too hard on myself.

I don't know about the rest of you, but at the end of the day, I often look back on all the things I didn't do. The messes I didn't clean. The task I can't check off. The people I should have called.

Taking a step back I realize I do this with my entire life. The college degree I'm not using. The grad school program I haven't applied to. The career decisions I could have made.

It can even go as far as my person. Too often I'm not outgoing, punctual, tidy, charitable, patient, kind, soft spoken, etc.

My girlfriend and I are doing a strength/talent assessment test and reading the accompanying book. The test results are interesting. But the thing I've most taken away is our cultural dominance on fixing our weaknesses rather than building our strengths.

As a woman (wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend) I constantly find myself in this trap. If you ask me what my flaws are I can rattle off a list quick as a wink. But, if you ask me what I am good at I'll stammer off one or two things and then falter.

And those "strengths" are often just a few positive traits I've heard my mother say.

I know I'm good at things. And taking the time to sit down and think about it has been very revealing. The Lord has blessed me with some awesome talents. But I am too often caught up in trying to "fix" myself, rather than foster and strengthen my good qualities.

I'm the first to admit I covet the talent of others. Too many times I've wished I was organized, tidy,artsy-fartsy, funny, high energy, outgoing, etc. And I've wasted my time trying to teach myself to be _______. Sometimes it works. Just a little bit. But, how much more productive (and happier) would I be investing my time strengthening an existing talent rather than developing a new one.

Try as I might, my dinner parties are never going to naturally look like Martha Stewarts. So I have a choice: drain my time and my good attitude creating majestic center-pieces that don't come easily for me OR throw some wildflowers in a vase and have fun cooking up some simple grub we'll eat off paper plates.

Lately, I've been starting to figure this out more and more. For example, the other day I told RJ the following: Honey, we've been married for 6 years and its time you realized that I'm a "messy." My natural state is cluttery. Now, I don't like dirt, but this clutter (hand sweeping across the living room) doesn't really bother me. I know it bothers you, so I do my best to clean it up at 4pm everyday. But I do love to cook (and you love to eat it), so when Landon is grown, I want him to say - "My mom made me amazing meals. And we had fun in the kitchen together. Even if we had to wade through piles to get to the table for dinner."

My new goal is to expand on my gifts. Not dwell on my weaknesses. At the end of the day we should examine our accomplishments - small as they may be: My son had fun today. We ate on paper, but we ate all together. My husband was welcomed with a kiss. I listened to a friend.

Take a moment to think about your talents. Your passions. What drives you and excites you?What do others appreciate about you? And dwell on these things - not that unchecked box on your To-Do list.

Tuolumne Meadows

Today Landon and I have to:

• go to the Patagonia store
• get Butter more of her favorite dog treats from the 99 Cent store
• visit Cheryl's keys to have two keys made
• Trader Joes run
• Begin packing for Tuolumne Meadows
• Clean-up after the pint-sized hurricane that attacked the house this morning
• Shower
• Clean the sheets in the spare room for a friend
• and possibly make dinner. (I might see Chipolte in our future.)

Wish us luck.

And if you have any tips for camping with a 15 month old, please, please let me know!

The 7-24 House - the bathroom

The bathroom remodel is my second favorite part of the house (behind the kitchen). It's in this room that you can really see RJ's awesome eye for design, style and detail. Everything in this room is his choice - he kept coming to me with ideas and they were so good all I could do was say, "yes! yes!"

Like the backyard, we did the bathroom in stages.

When we first moved in RJ knew he wasn't going to be

able to get to the bathroom for at least 4 months

(ended up being 8.) And he told me we should just live with it

"as is" rather than do a basic remodel now and more

extensive one later. I couldn't do it.

I had to do something.

Really, I wish I had more pictures to show you:

It was yucky-gross-ewww!

so I changed out the hardware, painted the walls,

ripped out an odd overhanging wood piece,removed

curtains, and scrubbed.

Original:

After remodel one:

And finally it was time for the complete

transformation.

We gutted the entire room. Keeping only the original bathtub.

We also cut into our hall closet, opening

up the entrance to the bathroom.

You'll notice in the first few pics you had to walk through

a narrow space into the "main room".

TA-DA!

I love that RJ has an eye for little details.

Like building in this shelf for our shampoo and such.

Everything was done relatively inexpensively.

RJ did all the work himself and with buddies.

(I was 8 months preggers.)

We used inexpensive white tile for a clean look.

The vanity is from Costco.

The fixtures pricey but a friend helped us get a deal.

Paint is cheap. As is wainscoting.

The mirror had an inexpensive wood frame we painted.

And the shelves are from Ikea.

Horsing (Birding?) Around

RJ, my husband, likes to take photos with props.

And since he's been such a good fashion week photographer I

told him to chose whatever prop he wanted for our last day.

Smart man that he is, he though to

kill two birds with one stone.

Have me take a photo with one of our chickens.

Subsequently forcing me to conquer my fear of holding the birds.

So here I am.

With Lady Gaga.

As for the fashion,

looking at these photos I'm realizing this outfit would really benefit from

a small black belt.

I'll have to go rummage through the belt drawer to find one.

Shirt - boutique in SLO

Shorts - Zara

Shoes - Ross

Oversized hair clip - H&M

Scarf - Target

Thank you SO much to Emery for hosting such a fun Spring Fashion Week.

And I've loved all you gals.

Thanks for the encouragement and the awesome INSPIRATION!

Lets not be strangers.

Baywatch Beach Day

Well, there were no red swim suits or enhanced body parts,

but it was a gorgeous day in Malibu.

We spent all day at The 'Bu. So I had RJ snap a couple of

quick pics for me before we left.

Sunhat - f21

Sunglasses - can't remember the brand, Kohls

Dress - free people, bought if forever ago at Nordstrom's Rack, still love it

Flips - trusty Rainbows

We had such an amazing family day.

I was so proud of Landon - he held it together all day long.

And even took an hour long nap under the umbrella on a sandy beach towel.

And, I got to surf again!

It's been ages - with the baby and limited time I just don't

seem to get out much anymore.

I was nervous at first, but RJ was right, just like riding a

bicycle. Got right back up!

Hope you all had fabulous Saturdays too!

So sad there is only one more day of fashion week. boo.

Fab Friday

I love having Friday night plans - starting the weekend off with a bang.

Tonight we're heading to a 21st birthday celebration. And I'm realizing that I haven't been to a 21st birthday party in ages. It's going to be fun! And shenanigans free - this sweet young gal has never had a drink and doesn't plan to start. Glad I'm friends with her parents; I plan on stealing some of their techniques.

So here's a little preview of what I'll be wearing tonight:

RJ told me to pose with the skateboard so I would look "cool".

Didn't really help much - as seen here in exhibit B:
There really is only one hip person in our household. And he married my book-nerdish self.

I absolutely love this dress. I picked it up from Macy's off of the clearance rack. It's comfortable and stylish. and I love that I can dress it up or down.

Dress, Macy's

Belt, f21

Shoes, Anne Taylor

Cardigan, thrifted

When trying to take a close up of the flower details I snapped this awesome self-portrait.

The little man has been waking up earlier than usual and it's taking a toll on sleep-loving me. I need to cover up those dark circles. But when it comes to make-up I'm like a Glee club member on the Cheerio's squad - bedazzled but totally freaked out. (Just started watching Glee - LOVE!) I'm still wearing the face make-up I bought for my wedding 6 years ago (pretty sure that's not okay.) So, what do you do about dark circles?

Oh, and 7-24 House update coming soon! I just need to clean my bathroom so I can take some finished pics.

Lions & Tigers & Bears

We're feeling better! Hoo-rah!

Well enough to hit up the Santa Barbara Zoo yesterday,

for what might have possibly been

the-most-gorgeous-day-ever!

My friend Kel was in town from Denver

and she indulged me in a zoo gardens fashion shoot.

The stats:

Me

shift - Esprit, thrifted

shorts - Merona, thrifted

belt - my friends mom's 80s throwback

shoes - Old Navy

Landon

shirt and shorts - Guess, from Oma

Shoes - chucks, thrifted

Thanks for all the lovely comments the past few days.

They make my day!

Tuesday

The plague has hit our house - in the form of a nasty stomach virus that has both my boys hurting bad. I dressed casually for my nursemaid duties. And the camera broke so I had to have my sick hubs take pics on my phone. My eyes are closed in one and normally I would have whined politely asked him to take another, but he was already running to the bano and I didn't have the heart.

Shirt - thrifted

Bra - none (the advantage of no assets)

Shorts - Old Navy

Belt - friends give-away pile

Shoes - trusty Rainbows

Necklace - Acholi Beads

Dog - Butter, my 6 month old pup

******

Despite the gorgeous beach weather, and getting to be with my two favorite guys (even if they are sick), and all the fun of fashion week, my heart is burdened. Our pastor and his wife just discovered that their baby girl, Daisy Love (age 6) has another tumor. Just two months ago, after major surgery and chemo therapy, they cancer was announced GONE. The family, our church, and thousands of friends across the world rejoiced. But last night they found themselves back in the ER facing another grapefruit sized tumor.

We know the Lord is in control and they are trusting in Jesus. And I ask, if you believe in God and the mighty power of prayer, please lift up the Merrick family today. You can follow Daisy's journey here.

Summer Fashion Weeks is here!

Check out all the fun outfits at Emery's blog

Shirt - unknown brand from boutique in SLO

Pants - anthro

Shoes - Banana Republic

Bracelet - gift Hubs brought home from Vietnam

Earrings - H&M

Bag - gift from sister

Usually I am a major bargain shopper - thrift stores, Marshall's, Target, clearance racks, outlets, etc. But, three summers ago I got a wild hair, walked into Anthropologie and skipped the sale rack! I bought three items - a pair of pants, a white dress, and a cropped sweater. And I have to say, they are most most worn items. Sometimes it really pays to splurge a little.

Focusing On Family

The other day, when Landon was pitching a fit about something or other, it really hit me that the "training" phase has actually begun. Parenting is no longer just about making sure he eats, sleeps, and physically progresses. Now we are responsible for raising up a compassionate, empathetic, educated, kind, and God-fearing young man who will be able to stand on his own two feet in just 16.75 years.

The task before me is daunting. The sheer responsibility overwhelming. So, I'm going with my own mother's approach. First, pray. A whole lot. And second, seek sound, Biblically-based, advice from family, friends and good books.

April and I grew up on Focus on the Family. We got their magazines, listened to their radio programs, read their recommended books. Dr. Dobson was a regular part of the family. The most helpful book I ever read in my teen years was Dobson's Life On The Edge. Two summers ago when I visited the Focus campus in Colorado and saw Dr. Dobson doing his radio show I actually teared up. The man loves Jesus, loves families, and loves practicality. And I'm looking for practical advice.

When I drove to work in Santa Barbara I often listened to Focus on the Family's daily broadcast. Being home the past year, I've fallen out of the practice. However, I just got the Focus app for my phone and it is awesome. Just this morning, while walking the dog and the baby, I stuck the phone in my pocket and listened to a 30 minute broadcast on parenting.

Focus has lead me to Dr. Kevin Leman. Dr. Leman wrote my favorite Christian sex book (Sheet Music) and his parenting advice is just as good (if not better) than his advice about whoopee.

If you get a chance listen to "Sound Advice for Today's Parents" by Kevin Leman at Focus on the Family. I'm headed to Amazon here in a moment to order some of his books.

And while I'm at it I would love your suggestions: What's your favorite parenting book and why?

The 7-24 House - the backyard

From start to finish the backyard took us the longest. We did it in stages, starting the month we moved in (June 2008) and finishing three weeks ago. I'll start by showing you some before pictures, throwing in a "few" transition pics, and finishing up with some before and after comparisons.

A virtual tour before :

Your enter the side gate

walk up to the "barn" (glorified man-shed)

onto the patio directly looking into the living room

finally, wrap around to the side-yard

Now the work begins.

First we knocked down the random, unnecessary buildings,

pulled up old concrete, and basically cleared

all the debris until we had a bunch of bare dirt.

Meanwhile, "Barn Dave" moved in for a few months.

RJ works for Patagonia - we meet some interesting people.

Then we designed the new patio

We did hire a crew to pour the stamped concrete.

One of the few things we hired out.

Quite a few months go by. We work on the interior,

have a baby, and then RJ heads back outside to

build some raised planter beds for veggies (notice the new

exterior paint job too!)

Around this time he also put in a gas fire pit, but

unfortunately I have no work-in-procress photos.

A bunch more times goes by. We finish the front yard and

entire interior. Finally, the long thing left is our backyard lawn,

chicken coop, and a few final trees and plants.

RJ and I used a sledgehammer and our brute strength to

rip up part of the extra long RV parkway. Then digging and

placing irrigation.

And finally we're done!

Some before and after pics for your comparison.

Sorry their so small. I'll have to figure out how to make them

larger, but in the meantime just click on the image to enlarge.