Well my first long and grueling photo class. My patient son is teaching me not only how to shoot with my new camera but how to edit and download to my blog. So much to learn and I think I am driving him CRAZY!! I have notes everywhere and I am determined to learn this. He is so fast and it is so natural for him. Thank you Tec for your amazing patients with me. He is leaving tomorrow so I am trying to glean what I can from him. So here we go!!

I just recently went to my dear friends tag sale where I found the most amazing books. She has collected some beautiful priceless books. The photo below is just some of my great finds. There is nothing like finding old books whose pages are worn. I often wonder whose hands have changed the pages. I imagine little children sitting on either their mothers lap or grandmas and being read to and then getting lost in the story. My mom has a great love for books and has past that on to me. She has a real love for childrens books and has encouraged each of us to take the time to sit and read. So I will pass that on to you. Find your favorite childrens book and sit a spell, even better~find a child and share the pages with them.

{ Martha Stewart Living } My Husband...

The latest issue of Martha Stewart is on shelves now and I am so excited because one of Jim's houses that he has worked long and hard on has been published.

I have seen my husband work year after year on our beautiful "8 homes" as well as beautiful commercial and residential homes and it's a joy to finally see his work blossom in one of the biggest publications out there. His talent goes unannounced and he is the kindest and most humble man I know and so he deserves this.

I love you and I am so proud of you.

{ Happy 4th of July! }

Okay, I am going back in time but loved the photo. A great night of fireworks in Traverse City after a beautiful day in Frankfort. This is our 2nd annual 4th celebration with Chelsea's parents and we are looking forward to many more!
Photo line up~ Shea, Deb, Mike Jim, Me Chesea & Tec

{ Garden Tme }

One of the best times of my day~Time in my garden. A great time to think and reflex on the joys of the day. It still amazes me how God takes a seed and creates a beautiful flower. I found this wonderful watering can at a tag sale in Alden. I use it to collect rain water.

{ Strawberry Jam Day }

What a fun day! Chelsea, her mom Deb and I made homemade strawberry jam. The berries were so sweet and beautiful. The best part of canning is when you are done and the finished product sits on your counter and you fe

el like you have done something great for your family.

Raspberry Jam next!