My Obsession with Rocks

 I've written before about my heart rock collection.  Sam gave me my first one, he found it while walking home from school.  I know which one it is, it's smooth and a nice worry rock.  My heart rocks are mostly from my guys, Hubby included.  My nieces and nephews bring them to me also.  Hana found a big one once and had to settle for a picture for me of her holding it, the hike would have been too hard with the rock.
If one of my guys gives a girl a heart rock, it's serious stuff.

 I have jars of heart rocks, I have them in my night stand, I have them on window sills and I have them in my gardens.  Each one is special because it means that someone thought of me.

I didn't catalog them however; I know which one Danny brought back from United Arab Emirates and I know which ones Sam brought back from Kuwait and Iraq.  When the guys are a world away and thinking of me my heart is full.  I know which one my niece Katie gave me because is matches her gorgeous red hair.

 My sister Jodi has been staying at  Birch Bay and we had fun painting rocks.  On Saturday, Shelly and I went out to the Bay for the day and Jodi gave me the painted heart rock.  Isn't it cute?

 Then we went for a walk on the beach.  Shelly found and gave me the orange rock the left.  She loves orange so I'll remember it's from Shelly.  We walked along and she pointed out the one on the right.

"Ooooh, Tam. there's a heart rock!  A good one."

"Oh, that is a good one!"

"Aren't you going to pick it up?"

"Uhhh, no, I can't."

"Are you hurt?"

"Nope, I don't collect heart rocks."

Jodi and Shelly are looking at me like I'm crazy.

"Sometimes I see great heart rocks and I step over them and keep on going."

"What? Why? Huh?"

"I only have heart rocks that other people have given me.  It gives them meaning."

"Sheesh, we'll give it to you."

"Oooh thanks ladies, I love you too."
"Could you please pick it up and give it to me?"

Sometimes I pick up egg shaped rocks. I love to stack rocks at the beach.  I live in a stone house.  Some of my favorite Bible verses are about God being my rock and salvation.

It's a good thing that the beaches in Washington are rocky.  

Sandy beaches aren't all they're cracked up to be.  

My sister, Kathi told me once that she can see me in a rest home someday with a small basket of smooth heart stones on my lap, touching them and remembering all the love I've been given.

It's true. I'm blessed.  By rocks and love, which are the same thing for me.

Sunday at the Bay

The guys doing what guys do at Washington State beaches, throwing rocks back into the ocean.

For hours.

 Guys watching guys throw rocks on the beach.

 Many guys and few nieces too, good thing the salmon was BiG!  Guys have heard about our family's Sunday dinner and they love to come for dinner.  They're always welcome!

A fun time at the Bay wearing sweatshirts, flannel shirts, long pants and wrapping blankets around ourselves, a typical Pacific Northwest picnic in July.  It was a nice break for Sam from the hot weather in North Carolina.  He flew back today, his leave went too fast.

Until next time, kiddo!

Eastern Washington

This weekend we went to Eastern Washington.  Sam had ridden ahead with Max and Hubby and I drove over on Friday.  We had a nice family dinner on Friday evening with Hubby's parents and his sister Cherie. On Saturday we got up early and drove to Walla Walla to move Max into his college apartment.

Max had us on a tight schedule but Hubby stopped so I could take a few pictures of the sunflower fields.

 Then we hurried along and passed the Country Mercantile.  Hubby turned around and we were so happy that we went back.  Best country store.  Ever.  A merry-go-round, carnival rides, a roller coaster and inside they had homemade chocolates, the largest selection of jams, dressings, BBQ sauce I've ever seen in one place, fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade tamales, homemade ice cream.  It went on and on, I could gush for a long time.  We made a few purchases.  And then cried as we left since we didn't have a cooler along on this trip.  So, we had to leave the tamales and enchiladas behind.  Next time!

 While Max did the damages walk-through with his landlady we started unloading the truck and trailer.

 It didn't take long and we had everything in and arranged.  The guys put his bed together and made it while I unpacked the kitchen and washed the dishes.

 Max's apartment complex is very neat and tidy.  He has a nice view of the pool and the laundry room off his patio.  He won't actually be living there until September but he will be working until school begins so this was a good opportunity to get him moved to Walla Walla.

 We made a trip to Walmart for some things.  Hubby and I bought cleaning supplies, toiletries, and groceries to get him started.  Sam bought him some posters for his room and hung them up, a nice housewarming gift.

 I think Max and Thomas have a great location for their college apartment.  It was fun to get things moved in and unpacked.  Max was pretty excited about his own place.  Our baby has officially flown the coop!  I'm pretty proud of him and his plans.  And we won't mind visiting Walla Walla, every time we go we find more places we want to check out.  

They have many antique stores and wineries and tasting rooms, our kind of place!

We said our good byes and Max went back to the farm and we drove home.

Summer=Birch Bay

 Last night we went out to Birch Bay to have dinner with Bill and Jodi and their family.  They are on vacation at  the Villa.  We made grilled cheese bacon cheeseburgers and root beer floats for dinner.  While the guys listened to music and visited, the girls were busy crafting.  First stop was the beach for the perfect rocks.

And then we made ankle bracelets from Pinterest and painted rocks.  We painted a lot of owls on rocks.  Hip and trendy owls.  Kassie painted a panda for Levi and  Hana worked on a special secret project.

If we made a mistake we just threw it back to the beach.

 I painted owls, hearts, a vintage trailer and holly.  Christmas in July, I guess.

 My guys even let me take a picture!

 Hubby was on the look out for pirates.

 Thanks for a great evening, Bill and Jodi and Hana.

It's Busy Here

Yesterday  Hubby left at 3 a.m. for George, WA.  He caught a ride on a hay truck so he could ride back with Max.  I flew around the house tidying up and then went to work.  Our vehicles were scattered all over town so I walked to them and got them all home after work.

While walking I stopped at the Lynden Farmer's Market and bought some beautiful produce.

Then I got company.  Hubby's cousins, Jill and Joanie and their friend Sue were in town so we had a visit and a glass of wine on the patio.  It was fun to see them and it was the only time I sat down yesterday so that saved my bacon for what was all coming my way.

 Blake and Lily were over last night hanging out with Sam and Hawley.  Lily was here is get her picture taken by the Snapsister that is my sister, however; she wanted no part of that.  So, she played on the lawn, ate grilled burgers and strawberry pizza instead.  That made her happy, it made the guys happy too.

 Hubby and Max came home after a very long day... with our new vacation home.  The 1957 Aloha is finally here.  She needs a little work.  Hubby is figuring the restoration out, and I made a new Pinterest board of decorating ideas.  Kassie helped me with the pinterest and we found some great ideas.

I texted Kassie to come by for strawberry pizza.  She was pretty surprised to see Max.

Thank you Max for bringing it over for us!  After it was loaded, two guys stopped and wanted to buy her.  She may not look like much now but she's a hot little trailer.  And her screen door is adorable!

The guys are going to the cabin on Camano Island today, and some girls too.   

Apparently, girls are invited too this year.  I'm not sure why but it makes me feel better.

Hubby and I are getting tires for the Aloha and helping Max pack for college today.  

And I am having some patio time today.  And I mean it!

Profound Irony

In the Summer it seems like my ironing pile grows as fast as  the corn.  It too can be knee high by the fourth of July.  In the winter jeans and sweaters don't need to be ironed.  Whereas in the summertime there are cottons and linens that need ironing.  The shorts, shirts, skirts and tablecloths pile up quickly.

The irony isn't lost on me.

Sam Etc.

Levi picked up Sam in Seattle and brought him home.  

I asked Sam if Levi wanted to come over for dinner after he got done working.  Yes.  

Then Sam asked if Blake could come over for dinner. Sure.

Then Sam asked if Jesse could join us for dinner.  Yes, please.  

Then Sam said Alex was on his way over.  Great, I'll grab another plate!

It made this Mama so happy to have the guys back on the patio.

Hubby grilled flank steak, turkey breasts, summer veggies while in the house I made a big 

Caesar salad and cheesy potatoes.

Fresh strawberries and ice cream served with sugar cookies and 

peanut butter m&m cookies on the side for dessert.

They ate like they hadn't been on our patio for a year.

Hubby and I just love to see these guys together.

Good guys, good friends!

Random Again

This is  random stuff people, very random...

I changed our bedding to summer bedding on July 2 and we froze, as in turn on the furnace, add more blankets kind of froze.  I had gotten the duvet cover at Pottery Barn and could hardly wait to use it.  But now finally, we are just right.  Summer is here and its timing is good because I don't think we could have taken much more of the chilly, rainy marathon we were experiencing.

We're spending as much time as possible on the patio.  I always feel like I'm someplace else on a vacation when I'm out there.  Even though I'm home I can forget the list that needs to get done when I'm on the patio.

That stack of books you saw in a previous post, I've read all but one.

Today, That Sam I Am is coming home on leave.  He is ready for the patio, Mom's cooking, seeing his family and friends and most of all he is ready for some heat relief.  It's HOT in north Carolina and here it's just right.  This weekend he is going to the cabin with Max, cousins, and buddies.  I hope the cabin is still standing, they don't make the neighbors mad and that they have a good time.  I try not to think about it.  When Sam has a leave in the Summer it's their tradition and they all LOVE it.

Hubby and I are going on a little road trip with Sam too.  It's all good.  The fridge is full and I baked two batches of cookies last night.  I planned some of his favorite meals.  Can't wait!

 Welcome Home That Sam I Am!

Dear Anonymous

I would like to respond to Anonymous who left a comment on my previous post.

 Anonymous said...

Your blog has been declining since my absence. People are asking....get motivated.

Dear Anonymous,

I have been motivated and busy during your absence.  You see, I have spent the last 20+ year being a Mom, parenting three boys.  Now that chapter is over and a new one has begun.  It's different, I miss my guys coming home, dining and dashing to be with friends, leaving piles of dirty laundry and taking all the hot water in the shower.  I miss it badly.

We raised our sons to want to work hard, succeed in life and to have goals so our little birdies have flown the coop.  As they should.  Now things have changed here at the Stone House.  Hubby and I are refeathering the nest.  And in anticipation of this event I made plans  for July.  After a very busy June I decided that July would be about me and your Dad.  I would take time to do some things that I love and I would relax and regroup and have some fun with my husband.

This is what I have be doing since you left...

I helped give a bridal shower.

Hubby and I went to Semiahmoo Beach with friends to walk, check out the resort and spend some time on the beach and have dinner for the 4th of July.

I have been gardening.

I have been sipping tea.

I have been painting my nails.

Since summer finally showed up I have been spending some time on the patio, reading.

Hubby and I are hanging out on the patio in the evenings.

Of course, I keep fairly busy with my job at the museum, taking care of the house, making meals and re-habing my knee.  My knee is at the top of the July list, right up there with relaxing.

I haven't forgotten my guys.  I'm praying for all of you boys everyday.  I'm busy looking for tickets to go to MI to visit Danny and Jess, I'm planning meals and dinners with family and friends for Sam's visit.  He arrives on Tuesday from Fort Bragg, NC and we are very excited to spend some time with Sam.

And I am doing some shopping, going to garage sales and gathering things for Max's apartment in 

Walla Walla.  I have found quite a stash of goodies.

All of which keeps me busy.

So, dear concerned Anonymous, don't worry about me being motivated.

I am just fine.  Really fine, actually.

I am just doing whatever I want to whenever I want to for the month of July.

And it may or may not include blogging every day.

Love,

Your Mother

P.S.  I miss you, kiddo!

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!

Have a fun and safe holiday. 

The weatherman is making us some pretty big promises.  

No rain!  We'll see.  
Be sure to get your fireworks from the Lynden Pioneer Museum stand, it's located by Jake's, Milt's and Food Pavillion in Lynden.

A Rambling Saturday

Hubby was off on Saturday this week.  Since it was raining we couldn't work in the yard or rather wouldn't want to work in the yard, we went for a drive.  A few garage sales and then a meandering drive to town to get some things at Costco.

As we were zipping along Portal Way I saw a shop, Warehouse Beautiful, out of the corner of my eye.  We did a quick turn around and boy howdy, it was worth it.

If you like decorating with white, with repurposed items, this the spot!  I didn't dare to take photos inside, but I should have asked because it was so pretty and 

the owner was so sweet she probably would have let me.

When I did a search online this photo popped up from the local newspaper.

They aren't open everyday, so you may want to check first.

There was a white saddle for a pony that I was coveting for a pony and a grand daughter that I don't have.

But someday I might!

This pic is outside at the Warehouse Beautiful.

 Driving on I spotted pupusas and tortas on a restaurant sign so we stopped for lunch.

We love Salvadorian food and it was delish at Super Mario's on Northwest Avenue.

It was all so fun.  Once in a blue moon Hubby and I like to drive around and make random stops like we have nothing better to do.  Good times.

And then we went to Marshalls, Macy's and Costco to shop.

On a neighboring country's holiday weekend.

Enough said.