beautiful summer blossoms

I went on a walk yesterday as the sun streamed brilliantly upon the leaves and petals of every earthly plant. Following an afternooon thunderstorm, a warm early summer breeze blew through the trees as they attempted to dry their shining petals. A hummingbird flew excitedly through a white blossoming tree sucking on their sweet nectar. My camera captured some of the beauty, though nothing can quite do the Lord's creation justice. I love summer and sunshine.

you know you live in a basement when...

Since leaving for college, my parents have allowed me the opportunity for much quiet and privacy in our home. The downside to this deal is that my bedroom is now in the basement of our home...this has on many occasions over the past 3 weeks of being home inspired me to loath spiders. For some strange reason, they keep coming back, no matter how many I destroy with my sturdy little spider-killing shoes, and each time they return, they're larger and scarier than the time before.

This post is in no way intended to be serious or meaningful to everyday life, tis' simply some ventings about what my housing arrangement has been as of lately with a pinch or two of humor added to it. Here's a list of 10 things that fit in quite nicely when you tack the phrase "you know you live in a basement when" to the front as a prefix. For example, "You know you live in a basement when _____."

10. Each time you destroy a spider, the next one is bigger

9. Bugs outside no longer have the same "scare" effect on you because you're so worried about the ones inside

8. Your eyes constantly survey your bedroom to be on watch for creepy critters

7. Tissues become your bestfriend and an essential tool for bug cleanup

6. You can successfully hit a spider in a single wack of the shoe

5. The spiders change with the seasons

4. You find multiple spiders, multiple days in a row, in the same spot

3. You take large steps over areas spiders were, to avoid possibly stepping on one in the rare chance another is in its place

2. No matter how many spiders you squish, you still scream and the mere thought of encountering such a creature gives you chills

1. You own a pair of shoes 'specifically' for terminating spiders

a Sunday at the park

Jessica and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful sunshine the Lord blessed us with yesterday and went for a stroll to play at the park across town. Towing my camera along, we ended up making our adventure a photoshoot of sorts capturing a few moments of fun as we monkeyed ourselves on the playground equipment. I considered providing captions, but I'll leave that fun to you, my beloved viewers! No matter what your age, parks have the potential to be fun for everyone, tis' just what you make of it!

kids say the 'darndest' things

Friday evening was full of fun and laughter for me. I attempted to pretty myself up for an evening of work.(Results can be seen in the photos above.) As a member of the recreation staff I had the priviledge of working at the annual Mother-Son dance. My friend Billie and I watched with brimming smiles as the little boys towed their mothers by the hand to enjoy a night on the town (at a dance)in recognition of Mother's Day. Throughout the evening there was much dancing, many prizes for the boys, and of course, the legendary cake with lots of icing.

After retiring from my duties at the front door (ie: collecting money, giving out tickets and stamping hands)I entered the dance and assisted my fellow friends at the juice/cake table. It was here that I found myself sandwiched in a line between my boss, Billie & Jepson...the Macareena came on and we decided to all dance. Little did I know this song would open the doorway for my favorite moment all evening. All moms and sons in the room were dancing and at this point even the rec. staff was dancing (behind the cake/juice table, of course). A little boy approached the table and feeling quite confident in our ability to pull off the macareena we all continued dancing, assuming perhaps that this little boy desired nothing more than to watch us.

All of a sudden my eyes fell to the small boy who realizing he now partially had my attention, threw his arms out to his sides and said in a rather determined tone, "Ahhh, can I get something to drink?" My mouth dropped open and hints of embarrassment began to surface in my mind as laughter consumed my spirit. My boss Kathy began laughing and said "Ohhh, wow, he wants a drink, oh my, oh my" and stepping in front of the three of us now scrambling to serve this one boy she said "I've got it covered."

Reflecting back on the little 2 1/2ft. nothing little boy and his very certain look saying "Ahhh can I get something to drink..." was priceless. Sometimes kids say the 'darndest' things!

On another reflective note I have great respect for father's that raise their boys teaching them the proper way to treat a lady. There was much evidence of this at the Mother-Son dance and it was refreshing and a blessing. (Some little boys even payed for their mothers and bought them flowers...thanks to Dad's help of course, but it was thoughtful and sweet.)