SIMPLY STORK

here we go again…

2012-01-26T07:33:00.001-08:00

So as the snow began to melt away, I was sitting staring at the pile of snow things

that now needed to be washed and stashed away. I wonder if there would be another snow

fall to enjoy. I loved staying at home and having an “excuse” not to leave the house.

Now is the time, to begin what is… “my schedule.” I have been at it for a week

now and I am having a tough time getting back into the swing of things. It’s time

to find the rhythm. If only I could remember where I stashed it?

~simply~

what?

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well I just don’t know what to say about it! We woke up to more snow!!!

Ollie loves the snow, and for a dog who would much rather “take care of things” on

our deck (ahem) it is nice to see him enjoying himself in it…The kids decided to take

him for a walk…or shall we say…he took them. (and yes, one knows they have a lot

of snow when we take the time to put on our snowshoes???)

now rumor has it, this will be the last day of snow, ice on the other hand,

might be another story. So there will be piles of wet coats, boots and hats

piled up next to the door for a few more days yet.

hope you all have found your “peace.” We have been searching

for it.

~simply~

a quiet peace

2012-01-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was noticing that along with the snow…a quiet peace comes.

I took a walk outside and put together a little mini movie for you.

enjoy your peace.

a quiet peace

snow daze…

2012-01-18T10:19:00.001-08:00

Well…I thought it was supposed to warm up today and begin melting this huge

amount of snow we have accumulated. When I woke up this morning…it was

still snowing. We are now in a bit of a “snow daze.”

I climbed up the back steps, the ones I could find anyway. to see how the chickens are

doing. Let’s face it…I was checking to see if our chickens made it another cold night.

When I walked up to the chicken coop it was quiet…too quiet. But when I rattled the food

jar they came out of their “hiding” spot. Whew! All is well on the Stork home front.

It will be another day of children going in and out, cold hands and feet, hot coco and

snuggles in the big green chair.

simply~

let it snow

2012-01-17T20:13:00.001-08:00

We went to bed last night…disappointed! It snowed all around us, but we only

got a dusting. We got the ice, just no snow…that is until we got up this morning.

We received 10”. Maxie and I were thrilled and spent most of the day enjoying

all the fun that snow days bring. Hot coco mustaches, cold hands and feet from

staying out far too long, snow angels, sledding and more smiles than we can count.

Winter is here…if only for a few days.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

~simply~

craft and a compliment

2012-01-15T07:02:00.001-08:00

I realized that I am a “necessity” crafter. I make things because there is a need

and I want to save money. When my daughter said she would like a cover to

keep her new kindle safe (but the one she wanted cost way to much)

I simply told her to “go and get the leather from the old couch cushion.” I also said

”this would be temporary, until we could save up some money for a new one.”

…This is what I came up with.

I later heard her talking with her cousin. “I knew when she told me to go and get

the old couch cushion…it was going to be cool” She then added, “this is so NOT

temporary!”

(one of the best compliments I have received in a long time…)

thanks Zana, I’m glad you like it…it was my pleasure.

~simply~

joy found

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Indie Max has found his “joy”…it was in a cup of hot coco,

with whip.

~simply~

the tree

2012-01-09T12:25:00.001-08:00

After Christmas I always get a bit of a “down” feeling. I’m not quite sure if it is because

I had been running like a maniac for too long or what? Looking around I notice the tree.

I can still smell it, but it is dry. Dangerously dry! I muster up enough energy to “de-decorate”

(if that is even a word) and fight with the lights. I am never quite sure how they get so

tangled in the first place.

I call in a few kids…kids who are usually hiding from me by now, knowing that I will need help

to get this monster out of the house. We drag it out and let it drop. I then, head back into

the house to sweep up the mess and try to get things back into place. I often sit afterward with a

cup of tea…satisfied that the room looks so different. This year I spent several mins

plucking the needles out of my hair and anyplace else they happened to work their way into. (ahem)

I do enjoy the streamline, clean look the room takes on when all the decorations, and any sign of the

holiday, is gone.

Today though, it’s raining. As I ran through the courtyard I noticed the tree. It has a whole new look

now. Because of the rain…it no longer looks dry and I am picturing the day it was put in. That was a good

day for me. It was fun. So off I went to grab the camera and snap a photo before this tree looses its beauty

and gets recycled.

I am going to try my best to keep one of my new year’s resolutions. No recycling! I am not talking about

the garbage…I will not be recycling any of the crappy days from last year. I will be going out of my way

to find “a little bit of happy” in each day. I will be taking the time to “create” something new every day.

I will be taking the time to find “joy” in moments and not “things.”

No recycling allowed for me…how about you?

~simply~

three little words

2012-01-04T06:42:00.001-08:00

Another craft we did this year we called “three little words.” We chose three little

words that we felt best described each loved one. We then “punched” each word

into a tag and put together a necklace.

We made sure to wrap them up in a big boxes…and yes…they were “taped down” (for all

those lovies who feel the need to shake gifts, prier to opening day {{ahem}} ( lol)

~simply~

projects

2012-01-02T22:50:00.001-08:00

Each year I try to do a hand made ornament. This years ornament was this

little crocheted pine cone. Which is really last year’s tree ornament (the crocheted

christmas tree)…turned upside down.

Hope you enjoyed your “pinecones” friends…I enjoyed making them.

~simply~

a farewell

2011-12-31T16:44:00.001-08:00

May this new year bring you JOY in your journey.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~simply~

(click on photo to make it larger)

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T07:10:00.000-08:00

Before, during and after.

~simply~

a play…

2011-12-29T12:28:00.001-08:00

Some of my kids were in the Christmas play at our church. This

play was written by the children themselves. It was their take

on the Christmas Story. It was neat to say the least. After, Xavier

reminded me that he was a king…and kings wear ‘robes’ and not

dresses…and Maxie who played a shepherd, came up to me and simply said…

“Hi, I’m a shepherd…and I cant move my eyebrows” (lol)

~simply~

Christmas

2011-12-21T09:55:00.001-08:00

As Christmas day is approaching, I am aware of how blessed I have been

in the last few weeks. I am truly thankful. We are getting ready to celebrate

the birth of a baby that did change everything. Our Lord came and spent time

here on Earth so He could say…He truly has been there, He does know what it

feels like and He is always with us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE…

~simply~

little helpers…

2011-12-20T07:55:00.001-08:00

We have certain ornaments for my little helper to put onto our tree. They

are always easy to spot…they're the ones put on a little backward or close

to THE very edge of the branch …so close to the edge, in fact, that they

fall off with a ‘plop’ and a little boy (with magic hearing skills) comes running in from

another part of the house to rehang it.

This mamma…wouldn’t change a thing.

~simply~

The order of things…

2011-12-15T09:31:00.001-08:00

It seems to me, the closer Christmas gets…the more things need to be in “order.”

Now if only I could get my “order” to follow the rules.

~simply~

yummy, yummy mmm mmm

2011-12-13T09:33:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin muffins…with a twist.

The following recipe I discovered when I ran out of milk. I made them anyway. Ended

up being so good that I needed two batches!

1 3/4 cups of flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg

1 egg

3/4 cup egg nog

1/3 cup oil

3/4 cup plain pumpkin puree

mix dry ing together in a bowl. make a well in the middle. add wet ing mix well (batter should be lumpy) grease muffin tins. fill 2/3 full. cook at 400 until golden (about 25 mins)

yummy, yummy mmmm mmmm

~simply~

Christmas time is here…

2011-12-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

May you enjoy the decking of the halls and all the fa la la la la’s

~simply~

it’s coming…

2011-12-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

“Christmas is coming mama…” Maxi says with a little smirk?

(sometimes little ones gently remind us…and the cute little smirks keep

us moving forward.)

~simply~

more…

2011-12-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

I have been sitting. (ahem) I have managed to keep my hands busy

though. I have crocheted 4 sets of mits, two hats and two scarfs. (As well

as projects for a craft fair coming up.) With all this needle work all I can

say now is….more!

~simply~

outing…

2011-12-04T18:29:00.001-08:00

Went on a family outing…we love the snow. We were in

search of a Christmas tree, but all we found was a fun time and

beautiful views. I guess we will need to find our tree another day.

Enjoy the views of your day…no matter where they may lead you.

~simply~

What did that say?

2011-12-01T13:14:00.001-08:00

Now I don’t know about you…but I was reading this article. All I can say is “What? You mean it’s better to leave your bed un-made?”

In the article, there was a study done that showed that an

“unkept” bed helped with the control of bed bugs?

Hmmm…I am trying my hardest to figure out

why I have felt the need to make my bed in the first place, when it hits me…

I feel the need to make my bed,

to keep me from climbing back into it? (ahem)

(With or with out bed bugs lol)

Enjoy your day everyone…whether or not, you made your bed.

~simply~

comfort

2011-11-30T07:29:00.001-08:00

I have a favorite spot. Next to the fire, with yarn in hand, I find

comfort in making a new hat and mits for my little “rapper" dude.

(and I’m just now noticing the hat matches the martian on his shirt?

so I guess that would make him a rappin’ martian dude…lol)

~simply~

bowling

2011-11-28T23:45:00.001-08:00

Went bowling, had great fun…’nuff said.

~simply~

giving thanks

2011-11-25T10:33:00.001-08:00

May we take the time to give thanks…every day.

(dear Lord, thanks for the nap (ahem)

Happy Thanksgiving.

~simply~

smog?

2011-11-22T11:49:00.001-08:00

In the morning, especially in the fall, a layer of “smog” seems to cover everything.

Sometimes even beauty is hidden by a small layer of smog…have you noticed that? This shot, if taken just a few moments earlier, would have been covered in “smog” that hid it’s beauty.

I have ran into so many people who are having a hard time seeing the beauty through the hazy cloud that seems to be covering everything.

But I have noticed, my friends, that everything seems to come into focus when the sun hits it “just so.”

So don’t give up, don’t give in…just give it to the Son and let Him do his “magic.”

~simply~

falling…

2011-11-21T18:22:00.001-08:00

May you enjoy the vibrant colors of fall…

happy falling.

~simply~

birthday…

2011-11-19T16:07:00.001-08:00

We celebrated another birthday…our X man…turned 13!

Happy Birthday!

~simply~

who said red?

2011-11-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

(fall glory photo by zana)

This was brought to you today by the color RED, enjoy your colors today…

~simply~

sick

2011-11-13T18:18:00.001-08:00

Along with the change in the weather, comes a poor little sick one…this poor little

darling is not feeling quite right…poor thing. So for all your little darlings who are

under the weather, I pray for a quick and speedy recovery.

Stay healthy friends,

~simply~

found…

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Find LOVE…and then, give it away!

~simply~

piles…

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

When the weather changes the piles of blankets appear. It is time once

again, for the piles of blankets to show up making small comfy nests

of cloth that brings with them, a bit of comfort and warmth to a house which is

usually quite chilly.

I hope you are able to enjoy the little nests of comfort you come across today.

~simply~

on with the next…

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Whew! It is such a relief to have one holiday over and then, my friends,

then is when I realize…there are more holidays coming. Are you ready for

Thanksgiving?…I mean, are you READY??? I think it’s time to grab

a cup of coffee (with steamed milk, my new obsession “ahem”) and search

my heart for what I am truly thankful for…hmmmmmm…now let me see…

~simply~

happy harvest...

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

(photos by zana)

I have always struggled with Halloween. Never really knowing

how to celebrate this day. I have always felt in my heart to simply celebrate

the happiness of the harvest...so that is what I will be doing.

What ever you decide to do today, I hope you are able to enjoy it.

~simply~

puddle jumping...

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday is our play day...after church we try to go and do something

together. On this day we grabbed lunch (fast food...ahem) and headed to our

favorite spot.

When the fall season hits, it's harder and harder to find things

to entertain us outside...and this day was no different. So when the clouds rolled in

we decided there was only one thing to do...

puddle jumping :o)

What fun we can have...even in the rain

~simply~

fall goodness...

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

There is such comfort in the kitchen

when the "fall goodness" hits. The weather turns cold

and dreary. The wind begins to blow. The rain begins to fall

and it makes for quite a "show".

Inside our kitchen...a miracle is taking place,

we are turning simple vegetables into something yummy and sweet.

May your kitchens be filled with the smells and goodness of fall..

~simply~

relaxation...

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have found that if my hands are busy...

my mind is too. I sit, I crochet, I relax.

These little circles, doilies really, crocheted together

make the best pot holders. They are my new obsession.

~simply~

just little ol' me...

2011-10-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Many of you may remember this post and my struggle with alopecia.

well, I am happy to report, my hair has indeed

grown in :o)

~simply~

lets play...

2011-10-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

There just isn't anything finer,

then a day spent playing with the kids...

~simply~

new friends...

2011-10-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

We have two new friends living at our house...the following video reminds me of them.

enjoy,

~simply~

last days of summer...

2011-10-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

We had an opportunity to spend a pretty fair amount of time

enjoying the lake this summer. We are so sad

to see it end. The last days of summer are always the hardest for me...it is so

hard to explain to a new little swimmer, that the shining sun is not

warm enough to take a "quick dip in the lake."

Throwing rocks from the dock will just have to do...for now.

~simply~

2011-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I was snooping through my friends phone the other day

when i noticed that i was saved in the phone as "dragonfly."

"dragonfly?" i said with a little giggle.

I realized that i was not the only one who saved people in my cell phone

with little "pet names."

"Why dragonfly?" i asked... and the answer surprised me.

"dragonflies are beautiful, but rarely seen." {ahem}

(I'll be working on that)

~simply~

a birthday…

2011-09-28T23:07:00.001-07:00

and as soon as it all began…it was over. Happy Birthday Little MaX!

~simply~

a little sleepy…

2011-09-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

we celebrated a birthday…but we are exhausted just now. tell you more later…

~simply~

cute and little...

2011-09-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

I was part of a craft fair a while back.

These cute little bags were made

for carrying the purchased items home.

They turned out pretty cute and were a

great way to use up old scraps (and very easy to make.) First, each bag was

adorned with a scrap collage, the bags were then

folded in half and a ribbon was added as i sewed

up the sides. Now i have cute little

gift bags handy when ever i need one :o)

~simply~

beauty in the eye of the beholder...

2011-09-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

These little flowers grow like weeds here. Some people

call them "forget me nots."

My son brought me these, along with my daughter...they know

I love getting flowers. These came with the words

"so you know you haven't been forgotten"...

(now, who could call them weeds?)

~simply~

last month

2011-09-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Last month my daughter and i were blessed.

We were able to go and see the production of Les Mis.

I can not tell you how cool it was.

When my daughter started listening to the music she had gotten from the library, i thought...Hmmmm

"could she actually enjoy this crazy, sad tale as much as me?" When she saved up her money to buy the new 25th anniversary dvd, i knew...and i was thrilled.

We were able to spend the day together...make fun of the mistakes one of the actors made (ahem) and sing and cry along with an entire audience of onlookers. It was great :o)

so go, my friends, get the disc from the library, give it a listen...who knows

you may indeed be a fan.

~simply~

easy bake muffins...

2011-09-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

when i am short on time or just need a never fail recipe to turn to...

i turn to this easy bake muffin mix.

2 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 tbls sugar

4 tsp mayonnaise

mix all ingredients in a bowl, grease muffin tins and spoon mixture 2/3 way.

bake at 350* for 12-15 mins

no excuses...

2011-09-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

It's blackberry season. Blackberries are everywhere. It wasn't until I came across an old recipe in a pioneer cookbook that I realized that blackberry jam could be made without pecton..."Wait a min. No pecton?" Could it be? You mean I no longer had the "I'd like to do that, but I dont have any pecton" excuse? So I grabed my bucket and headed out to pick some berries. Nevermind the fact that I had never attempted canning jam on my own before (ahem), I was determined.

same ratio sugar to berries
lemon juice 2tbls per cup of sugar
put into pot and boil until candy thermometer reads 222*
let cool in pot for about 8 mins while stirring to redistribute seeds
ladle into clean jars and keep in the freezer or fridge.

It went off without a hitch. It was yummy, too yummy...and no max, you can not stand and eat it by the spoonful? (Wait a min...is that a blackberry mustache?) Let's make muffins.

Tomorrow I will post my easy muffin mix...it's easy and always turns out. Now go and pick some berries...you'll be glad you did.

Enjoy your day...

~simply~

2011-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Yes...he was eating it by the spoonful ( Lol ) gotta love the Zoom lens :o)

~simply~

hello friends...

2011-09-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Well as you can see from my absence in this space...i have been a bit, shall we say, preoccupied. i am ready to return and i hope you will enjoy your visits here with me again. The photos above are of the beautiful blackberries i have growing their long weedy selves down the back hill and onto my deck (ahem) I do think they are quite lovely though, so i had to snap a shot of them before i ripped them from their resting place :o) Be gone poky weeds, be gone!

I have been spending time in the kitchen, so the next couple of posts will probably be about the kitchen and the cooking goodness i have found there...join me, wont you?

~simply~

its play time…

2011-07-03T18:43:00.001-07:00

My daughter was in a play…Annie.

(she played one of the orphans…“duffy”)

They did such a great job...singing and dancing to a full audience. I couldn't be more proud :o)

~simply~

the cool air…

2011-04-23T08:23:00.001-07:00

I used to sit with my fingers sticking out the window of the car because i got car sick easily, but this little guy does it for different reasons…just to “feel the air.” Now i want to “feel the air?” :o)

~simply~

life is a ride…

2011-04-08T09:47:00.001-07:00

Now that spring is here the kids and I have had some fun…even a park’s bench can be a fun ride :o)

~simply~

maybe today…

2011-03-19T13:09:00.001-07:00

Why postpone joy?

~simply~

by the boot straps…

2011-03-19T10:40:00.001-07:00

Putting on my boots one at a time and pullin’ them up “by the bootstraps” …hmmmm now why is regular housework so difficult on such a beautiful day? It’s been an extra rainy couple of days here…the ground outside is wet and muddy even though the sun is shining now. There is no way one can even walk out the back door with out dawning a good pair of boots….now if only I could keep the mud that comes in along with the boots outside!

~simply~

treasured moments…

2011-03-16T15:45:00.001-07:00

I have many treasured moments…this is one of them…I will treasure it always.

~simply~

When I grow up...

2011-03-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

When I grow up I will wear pretty dresses...and not the normal kind either...evening dresses with some designer handbags to match. And did I mention the shoes? Ok, ok...not really me right? But I can "dream" right. I used to perform. I used to wear "performance" clothes...and well...now I just don't. But they are all kept in my closet...taking up space really. I'm wondering now what to do with them? Do you throw them out? Do you keep them?? It's all very overwhelming to me right now. I'm trying to get "reorganized" it's time...my closet needs to happen. Can someone please tell me why, then, is buying a new dress all I'm thinking about?

~simply~

dreams…

2011-03-14T07:08:00.001-07:00

I have a dream…I have had a specific dream for at least the past year now. I will not be giving up on it…it’s just too important for me to do that. So with every sunrise, and every sunset, I will believe in my dream… until it happens.

Hang on to your dreams people…hang on!

~simply~.

the edge…

2011-03-08T23:02:00.001-08:00

Do you ever have a feeling your standing on the edge of a cliff? Unfortunately I am. I hope your week is going better than mine :o)

enjoy your day everyone.

~simply~

why hello…

2011-03-05T08:22:00.001-08:00

I caught this little guy looking at me…he was a little too close to be a stalker…maybe he just wanted to get a “close up look” at a stork ??? You never can tell with seagulls :o)

enjoy your weekend.

~simply~

just be…

2011-03-01T12:09:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it’s so nice to “just be.” I came across this photo on my phone. I remember snapping the shot. It was taken at one of my favorite places to visit, and on this day the weather was beautiful. Crisp air, gentle rolling fog along the water, and blue skies just waiting to make an appearance . We went as a family on this day and we were walking along the path to beach number two. My “middle” son, who is shown strolling along in the photo, had decided to take a different way. I stood their watching him before I pulled out my camera, I knew in an instant he wanted to “just be” and I let him.

~simply~

man is it cold outside!

2011-02-28T14:03:00.001-08:00

You know it’s cold outside when Maxie wants to wait in the car instead of playing at the park. So while Maxie played with toys…I got busy making him a hat :o) (and please oh please don’t ask why I had an extra ball of yarn in the car…ahem :o) I guess I’m a true crafter at heart and it did the trick…he was soon off and running.

~simply~

and then it began to snow…

2011-02-26T09:25:00.001-08:00

One afternoon, a couple of days ago…we were just saying how cold it was getting outside…and that is when we noticed it, that is when it began to snow.

The funny thing is…we ended up with about 8”…less than a mile down the road however, there was less than 3”. It seems funny to me that I am snowed in, but my neighbor is not??? Today it’s supposed to rain, but guess what it’s doing in “storkville”………….yup! IT’S SNOWING!

~simply~

the AKT

2011-02-19T16:31:00.001-08:00

My son has formed a band. They are called…The AKT (Alex, Koleton and Tristan)…they had a practice here at the house, so I was able to grab a few shots…they are pretty good and already have a gig. I can’t wait…I’m sure I’ll have more pics to show soon :o)

last month…

2011-02-15T22:00:00.001-08:00

We had a celebration last month…Happy Birthday Zana :o)

~simply~

enjoying the view…

2011-01-25T11:09:00.001-08:00

Hello friends,

I have been so busy the last couple of weeks. Not sure why? I have nothing to show for it…but I can admit that I have been trying to take time to sit and “enjoy the view.” I have decided that life is just way to busy, and I’m not sure the Lord wants me to miss out on all the little things He had made for me to enjoy. I am trying to be mindful. I am trying to stop and enjoy the sounds of the birds in the morning. I am trying to enjoy my coffee time to it’s fullest. I am trying to enjoy every little moment my 4 year old wants to snuggle up with me. I am trying to notice every little blessed thing my husband does for me, and may it never go un-noticed again. I am trying to enjoy the music that comes from my 17 year olds bedroom knowing that his guitar playing is right up there with the best I have ever heard. I am trying to enjoy the moments my daughter talks, and talks with out stopping for even the smallest of breaths. I am trying to enjoy any moment my “invisible” child comes into view. I believe this is what life is all about…taking the time to stop and “enjoy the view.

~simply~”

feeling alive

2011-01-18T06:40:00.001-08:00

What is it really“to feel alive.” I put my fingers to my neck…yup, i have a pulse, and that is a good sign right? I am breathing in air, and letting it back out again. I know I’m alive. I know I am here in this moment. I can hear the tap, tap, tapping of the keyboard as I type this, but am I “feeling alive?” I am not sure I know what that is.

It is this time of year, after the holidays, that a “let down”usually hits…but not this year. This year I’m not quite sure what I’m feeling. I have been trying to put my finger on it to no avail. While I am trying to figure it out I am going to sit and enjoy my coffee, because coffee always makes me feel happy, even if it’s only for a moment.

~simply~

created by love…

2011-01-17T10:34:00.001-08:00

“Family is a world created by love”

My daughter wears this bracelet. She found it at the second hand store…she loves it. I love the simple idea of what it says. “Family is a world created by love.” A man meets a woman, they fall in “love,” their “love” for each other make children…tah! dah! a “family” is made. But it is so much more than that isn’t it? We have friends we “love”…i have some close friends, i “love” them…they are like “family”. Love is a very powerful word…a word we just don’t use enough. This simple little word connects people in a way that no other word can, it makes us… “family.”

As you go through your day today, may you not only find “love” but share it with your “family.”

~simply~

on a clear day…

2011-01-15T11:29:00.001-08:00

We went to the city recently, or should I say, we went through the city. These photos were snapped as we drove past the space needle on the freeway. When we left our house it was snowing…but when we got to Seattle…it was blue skies. Northwest weather is very unpredictable.

When I was taking these photos I felt a sense of quiet, a moment that should have been quite hectic, sitting in traffic, ugh… with threats of snow at my back…ugh! ugh!!…instead I felt peace.

I am now reminded, every time I look at these photos of the space needle, I can find a moment of peace…peace when there should be none…it’s all in how you look at it.

Enjoy your day…and try to find your “peace.”

~simply~

lovely ladies…

2011-01-06T17:35:00.001-08:00

Meet the new ladies…with the recent passing of my daughters bird…it didn’t take long to

replace her. Lyen and Nyteri are the newest addition to the Stork house hold. They are

adorable already :o)

~simply~

busy hands…

2011-01-06T13:53:00.001-08:00

I love those little cookies that come in the tin’s at Christmas time. The cookies are so yummy dipped in my morning coffee, it reminds me of childhood. I also love having a new little tin to put my things in when the holiday is over. This tin was lacking in the photo department…so it made for a fun project.

I used scraps of photos from my favorite magazine and modge podged them to the top and sides of tin… It was left a little lumpy bumpy on the top due to the typing on the tin…I don’t care this time but next time I will add a piece of cardboard first.

I have enjoyed looking at all the holiday crafts people did during this holiday season. I see I am not alone :o)

Enjoy your day :o)

~simply~

exciting things…

2011-01-01T11:19:00.001-08:00

I wonder what exciting things this year will bring??

~simply~

Christmas morning…

2010-12-30T10:45:00.001-08:00

As we say good bye to the old year and welcome in the new…I want to wish you all many blessings.

Happy New Year!

~simply~

Holiday highlights…

2010-12-29T13:55:00.001-08:00

My son and I did something we have never done before. We led the congregation in Christmas carols during our church’s Christmas eve service… This was the first time we have ever performed in public together. What fun it was :O)

~simply~

(photos by zana)

so cute! (remember to mute the music on the side bar)

2010-12-29T06:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas…

2010-12-22T23:22:00.001-08:00

May this year be filled with Christmas surprises… and may your day be filled with much love, peace and joy as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and king…

Merry Christmas.

~simply~

the human?

2010-12-22T11:40:00.001-08:00

Mama…when can we put the “human” on top?

~simply~

are we there yet???

2010-12-21T18:24:00.001-08:00

One thing I love about the holidays are all the decorations…have you noticed that there aren't as many this year? I know we did not hang our outside lights this year. I see we were not alone. We will need to drive quite a ways to see any at all? Could it be that we just can’t afford the extra energy bill? Could it be that, like us, we are just too busy this year? Whatever the case I would like to give a resounding “THANK YOU” to all those who did have their act together {{ahem}} my maxie enjoys them so :O)

~simply~

holiday craft

2010-12-16T11:03:00.001-08:00

My friend and i were trying to think up a way to make a Christmas tree using doilies…this is mine. Rustic and simple…and looking a bit like The Grinch's “who Ville” tree???

i hope you are enjoying your holiday goodness…

~simply~

a gathering…

2010-12-14T06:03:00.001-08:00

We had a gathering the other day…It was a long over do birthday gathering. There was a snow storm when we were supposed to get together for a birthday party so we had it this last weekend instead. And what does a very busy “holiday mama” serve at a “long over do birthday party” instead of making a cake??? Ice-cream sundays :o)

This was a sleep over gathering, so in the morning we had a breakfast feast of…french toast, whipped cream, hot coco with whip and anything else the kids wanted to slather with whip cream :o)

enjoy your day…

~simply~

2010-12-10T09:53:00.001-08:00

(photo by zana)

may you find just a little piece of sunshine today :o)

happy friday.

~simply~

the battle…

2010-12-09T11:10:00.001-08:00

I don’t know about you, but i have been having an ongoing “battle” with my fridge! I fight the call of my fridge all day long and then I hear the call even when I am supposed to be sleeping…so just imagine how surprised I was when I opened the fridge to find this…It all makes sense to me now! There is a battle going on in my fridge!!! :o)

~simply~

going the wrong way…

2010-12-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like your just going the wrong way? My little Max does what he wants….or at least he tries. If you stand back and watch him, he always chooses something a little bit different. He usually wants to go in a different direction. Now i am not saying that what he is choosing is always wrong, per say, but it did get me to thinking’ …Maybe I'm just going the wrong way?

~simply~

good intentions

2010-12-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

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Last year we did something we have always wanted to do, but never got the chance…we wanted a “living” Christmas tree. So we got one :o) We planted our tree in our back yard so we could use it again this year…or at least that was our intention.

We didn’t plant it for several months...we did have good intentions to do so, we just never got to it???

When we went to cut it down for this year, we were surprised in the fact that it had not changed. We had forgotten to break up the root ball (ahem)…so we dug out the entire thing and put it back into it’s pot…

so guess what…we get to plant it again for next year too :o) This time we will plant it correctly.

sometimes “good intentions” do go in your favor.

~simply~

Hello

2010-12-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

hello friends...

i am just popping in to say a quick "hello" and to let you know...i have missed you all!

stay tuned, will ya...

~simply~

summer?

2010-06-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

Summer? where is it? **sigh** Here in the Pacific Northwest we are experiencing a rainy summer with nothing to take photos of... except moss and ferns? sheesh! I came across the following "list" of things one can do in the summer to keep busy...

Walk barefoot • Take a nap outside • Make suntea • Pick berries • Spend time in hammock • Go on picnic • Make herb water • Eat an ice cream cone • Host outdoor brunch • Hang birdfeeder • Make a sunprint • Grow vegetables • Make a skirt • Put lemons in your hair at the beach • Go for a swim • Watch a movie outside • Go to a farmer’s market • Catch summer play • Make popsicles • Read the Sunday papers outside • Take a roadtrip • Learn a summer constellation • Go camping • Go on boat ride • Read a summer book • Take off your watch • Eat a ripe peach • Make a summer mix tape • Make July 4th cupcakes • Pick wildflowers • BBQ outside • Blow a dandelion • Rent a convertible • Play hokey for a day • Watch fireflies • Make lemonade • Make an outdoor teepee • Watch a small town parade • Listen to a thunderstorm • Take an outdoor shower • Sing around a campfire • Roast marshmallows • Watch a meteor shower • Eat a watermelon • Go bodysurfing • Tube down a river • Take a walk on a dirt road

I think I will try a few of these things...even if it just may be...in liquid sunshine :o)

wow

2010-06-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

I thought this was an amazing sunset...I thought i would share it :o)

~simply~

her and I

2010-04-22T07:51:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I can't help myself. I find myself taking photos of my daughter, taking photos. And sometimes I catch her taking photos of me??

~simply~

2010-04-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

I celebrated a milestone a few days back...or shall i say "I've survived." It was a day filled with love...for I celebrated my 40th birthday. My youngest gave me the best gift of all...a huge smooch...and told me I don't look "old" at all :o)

~simply~

2010-04-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

I was not able to get my video working, so I thought you would like to see some photos of the tulip fields. My husband and I took a motorcycle ride a few weekends back. The tulips bloomed early this year( we thought they might) I brought my camera just in case...thank goodness.

enjoy~

~simply~

the wall...

2010-04-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have built myself a wall of stone...i didn't mean to but yet...it's there? Is it a wall of protection?...is it a wall to keep me safe? or is it a wall built to keep others out? This photo represents this wall very well because just behind it is a beautiful view. The only problem is...one needs to look past the wall to see it. I took a video of what is behind this wall that i will be posting in the next couple of days... But for today i have a question for you...do you have a wall built up around yourself? if so I'd love to hear about it...you may comment or e-mail me (simplystork@hotmail.com)

~simply~

Easter fun...

2010-04-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our church had an out reach again this year...just look at the turn out! Even the lamas wore hats this year :o) After an egg hunt, a trip through our little petting zoo and a bounce in the bouncy house...all the kids were invited inside to open their eggs and hear a story about Jesus...it is a wonderful time for all.

We spent time together celebrating the resurrection of our Savior. I hope your holiday was filled with heartfelt goodness.

~simply~

got to laugh

2010-03-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hello,

alright... one just has to laugh when said hair grows in looking a bit like alfalfa...

who'd a thought that it would grow in straight up??? makes for a quick giggle.

enjoy your day :o)

~simply~

well...

2010-02-15T18:52:00.001-08:00

Why hello there bloggy friends...

Yes I did indeed step off the face of the earth, that along with the computer crash, well it has kept me away. It takes forever and a day to upload photos, and along with re-sizing them, arg and gnashing of teeth is more what it is like here these days. I did however, manage to get this one sized. My daughter celebrated a 14th birthday a few weeks ago and well...I think you know how I love birthdays :o)

I will try to post more often...but a new computer is in order! now if only the "new computer fairy" would visit my house...

enjoy your day everyone :o)

~simply~

simply said...

2009-12-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

May you look into the eyes of a child and remember your...JOY!

~simply~

who inspires you...

2009-12-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

My crazy husband decided to run his first marathon. He trained for two months...and ran 26+ miles in 5 hours and 15 min. I have never felt more inspired!

(crazy early)
(before race)
(what have i gotten myself into?)
(streets were closed)

(start the race here)

(more people than expected)

(more cowbell)

(good form)

(finish line yellow shorts man)

now does this look like a man who just ran 26+ miles...nope!!! The wait was long, cold and boring...I wouldn't have changed a thing!

I'll ask again...who inspires you?

~simply~

giving thanks...

2009-12-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

Give thanks...with a grateful heart!

~simply~

give thanks...

2009-11-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours...

~simply~

little man

2009-11-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

We had a celebration last night! Simple and sweet. Happy birthday to the "little man"

~mom~