{this moment}...The Cocoon

{this moment}

A Friday ritual from Soule Mama, whom I love reading. A single photo – no/few words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

 

Tripp's Cocoon

{this moment}...Sweet Dreams

{this moment}

A Friday ritual from Soule Mama, whom I love reading. A single photo – no/few words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see

Sweet Dreams

Make Your Own Fire Starters

In the middle of our extended vacationing, we're going camping. 

In preparation, Will and the boys made some easy peasy fire starters for our campfire. 

It's so easy that you probably have the ingredients right there in your house begging to be used.

What you'll need:

old candle

dryer lint

empty egg carton

First, start with a super cool dad.

Next, take your old candle and break it into chunks to remelt.

In a double boiler or similar set up, begin to heat the wax.

Now, put your kiddos to task and have them fill the egg carton with dryer lint.

When the wax has melted, pour into the egg carton that is filled with dryer lint just until the individual holes are full. 

A little tip to make it mess free is to place the egg carton on a piece of wax paper b/c the hot wax combined with the cardboard can leak a little. 

Then, place them in the fridge/freezer to cool (about 30 minutes or so) OR you can place in them on the counter in a cool spot overnight. 

Once the wax has cooled completely, break apart the individual containers and voila!

You've made your own fire starters from recycled items around your home.

To use, simply light them when placed in your fireplace or fire ring with your wood. They can also be thrown into a dying fire to bring it back to life.

Now, get outside and spend the night out in nature!

Life's a Garden

...ya' dig?

Charlie's First Haircut

Hmmm...

Should I be worried?

We Graduated!!

And yes, I said "WE".

While it was most certainly Will earning his Bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture, it was a combined effort and sacrifice on both of our parts.

Each of us gave up a LOT to get to this point. 

Our children gave up a lot of time with their Dad to get to this point.

This degree was a family affair!

Friday's Commencement Ceremony was certainly a big celebration not only for the 4 of us, but also for mine and Will's families. We couldn't have gotten to this point without the help from my parents, his mom and grandma and my grandparents. 

They were the ones chipping in for groceries, helping pay a bill and listening to me grumble in utter exhaustion and stress overload for the past 4 years.

Will worked his tail off for his good grades (good enough to make the Dean's List several semesters) and the past 2 years has done all this getting by on little to no sleep. I worked my tail off at home, keeping our life going and taking care of these 2 boys as well as making sure Will was taken care of many days/weeks seemingly as a single parent because his courseload required SO much of his attention that he wouldn't be home or would be working all day and night long. 

It's worth it.

It's done.

And I couldn't be more proud of my husband.

His 'dirt and worms' cake.

It's pretty fitting for a graduating Landscape Architect, huh?

Pre-Awards Banquet

Will, his mom and grandmother in front of his senior Capstone project 

Will was awarded the "Plants and Environment" award as the most knowledgeable of plants and environmental considerations out of his senior class.

Pretty good stuff right there.

Tripp was fairly certain we was wearing this "fancy hat" to graduation.

Tripp and Cadence, precious cousins as always.

Big Family Picture Moment :)

YAY!!!

Congrats Will! I'm so proud of you and all your accomplishments. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you in your journey as a Landscape Architect!