Finding Joy Among Natural Beauty

August 14, 2020

Stress can be so tiresome. Sometimes I don't even know I'm carrying the weight of stress until I allow myself to be still, take deep breaths, and relax. That's when I feel the weight being lifted and that's a great reminder to remember to leave my worries at God's feet. Once I acknowledge this, I tend to feel lighter and less anxious. What also helps me to stop thinking of myself or whatever is troubling me is to be out in nature. 

On a Friday evening, after Jacob was off from work, we went to Owen's Beach in Tacoma. 

I took my book and read for a short bit while Jacob and Riley skipped rocks. 

It was a very warm evening which brought the bugs out, so we didn't stay too long.

The following day, Saturday, August 15, we left the house by mid morning. This time we went to the Woodland Park Rose Garden in Seattle. We visit this garden every summer. I love nature, flowers, trees and I'm glad Jacob also finds pleasure at the garden because of the roses. He specifically loves the most fragrant ones.  

It was warm, in the high 80's. 

This rose garden has an abundant variety of roses. It's quite pretty.

I like dahlias. They are so pretty. 

I think vines are so charming and wish I could have them growing on the side of my house, but I've read they can cause structural damage and attract pests. Too bad too because vines do have a special appeal when you see one growing on the side of the house or up a chimney. 

It would be awesome to have a backyard that looked like this. 

I don't know what type of rose this is, but I love the color. It's like a lavender. Very pretty.

After we walked around the entire rose garden we stopped at Paggliaci and got pizza to go. We ate it at a new park in Bellevue called Meydenbauer Bay Park. Just like any other park near water, it has beautiful views. 

This park sits on Lake Washington. How awesome to be able to launch your kayak right off your backyard. If I lived in one of those houses I would spend hours out there on the water. And not only that, one can stop at a marina and have lunch in one of the restaurants in the area. That would be a fun way to get around. 

Any outing that involves being out in nature either hiking, sightseeing or going on a casual walk fulfills me so much. 

Revel in the beauty and goodness of His creation. 

Enjoying the Last of Summer

August 2018
Once Riley's down for the night the one thing I enjoy doing is to watch my scary shows/movies and blog in a quiet relaxing setting. This is how I get inspired to blog. And I don't usually indulge in wine. It was left over from dinner.

Gotta take advantage of our season passes to the Woodland Zoo. Every time we go we take a different path, we go to different exhibits this way the visits aren't dull. This time we went to see these little rascals. Otters are cute. Did you know baby otters (or pups) stay with their mother until they are a year old? also, river otters don't breed until they're at least five years old.

This gorgeous blue heron was hanging out at the penguin exhibit hoping to snatch a few fish.

This girl doesn't hesitate to sit on my books. These were new purchases and I was about to start logging them onto my Goodreads tbr list when she just plopped down on them.

We take a drive out to Snoqualmie Falls about twice a year. It's usually crowded with tourists that's why we don't visit more often. The best time to see it though is during winter when it's at its fullest from all the rain ... of couse, it's pretty cold but fun. Perfect excuse to go for a peppermint white chocolate mocha afterwards.

Wanted to share this colorful dish that Jacob put together for us. Shrimp curry with jasmine rice. I'm not a big fan of curry but this was really good.

Took Riley to a local spray park. We came across a kid whose name was also Riley and his middle name was also James. I mean, what are the odds. The kids mom said that the middle name was taken from the paternal grandfather. Riley's middle name was also taken from his paternal grandfather. So so weird! Good thing the kids last name didn't start with a D.

She looks unimpressed by yet another picture but I wanted to point out her toes. Cats paws are the cutest even if their toesies are shaped kinda funny.

More visits by the water ... enjoying the beautiful scenery. Even on a cloudy August day.

I like listening to oldies. That's my dad's favorite music and now that I've been listening more Riley has learned a few songs. He even remembers the artist name, lol.

Jacob baked this yummy blackberry crumble dessert. It was delicious. Just looking at this made me crave it. I'm gonna ask him to bake it again.

You bet I was happy when I woke up and saw the sky. Gorgeous isn't it? Fall's just around the corner!!

May Happenings

May 1st, 2017 is the day we lost our littlest, Lincoln Grey. I was 9 weeks pregnant. Like with Reagan, I had Lincoln at home. I was able to bury Lincoln along with Reagan. As sad as I am to have lost both babies I find solace in knowing that they are together in heaven.
It is extraordinary how quickly a baby's body gets formed. So precious. We love you baby Lincoln.


Took a drive out to the Oregon Coast on the first weekend in May.

After stopping in Astoria for lunch we then drove towards Cannon Beach. So much beach to walk on. Riley had fun running around without a care in the world especially not caring about getting wet. One thing you must remember is that the weather along the PNW beaches is usually chilly. It's uncommon for the weather to be warm and without wind. Even during the summer months it calls for a light sweater or windbreaker. But, for people like us who enjoy overcast skies, weather like this doesn't irk us. Just gotta remember to dress in layers.

And while Jacob and Riley were having fun running around and digging holes I did a bit of reading. Thrillers are cool reads and sure makes time go by fast. I liked this one.

We renewed our membership at Woodland Park Zoo (along with the Seattle Aquarium). Being around animals and observing them is cathartic. Definitely gets your mind off yourself and puts all your attention on them. Animals are so interesting.
There's so many bushes with pretty blossoms and this Japanese Wisteria is gorgeous. I'm an observant person by nature so I take great pleasure in taking in all the beauty when I'm out and about especially during walks.

Sydna came along with us this time. Ever since she's been out of high school and busy with college and work we don't get to spend much time together outside our home. Riley enjoyed a piggy back ride. I'm pretty sure he just wanted her attention and asked for one because during our previous visits he never asks us for a piggy back ride. He was just in need of some love from his big sister. Cute.

Then his daddy took over ... after Sydna got tired. lol.

My favorite area in Seattle is the waterfront, hands down! I still have not gotten on the ferris wheel and honestly I don't think I want to ride it, like ever. I'm good with admiring it from a distance.

This sweet girl. I love it when she's curled up then when she stretches she extends her toesies then curls them back up. So cute!
We've had Sophie now for three years. She's got a sweet personality and the routines she's got with each one of us is adorable ... even the way she gets mad at Nathan when he tries to pick her up once she's ready for bed at night, she'll hiss at him, LOL! Nathan just scratches behind her ear and she reverts back to being loving. She is mostly a sweet girl.

The library I visit the most has pretty trees. I love how they were planted on mounds. It is sure appealing to the eye and these deciduous trees are gorgeous in Autumn. Ah, so pretty to look at. I sure love trees just as much as I love beaches with rock formations and clouds.

My son, the most affectionate out of the three. My sister got him this shirt and he likes wearing it. I'm personally a big fan of the group but I didn't get a shirt, lol.

We are grateful we live between Seattle and Tacoma so when we don't feel like driving to busy Seattle we opt for North Tacoma. It's so nice here and way less busy than Seattle, and the views are just as gorgeous. I'm glad it doesn't attract the young crowd. It usually attracts families (during the warmer months) and the thirty and older crowd the rest of the year.

Given that Ruston Way is a long stretch of road and it runs along the Puget Sound, it is constantly busy with pedestrians and cyclists. However, the ambiance is still very laid back.

My peony bushes were just gorgeous but I quickly learned that I need to add some support to them given that the peony is such a heavy flower. So I did a little bit of research and some people suggested that I place a round steel wire tomato cage on top of the stems for support before they start growing. This way each stem will grow inside the tomato cage and keep them upright. Live and learn.

It was so gratifying being able to cut a few and make a small bouquet all from my backyard. The peony is such a pretty flower.

This is our nighttime routine. As soon as I lay down she makes herself comfortable on the left side of me. The look on her face though. It's like she's saying, "Yes, did you want something?" I probably moved a little and she got annoyed. Ha ha!

Nathan took his written test for the driver's license and he passed it. Now he has some more driving practice to do before he's fully ready to go for his driving test ... even though he thought he was ready at the time of the written test. Yeah, I don't think so.

We have those times when we don't feel like being amongst the crowds so we opt for a somewhat long car ride. For this outing we decided to drive to Bainbridge Island by taking the long route through Tacoma into Gig Harbor, then Bremerton and driving into  Poulsbo then to Bainbridge Island. We do make some stops along the way. We usually stop in Poulsbo. I like to browse around at the cute shops, sometimes picking up a few things here and there then we head on to Sluys Poulsbo Bakery to pick up some delectable pastries. So many good ones to choose from, seriously.
After the bakery we drive onto Bainbridge Island and stop for pizza where they have a few arcade games that sucks Jacob and Riley right in. Perfect for me because I get time to myself and more than likely you'll find me reading a book.
Then we head towards the ferry landing that will take us into Seattle.

And while on the ferry I prefer to hang next to my car looking out at the Puget (that is, if we get to park along the outer isle).

So mesmerizing. Perfect views!!!

We headed back to Safeco Field. This time we brought the two older kids along. The food is a major reason to go to a sporting event. It is for our family.
Riley, this kid. I hope he never stops making silly faces. Sure makes us all laugh.

These were some of the things that occupied our time last May. So thankful and grateful for the blessings that God so graciously gives us. And also thankful to God for those challenging moments that have helped me grow and humbled me by not allowing my ego to get out of control.

Everything good and positive that broadens

my appreciation and appetite for life is my lifetime goal.