Some Summer Fun-Vacation Pics!

We spent a week at the beach.  It was a good time.  The kids and the hubby seemed to have the most fun!  I took some pictures but, learned a great deal about temperature variations--like don't turn the thermostat down to 72 at the beach.  I think my camera got really angry with me because it fogged up and I couldn't get very many scenic shots which really frustrated me.  growl.

Okay so here are some cute one that I like. Okay so there are a LOT that I like. Scroll all the way to the bottom or you might actually miss some of the better shots.

The pictures of the grown ups.  

The Kids!

Walks on the beach:

What to do during a rainstorm?  Picture Time!

Some shots of down time:

The Scenic shots--wanted more to share but, have lots in my mind.

The man that I love most in the world.  The one that I would do anything for and will love for eternity. My favorite being.

The kids last night--:o)

We had a lot of fun and we enjoyed as much of the time together as we could.  The dinners were all really yummy and the company was really really good.  This time I spent as much time as I could doing instead of shooting.  Figured I needed some experience more than pictures.  My favorite memory. Boogie boarding in the storm waves with my husbear and the in-laws.  I remember thinking how nice it would have been to take pics of the gang in the waves--but my waterproof cam was dead. :o(

What Scarborough Looks Like On an Ordinary Day

Just some cool shots of our afternoon together.  I love my summer days with my kids.  They give me inspiration and joy.  They also make my struggle to be a better and more connected parent.  Either way, today was full of sweetness.  Here are the pictures of my creaturas.

Proof that they can play peacefully:o)

My best work so far.  

So far so good.  Great little people to grow.

Notice the brown pool water?  Guess who did that.

WATERMELON!!!! 

Okay so Pink didn't have watermelon in the shot but, I promise she ate plenty.  I had so much fun playing with my babies today.

Blessings from the Scarborough House ♥

Waterpark Fun!

We finally made it out to Schlitterbahn yesterday!  This is fabulous because it is supposed to be rainy for the remainder of the week here in southeast Texas.  It is not raining in my neighborhood but, from what I understand it is raining everywhere else.  I guess this is okay--I don't like floodwaters.

Back to the matter at hand.  My kiddos and I went with their Granny and cousin to the waterpark!  Lots of fun and really a nice time.  Everything was very expensive to buy there.  The really great thing is that they allow you to bring in coolers of food and drinks.  This is really the way to go.

Now I have to plan to take the kids again so that they can use their summer pass before it expires.  Once a week for the next few weeks?  Maybe--it costs me a whopping $40 every time because I don't have a season pass.

Some cutie patooties in the water.  I love my water proof camera but, I missed my big baby for the quick shots.

This was the best I could get with the slower processor but, I still like the memories that they give me.  My kids are all getting so big and grown.  I love to look at pictures and see them in action.  Just love it!  It makes me so happy to think I am raising these particular children.  My sister reminds me often how lucky I am to have three kids--I know she is right about that.

Growing Up

I haven't been photo journaling much lately but, I will again soon.  I took a few snaps of my kids on the last day of June.  I like everyday photos not just special occasion photos.  I also think, that I might like my lower zoom lens for home pictures but, anyway.

I really felt emotional when I saw this one.  Nothing much to it.  But, it is my son being himself -- thinking about something that is important to him.  I hope that I give him the tools to be happy and that I don't fail him when he really needs me.  He is growing up so fast for me.  I feel as though the last two years with him have just slipped through my fingers. 

He and I are very close lately. We have been very patient with each other lately; it is very nice. I ♥ Beef Jerky.  He is the best tickler and cuddler.  He is always makes me smile when he talks and tells me about his cool Lego creations.  I also get daily face melting updates (inside family joke). I like to hear him squeal with delight (outside).  I love that he invites me to the movies too.  He is a romantic. 

This moment will never happen again, and I may have intruded on something private. But, at least, when he sees this he will know I was there and never left his side. I am paying attention to him as much as the other two.

What's that smell Mom?

The kids were walking around 3 hours ago--what is that smell?  Are you cooking something?  Just finished up a batch of carnitas--they loved them!  Lipsmackin in the next room.  I am sure Daddy will love his taco tonight too!  Here they are naked -which is the way I like them.  Worth the 3 hours of cook time? You bet.

How to make these delicious medallions?

Carnitas Recipe:
3lbs pork roast
1 cup oj
3 cups water
salt to taste

1. Cut meat into strips or pieces.
2. Bring meat all liquids to a boil and lower to med/low to simmer for 2 hours uncovered.
3. Bring up to med/high heat for the last hour until liquid is gone and fat rendered (dissolved).
4. When the water dries up and the meat browns in the fat. They are done and tender and delicious.

How to make the flour tortillas?
1. Buy them at HEB.
2, Heat them on the comal (griddle).

The end.

Things That Make Happy

There are times when I don't feel happy and in fact, just completely sad.  But there are things that really always make me smile and warm my heart. There are more but, these always come to mind.

• newborns
• holding a child's hand
• holding a baby (any kind-even animals)
• sun on my eyelids
• the first time I feel my kids kick in the womb
• watching my husband's reaction when he meets our baby
• soil in my hands
• a good hair day
• chocolate cake
• the smell of rain
• the morning light
• the pink and purple sunset
• flowers
• eye contact with someone
• a hug
• old used books
• rhyming games with my kids
• a good bargain
• impromptu visits
• white cloth-clean and crisp
• a good hard drink
• a phone call from someone you miss
• when a baby kisses you
• a song that expresses your mood
• scalding hot showers
• thick carpet
• antique furniture
• killing flies
• driving by myself
• tiny things-miniatures
• diet coke so cold that it burns
• dolls
• offering comfort
• fairies
• rainbows
• cashmere 
• silk
• freshly cut grass
• hot strong coffee 
• handmade gifts
• beautiful eyebrows
• chocolate
• GOD

Beachy Fathers Day!

We made it to the beach just before Summer Solstice!  Whew...  We spent Father's Day at the beach with my kids and their daddy.  The water was clear, calm, and warm.  It was perfection.  I didn't get many pictures because I was actually in the water this time!  Can you believe it?  These are a few shots of the family minus me again:o( But, anyway, back to my Ode to Big Daddy.

Being a good father is not easy.  It pulls at you in every direction every day.  I am so happy and blessed to have a husband who is an excellent father to his children.  He is there for them when they need them, he plays with them when I can't, he brings home enough bacon for us to have more than we could ever need.  He does everything in his power to be a great dad.

But, it is not all fun for him either. He suffers the torture of watching his kids be in pain sometimes, he is stern with them when they need it, and he guides them in the right direction when they go off course.  He sees them fall and helps them back up--just like the best fathers do.

Happy Father's Day Big Daddy!

For your viewing pleasure:

Patience & Prayer

Six months ago, Julian fell victim to a very rare and debilitating disease.  Through many months of trials, tests, and prayer, he is healing. He has to go through physical therapy and speech therapy on a regular basis but, his functions are there and they are strong.  His body moves very well, his words are few and careful but, very clear.  He has also had a huge growth spurt!

Sometimes children get sick--really sick.  It is never God that does this.  God is the one that gives us the strength of patience, hope, and the will to heal. There are times when children can not be healed by human means.  This is a painful mystery to me and I am not sure I understand this "balance" very well.  But, I am thankful for the mercy that has been placed on those children as they return home to a place of comfort and joy. 

Thank you Lord, for giving Julian this strength to survive his illness. Thank for this tender mercy.

Guilty

Here is my guilty pleasure.  It is so sad, but,  I can not function well without my morning DC.  This is my silver bullet every morning (kills the scary werewolf that appears every morning regardless of the moon cycle).

Please don't make fun of the old out dated way that I highlight the color on Coke.  I like it, I think it looks neat, and I will keep using it as long as it makes me happy.  So what if it is totally PSE 4.0?...Have a Coke and a Smile. :o)

PONYO Soup!

How do you get kids to eat new foods?
#1--Be a GOOD cook.
#2--Interest.

Here they are EATING PONYO Soup!  Of course, they are watching Ponyo at the same time.  So maybe they are not so interested in the food.  But, they tried new stuff and really dug in!

What is PONYO Soup?
Ramen-Chicken Flavor, 1/2 boiled egg, sprig of green onion, and diced up ham.  Easy peasy!
Love it!

Last Day of School!

Today was a fun day.  We are really sad that our kids' teachers are both not returning next year.  But, they are both on to new and great things.  Mrs. Burris, Thank you so much for your patience and kind words of encouragement.  Ms. Callaway, Thank you so much for your guidance and encouragement.  My kids are all the better for knowing you.  When you move on, it is at a great loss to our school and district.

What a fun year at The Oaks Elementary.  Have a great summer everyone!  Now I have a 1st grader and 4th grader.  Wow! This year just flew by!