Sunday Afternoon

A few Sundays ago we ventured to a more historic spot and had a bit of a walk -- we'd discovered a little neighborhood packed to the brim with unique homes of various styles, and decided it warranted closer inspection.

Such a lovely, lovely day. Flowers blooming at every turn.

So much ivy! I remember seeing ivy in Florida, but the profusion of it here is really quite magnificent.

Some of the homes were amazing -- I loved that several of them had "doors within doors," like the one below. I'm still not quite sure of the purpose of having two sets of fronts doors, but it's charming!

Little Man and Rosa were quite find of the local footbridge -- Laddie also had a lovely time studying the backs of his eyelids while ensconced in the Bugaboo. Too bad he's still too young to appreciate or remember our time here!

One of the best things was peeking into the little courtyards and glades dotted around the neighborhood -- though I do always feel awkward taking pictures, as it must look like I'm casing the joint!

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It's hydrangea season now, and I'm loving the variety of colors and species. Hydrangeas have long been a favorite of mine.

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Stella D'oro lilies always remind me of my father, because he planted them in front of our house years ago. I do love that flowers can carry such associations -- not only are they beautiful, but they also evoke memories.

The trees have been quite creative in making space for themselves, resorting to unique root patterns wherever they can fit them in. The whole neighborhood was shaded with mature trees. 

As we walked along, we were greeted by various people -- some on their front porches, some in their yards. A little cluster of neighbors had gathered on the sidewalk and were chatting as we passed by. "Oh, you left your dish at my house last night!" said someone. Visions of neighborly dinner parties flitted through my mind, leaving a most pleasing sensation.

We didn't quite finish exploring, so we'll be back another time. And perhaps a time after that, too.

Sparks

It seems like Little Man's mind is a flint, and everything around him is steel. Every time he rubs shoulders with the marvels of the every-day, there are Sparks. Showers of sparks, igniting his curiosity and his growing font of knowledge.

And there are so many wonders. Like birds' nests, hiding in the shrubbery.

 Marvels of ingenuity and resourcefulness, carefully crafted by our little feathered friends.

Wonders like our tiny back deck "garden" -- a little collection of herbs and a solitary pepper plant. Oh, how he loves to tend those plants with his minute watering can! I can't wait until the peppers start to come, and we can watch them ripen. We've kept things to a minimum knowing that we'll only be here a brief time, but I'm hoping we can start a larger garden on Guam!

Wonders like the written word. He's been ready for a while (we probably could have started in Florida), but I knew it would be best to wait until we were settled here and had a chance at consistency. I'm using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons -- the very same book that my mother used to teach me years ago!

If you've never taught a child to read, I highly recommend you find a child and get started! It's such a remarkable, indescribable feeling. Little Man has been eating it up, and surprising me with how neatly he forms most of his letters. We're 1/3 of the way through, and we both delight in our daily lesson -- especially the little stories at the end of each lesson. The dry-erase board, by the way, is from Dollar Tree. So basically, teaching my son one of life's most important skills cost about $15.

Seeing Little Man's mind ablaze with wonder excites me as we ease into more formal education -- I know there will be challenges along the way, but it is such a privilege to share the wonders of God's creation with my children.

Summer Frocks

Too much fabric?

Check.

A little girl who needs some summer clothes?

Check.

An excuse to sew?

Yes, please!

Admittedly, Rosa wasn't in desperate need of new clothes. But a new tunic and blouse have been quite handy! The former was made up as an Izzy -- of course. I do love that pattern, you know.

I lined it with pink striped cotton, because I didn't have enough of the floral fabric. I'm actually glad it turned out that way, because I love the contrast.

And a snap in the back to close it up -- partly because I was too lazy to do a buttonhole. Though by the time I'd gathered up all the snap supplies, a hammer, and my scrap 2x4 (for setting the snap), I probably could have made several buttonholes!

The other top is perfect for summer. I purchased the fabric before Rosa was born, I believe, and originally intended it for an entirely different garment. But it was time for it to be used, and an airy little peasant top seemed perfect. Actually, it started out as a dress -- but you know when you make something and you realize the fabric isn't right? Fortunately, shortening it was solution, and here it is!

A little checkered ribbon at the neckline, and it was all set. Oh, I used this peasant dress pattern, though I seem to recall altering the flutter sleeves to make them a little wider. 

Both of these were made assembly-line style, because I actually made a second set in a smaller size as a gift. Hopefully the little one they were made for will like hers as much as Rosa does! In fact, the cherry top was specifically requested this morning.

Fabric used up, sewing itch scratched, and a daughter who loves to wear something I made for her. I can go with that.