Rainy Evening Thoughts....

The children and my very tired husband are asleep now and I'm sitting here knitting to a very gentle rain.

And I'm just thinking about all that has happened in my world recently. My own little household, nothing major, the beginning of the change of seasons, the end of summer gardening and beginning of a bit of fall gardening, 1st grade starting for Big Sister and with that, only one more year before Little Brother will begin school.

My thoughts tend to lead back to myself, at the end of the day, I'm full of gratitude for these blessings, yet sometimes there's a good deal of regret, I wish I had more patience, was sweeter to my husband.

I'm thinking about the little one that I'm knitting for, (a friend's baby) coming so soon to this world.

And how my own were little not too long ago. Newborns, completely taking over my life and leaving little socks and blankets and hats littering the halls.

There's a hurricane happening right now just a few hours away - I'm praying for those caught in it.

The earthquake was interesting, a reminder that I don't really have as much control over my life as I like to believe. 

At the end of my day....  I want,

 less regret.

More living in the present, more joy. 

Because it's out there for the taking.

Life really is beautiful.

Vintage Armoire

My daughter's room is coming together very slowly. The walls are painted and that's about it.

I did, however, find this little armoire on craigslist.

It was so exactly what I wanted. And that doesn't happen too often.

Her closet is tiny and now we can spread her clothes out.

I adore the look of all the little girl dresses in there.

Now, to get the rest of the room put back together!

Back to School Photo Shoot

We've been shopping and having such fun getting her ready for school.

It's hard to believe summer is almost gone and she's starting 1st grade next week.

Now this is fun for me, finding a few props and trying to get some good shots.

She did all the posing herself, some of it made me laugh, but it was also sweet.

She's growing up so fast...

Maybe my favorite.

The matching nightgowns made her day.

Six Years Old

Just a few pictures from the party :

 Twirls and Curls.

She looked so cute in her curls, too bad they slid out in about 15 minutes.

The pinata was a hit! For real. Little Brother did an awesome job holding the rope.

 Lots of fun, crafty type gifts!

The ice cream cake was great!

One happy, tired little girl.

Up and Running

It looks as if my computer has decided to behave itself. Hooray!!

The following photos are a random sample of summer living here at Cass House :

Starting a knitting project....

A few of the wreaths my little nephew made for me the other day, so talented!

I babysat my neice and nephews while my brother took down a huge tree for my neighbor.

It's a dangerous job, but he makes it look easy.

We're rich in eggs....

and tomatoes...

and blackberries! Though the blackberries are almost done.

This sunflower surprised us and came up all on it's own this year.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie :

Blackberries

Peaches

Bananas

Strawberry Yogurt

Ice

And I may have added some milk, I'm not sure.

 Oatmeal raisin cookies, yum!

And Mango Salsa.

There are probably more sophisticated versions out there but this works for me.

Mango

Roma Tomatoes

Red Onion

Green Pepper

Cilantro

Fresh Lime Juice

Coarse Salt


We have been abundantly blessed.

I'm so thankful for my family and the opportunity to share a small part of our life with you.

Well, now I feel a little bit caught up! If you are still reading at the end of this very long post, thanks so much! I appreciate each and every one of you!