Rice Family Rock Tour 2014

I promised a review of our summer vacation, so here it goes - presenting the...

Rice Family Rock Tour

Our trip gained it's nickname from the dominant landscape that we encountered as we traveled through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. We usually take a portion of our vacation in the Rockies of Colorado, so these landscapes were an interesting change. I am not the best photographer, and some of these were taken from a moving vehicle, but maybe these will inspire your next road trip!

Mountains from Trinidad

Stunning views from our hotel in Trinidad, CO. We have made a point to stop in this town for several years - we love the architecture in the downtown area.

Dr. Seuss Rocks

Along Highway 12, west of Trinidad. For some reason when I see these rocks, I always think of the Rink-Rinker-Finks in the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think. And do you see the face?

Valley Views

A gorgeous valley view.

Twins

Twins :)

Moonscape

Hard to capture in a picture, but this area really felt like a moonscape. I was sure glad to see other cars on the road, because there was nothing else there!

Monument Valley View

Almost at Monument Valley.

Chevron Rocks

Chevron rock colorations :)

Classic Monument Valley

And the classic Monument Valley picture. We stayed the next few days in Flagstaff, AZ, which gave us easy access to our goal - the Grand Canyon...

Grand Canyon 1

Pictures can not adequately capture the enormity of this place - it literally took my breath away! Lots of places you cannot see the bottom from the trails along the edge, and it just goes on for as far as you can see.

Grand Canyon 2

Grand Canyon 3

The next day we took a little trip to Sedona, AZ...

Sedona Panorama

The best views are from the airport - this is a panoramic shot from there (I wish I would have remembered this feature on my camera when we were at the Grand Canyon!).

Turquoise Trail

Then we took a side trip down the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque, NM to Santa Fe, NM. I highly recommend this route over taking the interstate highway! And if you are looking for turquoise jewelry, you must stop at the Gypsy Gem in Madrid. She mines some of the turquoise herself, and teaches the skills to kids who live in the area; she knows her stuff! I found some great pieces there. Another must-see (which I did not get a picture of) is Weasel & Fitz: Purveyors of Curious Thangs. Our youngest is very proud of the recycled inner tube wallet that he found there, and I almost came home with a license plate lampshade - very cool stuff!

Santa Fe Architecture

And then we got to Santa Fe. LOVE this city! The architecture, the atmosphere, the history, all definitely worth the trip. We will be back!

Santa Fe House

This is a view from a drive up to a ski area. I love the layers of mountains you can see from up there!

Santa Fe View

These buddies came along for the ride...

Beagle

Chihuahua

And this guy, too - trip-planner and driver extraordinaire :)

The Professor

Proof that I was there...

Me

And, of course, the boys. They are pretty good travelers (3000 miles and no DVDs needed!), but this was a pretty sweet sight at the end of the day :)

End of the Day

It was a pretty amazing trip - 3000 miles and 5 states in 11 days. And I love that the boys are old enough to enjoy and remember these adventures. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a circus, especially because we bring the dogs, but it is so worth it :)

Heaven

And the icing on the cake, for me in particular, was our little stop in Abilene on the way home. Camille and I met online awhile back, and quickly discovered we had a lot in common (including both having professor husbands!). She and her family graciously made time for us to come by for a visit in-real-life. Such a sweet time; she is as gracious and welcoming as you would imagine from her blog. If you happen to need a place to stay in Abilene, you must see if their little B&B is available. And if you need a little (or a lot!) of decorating advice, she is your girl - truly lovely style executed in a very down-to-earth, liveable way. Thank-you, Camille!

So, now we are home and I am getting back to slipcovers and getting all my boys ready to go back to school. And dreaming of our next little family adventure...

Sherri

Joy in the Fog

August Blues - Walking to School

April is Autism Awareness Month, and if you have been following for awhile, you know that our oldest has autism. He is one of the now 1 in 68 kids (and 1 in 42 boys!) who is given this diagnosis.

I caught this picture the other morning, on our way to school. I LOVE that every morning, our oldest skips/runs all the way to school. We have to remind him to slow down and check for traffic, etc., but really, that is SOO much better than having to fight to get him out the door. He really enjoys school and we have been blessed with a great school for him to go to.

But, I love this picture because it represents a little of what this journey is like for our family. There is fog, lots of  unknowns; and some days are foggier than others. But, there is also MUCH joy. Some days we have to fight for it (it's why I keep a list), and some days it's right there in front of us for the taking. But, isn't that what all of life is like?

So, I say my piece for Autism Awareness... because with numbers like that, you and your kids will encounter kids and adults who are on the spectrum. I was trying to put into words what I would like Autism Awareness to mean, and then I read what Kalyn Falk wrote and thought I would share her words instead...

"This is what I propose: On April 2nd, can we make two promises?

First, that we won’t pity people with autism or parents of those people. Because pity is the twin sister of hatred. It keeps a wedge between us and, trust me, it doesn’t help you see the beauty and gift that each person with autism has to offer and it doesn’t dignify that person or their parents. Curiosity, care and enjoyment might be better ways to go.

Second, could we declare April 2nd to be one day where we don’t talk about cures, vaccines, miracles or supplements? We just need one day when other people can simply accept the fact that autism exists and that the first goal should not be about how to eradicate it. As Temple Grandin, chief spokesperson for autistic people everywhere, suggests, without autism, there would be no electricity, no computers, no brilliant mathematicians or artists. Without autism, we’d be one big episode of Big Brother, where all people do is play a social game and not accomplish anything. So instead of trying to vilify autism and suggest ways that I can work harder at curing my child, would you instead like to buy my kid a Slurpee or take him out for a cheeseburger or (if you’re too scared to spend time with him) buy a gift to celebrate a parent or person who works with someone with autism?

The promise I can make in return is to remember that Autism isn’t the only thing I need to be aware of. Even though my world is coloured by this particular word, I can promise to remember that you may have a word that colours your world, and I will try to be curious and caring about that."

from “Mother of the Year and Other Elusive Awards: Misadventures in Autism," by Kalyn Falk (you can follow her here, too)

Enough said.

Sherri

P.S. A couple of links if you want more information:

• 10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew.
• a great descriptive video from the Dutch Autism Association
• And more of our story is here and here.

Friday Five

Well, hello again! It looks like it has been a couple of weeks (!) since I have posted, so it's time for a Friday Five, or something... I've been keeping busy, so here are a few peeks ;)

1. My new sewing space went from this...

August Blues - Playroom Before

... to this!

August Blues - Playroom During

Well, that's an "in process" picture, but you can get the idea. And I am loving it - it's bright and clean and easy to work in (and the new color is Benjamin Moore Ivory White). The best part? It was a family affair...

August Blues - Family Affair

Complete room tour to come (and, yes, the boys will still have a place to play) ...

2. I have been doing a little of this...

August Blues - Baskets

...and this...

August Blues - Pegboard

(comes with rearranging several rooms in the house at the same time)

3. This made it's way into my new office space...

August Blues - Desk

4. I got this project finished and delivered...

August Blues - Rocking Chair Cushions

(and I'm a little excited because I haven't had my coffee yet, but I was able to figure out how to make this collage!)

5. And last but not least, I got this beauty! If you follow me on Facebook, you will have already seen her (yes, I decided in this house of boys, I need as much girl power as I can get!), but I am still working on finding a name for her - ideas?

August Blues - New Juki

My next slipcover project is underway (white with pleats and piping) - I am thankful to be busy :)

Have a great weekend!

Sherri

Friday!

Just popping in to say that I'm still here :) It's been a busy week, getting back into our school routine...

Boys Walking to School

...and sewing as much as possible. Oh, and dreaming of a little rearranging to carve out a bigger sewing area and desk/computer space (I found a desk on Craigslist this week - I can't wait to get the space set up!) ;)

Have a great long weekend!

Sherri

Friday Five

Hi! I can't believe it's the middle of August already! 10 days until the boys go back to school and regular routine can resume - can I get an "Amen" to that?? Thankfully, this morning the boys are happily playing (and hopefully they are sufficiently motivated by the possibility of Beth Marie's ice cream this afternoon to continue!), so it's time for another Friday Five...

1. Heavy on my mind is my cousin who is having brain surgery in Montreal this morning - praying for her and her family and the surgeons!

Update: her surgery went well; now praying for a speedy recovery.

2. I have been working on this project this week. It's definitely more difficult to get things done with both boys at home (especially since D does not really like the sounds of the sewing machine!), but it's coming along...

August Blues - Floral Ottoman

3. Speaking of sewing machines, I am seriously thinking of upgrading my machine to an industrial walking foot machine - any advice??

4. Yesterday, the Professor took D for a car ride and D brought these in when they got home - he picked them out and I would say he has pretty good taste in flowers :) Aren't they pretty?

August Blues - Rose Bouquet

5. This arrived for D the other day - so excited!!!

August Blues - Snug Vest

You  can read more about the Snug Vest here. I was excited when I found out about it; then we entered a contest to win one. We didn't win, but were offered a vest at half price. Friends had offered to help us to get one for him, so we did a Go Fund Me campaign and, MANY thanks to generous friends and family, were able to get one! Now to get him to try it long enough to feel the benefits :P

So, how are you spending these last few days of summer (here in Texas we will have summer for awhile yet...)? Are you starting to think of fall?

Happy weekend!

Sherri

Friday Five

Happy Friday! I hope your week was good and your weekend promises to be even better :) Well, I worked on the fireplace yesterday, but you'll have to read to the end to see the "after"  ;)

1. We made it through our first official week of summer vacation! The boys had two days of day camp (awesome!) and we managed to fill up the rest of the time with trips to the park, therapy appointments, errands, a playdate, and some down time.

2. My favorite product of the summer so far? Sunscreen stick - have you tried it? Not very exciting, but if you are a mom, I'm sure you'll understand. It's probably been around for awhile (I'm a little slow). It just works so great for the boys!

3. Ok, I have two favorite new products ;)  Have you tried Tazo Decaf Chai Latte concentrate? I found a carton at Kroger (apparently it's also at Starbucks) and, wow - it makes a delicious drink! A great treat without leaving home :)

4. I got brave and joined my first linky party yesterday - check it out here!

5. Ok, here is the fireplace after (check out the before here)...

August Blues - Fireplace After

I basically used the technique she describes here, and I'll give more step-by-step details another time :)  We all like it much better! Now the mantel really looks not-quite-right (and we'll have to do something with the black hole), but we'll live with it for awhile so we can figure out what kind of mantel we want.

And the fabric for my next project arrived yesterday, so it's sewing time!

Do you have any projects for this weekend?

Sherri

Friday Five

Happy Friday! How has your week been? Our week has had it's usual ups and downs and somehow it felt like a hard week, so we are glad it's Friday :)

I was inspired by this picture I found on Pinterest...

Plates (Matthew Mead)

Source

... to capture a few blue and white images around our home ('cause you know I just can't get enough blue and white!).

1. These books often find their way onto our mantel...

August Blues - Books

...because they belong to my husband and they are small, vintage, blue, and add just the right touch of "boy" to our decor (Note to self: see if I can find some more!). The glass mosaic candle holder came from Big Lots a few years ago.

2. This is in our youngest's room...

AUgust Blues - Boy Room

Two-tone blue paint job with molding in between. The picture was a happy find in the As Is section of our local IKEA - $0.25 for not one but two of these fun vehicle pictures (frames I had already)! You just never know what you will find...

3. This pitcher came from Target a long time ago...

August Blues - Pitcher

... back when we still lived in Canada and every trip to the U.S. included a stop at Target :)

4. This is in our ensuite bathroom.

August Blues - Frame and Plate

The plate is from my collection. The frame lost its glass years ago, so it got a coat of white spray paint. Note to self: don't use satin finish paint on a textured wall (and don't get me started on the issue of textured walls)!

5. Just keeping it real...

August Blues - Laundry Room

Yes, there is even blue and white in the laundry room - nope, this was not staged, these happen to be the shirts that are waiting to be ironed. The walls are striped - just waiting for some beadboard for the bottom half of the walls and then I can show you the rest of it :)

And I got through that whole post without any pictures of blue-and-white slipcovers or pillows :)

Do you have a favorite color combination? Do you use it in your home, or is it more likely to be found in your closet?

Have a great weekend!

Sherri

It's a Saturday Six (?)

Well, this was supposed to be a Friday Five, but yesterday was kind of a full day, so I'll do it today :) Here is how the week went... 1. Monday we spent the morning visiting the neurodevelopmental optometrist with our oldest and found out how much vision therapy could cost :( I guess we have some decisions to make. But we also learned that his prism lenses have done their job and he is no longer required to wear them.

2. Tuesday, my Mom and I got to deliver and install six dining room chair slipcovers. Here is a sneak peak...

August Blues - Dining Chair

The client was happy :)  And we got to take home another chair and fabric for the next project.

3. Wednesday was a catch-up day - laundry, errands, prep the sewing room for the next project, etc. Ever need days like that?

4.Thursday I made 20 yards of white piping and brainstormed ideas for these next chairs. And, since all work and no play is no fun, Mom and I visited The DIME Store - I found the cutest mushroom pincushion...

August Blues - Mushroom Pincushion

... and Mom got a feather print like mine. Then we went to Scrap Denton and I was able to donate a large bag of my fabric and batting scraps - woohoo!

5. Friday was kindergarten field trip day - we spent an enjoyable few hours at the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainsville. If you are in the area and have littles, it is really worth the trip! The best part (besides hanging out with my youngest) was the blue-tongue skink that they showed off during the program - those were my Mom's nemesis during our time in Australia all those years ago, so it was fun to see one again (picture here)!

Then, the evening was date night! The best part about that (besides hanging out with the Professor, without the boys in tow) was discovering that our local Fuddruckers now carries the Napa Valley Salad :)  Have you had it? I first tried it 4 or 5 years ago in Great Falls, MT and have been WAITING for it to be available here.

6. And now we come to Saturday... Our youngest was supposed to have soccer pictures, practice and a game this morning, but he has come down with something "coldish", so we stayed home. And truthfully, I don't think anyone minded. We love to watch him play...

August Blues - Soccer

... but our last few Saturdays have been very busy, so it has been great to have a more relaxed day to get caught up (and write blog posts!).

We have really been enjoying having my parents here from Canada for a visit  - the boys like to share their stories with them and we love the company and extra hands :) How has your week been?

Happy Saturday evening!

Sherri