Saturday, March 1, 2014

Family time.

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Last week Clint and I returned from a trip to California.  We love being able to take the kids on these family vacations, we feel they are so important for us to keep our family close.  This was a trip full of discovery for the kids.  They have been to the beach before, but this is the first time I have been a relaxed mom.  Noah is finally old enough that I am not spending my time being anxious that he will run away from me.  I felt more relaxed and the kids had a better time, I think.

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It is these moments that make all the crazy times so worth it.  Nothing makes us happier than seeing our kids playing together and getting along.  Seriously.

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Noah was a little nervous of the cold waves at first and clung to my leg.  I wish he wouldn't grow up, but I promise to cherish each moment.

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We were able to watch the sunset one evening while we were there.  It was beautiful.  I never feel more at peace with life and with God, then I do watching a sunset.


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This pelican was a champ and posed perfectly for me at the pier in Oceanside.  I love this picture.

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These people are what make my life perfect.  I am so thankful for each one of them.

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We had a great time watching the waves come in.  The surfers were fun to watch too.

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I am so thankful that I can capture these moments.

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I could just squeeze him...and I do!

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I spent my time capturing the moments behind my camera.  It was a great time.

So, as you can see, I am not getting as much quilting done as I would like.  I have added in teaching this year, so I am feeling a little stretched right now.  But, I try to keep a balance so that my priorities are never mixed up.  God, family, quilting - that's how I roll.  I do have a quilt on the frames and here is a sneak peek.  I hope to get it finished in the next couple of weeks. I hope you like it!

Gwen Sneak Peek 

One more thing, for my Canada friends - Matt and Bradie Sparrow convinced me of the need to extend my stay to Sparrow Studios in April, so we have added one more retreat for April 14th & 15th.  There are only a few spots left so be quick about signing up and I will see you in a few short weeks!

Have a great weekend everyone! 


12 comments:

Auntie Pami said...

Family times like this are my favorite memories. Keep doing it.

Karee said...

Girl, have fun! You are not losing any creative juices by playing with your family. And please do not try to make up for "lost" when you return home. Family first!

Kate C said...

So glad you had a nice getaway with the family...always the best! Thanks for sharing!

Kris said...

Nothing better than family time - unless it is at the beach!! Looks like you all had a wonderful time!!

Kelly L said...

So glad you had a fun time in Oceanside. We are lucky enough to have a "winter" home here. The beaches here are very kid friendly, and the pier is awesome. Never feel guilty for putting your famiy first!

Jenny said...

Beautiful pictures of you family. I'm so glad you got to spend time with them!

Rebecca said...

You certainly timed your visit well. Friday we got an actual winter storm! Glad you had weather on your side, had good family time, and got some beautiful pictures.

Carmen y Prady said...

Que maravilla de familia, y que maravillosas fotos.
Un beso

Barb Neiwert said...

What a fun time for your family! I've been on that dock - fun, fun! Your sneak peak is gorgeous....waiting for the full finish.

Anonymous said...

Judi, I just got your new book! It is great some of the information in it has help me. I haven't had the time to read it all but I will in the next couple of days. I am just getting started on my mid arm on a frame, I know a long arm would be better, at the end of the year am getting one. Love the pictures. Thanks lorie

Dara said...

You have no idea how excited I am that you extended your teaching days because I can finally meet you and learn from you! I was third on a waiting list and when I found out I could get in I was thrilled. I have been following your blog and your business for so long. You inspired me to get my first long arm. I didn't have it for too long as I decided to have baby #5 and I knew the longarm would be sorely neglected. I am now pursuing the purchase of another. Taking your class couldn't of come at a better time.

I Quilt for Fun said...

Oh my goodness. I think you must have a Kim McLean quilt on your frame. Lollypop? I am knee deep in piecing/appliquing a Lollypop and it's impossible to find many that have close up of quilting. I hope I hope I hope that's what you're doing your magic on. NO one does it like you!