St. Thomas III - Sapphire Beach

Right now I am very sunburned and listening to the pitter pat of tropical rain. M & E are playing basketball in the pool. D is in the tub.

Yesterday we went to Magen's Bay. It was the most pristine white sand beach I have ever been to. We had the entire beach to ourselves.

Today we did not know where the wind would take us. The kids wanted to go to the pool, but a gentleman intercepted us and told us we really should try Sapphire Beach. Every time we visit a beach they get better and better.
The snorkeling here is unbelievable! Hubby and I followed a huge sea turtle for about 20 minutes. D and hubby saw a baracuda and a sting ray. I watched a school of squid, there were about 100 of them. Amazing!
E has been snorkeling since two years old. Her daddy was always holding out for her to SCUBA DIVE with him someday. This trip she has been saying "ewww, gross!" a lot! She sure is growing up. Have you seen that cruise commercial where the daughter rarely smiles? Well, we feel like we are in that commercial!!!!

Last September my sister and I went ziplining in Kauai. Ever since then, I wanted to Parasail. Despite my fear of heights, TODAY WAS THE DAY! D and I went up first. Absolutely amazing views of all the islands at 400 FEET HIGH!
D was not even scared! It was so calm and peaceful up there. The aqua water colors were unforgettable! At the end they dipped us into the water oh-so-gently and then we landed, standing up right on the boat. So Fun!
Next it was E and Hubby's turn! They had a blast too! You should totally try it when you have the chance!

St. Thomas II- Hurricane Ike

I appreciate so many of you who have been worried about the hurricanes down here. WE ARE IN NO DANGER WHATSOEVER! As a matter of fact, check these pictures out below to see how perfect the weather is. We are nowhere near IKE!

Above is a shot of Magen's Bay. We have not been here yet, but were at "Drake's Seat" checking it out. Before we went off track, E. chose Sr. Francis Drake (one of my ancestors) for her explorer report. He is famous here as being one of the first Pirate's of the Caribbean.

Above is D snorkeling at Coki Beach. If you look closely you can see all of the fish in the front of the picture. This is not a pool, this is the ocean people!

Yesterday was a great day at the beach!

St. Thomas I

After a loooong day of travel, it was so worth it!

We are staying at the Marriott Frenchman's Cove. Our room has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a living room. The location and view is a dream. It will be hard to leave with all the comforts of home, including our Wii (just in case of bad weather) ;)

Day one- spent most of the day relaxing by the pool here. The waterslide was a blast and the giant iguanas were entertainment for D. I had brought a suitcase of food, but we hit the store for the parishables. Our goal is to only eat out once a day. I am up to the challenge! Off for a day of snorkeling! Hubby is intching to get to the beach!

~Off We GO!~

I will be back in two weeks!

Motherhood

When I began my blog it was just to inspire and be inspired in the area of home and design. Boy, have things changed. There are so many more opportunities for inspiration in life!

My sweet E has had an emotional week. As a mother, my heart is full when hers is full and it breaks when hers breaks.

She had her first big friend issue. It is so hard to sit by and watch all the pain that I remember oh-so-well.

This morning she woke up to some sad news. A girl E's age has died in a car accident. They were friends through blogging, but as you know, sometimes those who don't "know us" become our closest confidantes. Our prayers are with her family and the wonderful Jan and Mattie. We love you!

The blogging world is just incredible. I am still, daily, witnessing the miracles of Nie's recovery and all the generosity of bloggers all over the world. I know this little girl will have prayers from all over the world too. I am so grateful for this.

A Bookshelf Make♥over

The aqua room is put back together, however I have wanted to do a bookshelf makeover also! With a pile of "donation books" on the floor, I sought out to find inspiration for my blank canvas. Below is what I found. Each has great qualities, I just did not find that "I have to try that" image. Let me know if you have one!

Martha Stewart- Adorable "bookshelf armoire". Definately one to tuck away for a future project. Love the inside color.

Martha Stewart- It is quite "the thing" to paint the inside a different color. For mine, since this inside color is-in-fact- the wall color I used I will skip it. I am really looking for book arrangement and how to showcase picture frames, and doo-dads. Not finding it yet.

Martha Stewart- What can I say? When you seek out inspiration- you go to Martha! Check out that floor! If they can do it on the floor, I can do it on my walls! All books, no doo-dads. But I do so love the jar of rocks!

Martha Stewart- Ahhh, finally some ways to balance items and books. However, not too inspiring.

Real Simple Magazine- The first picture that made my heart go pitter pat. Is it the aqua and white combo? Love the boxes. Love the creamware. My books are not all cream though. Still some good visaul stimulation.

I will keep searching. If you would like to help, email me your bookshelf or a picture of one you find particularly inspiring!

A Grateful Heart

My heart is full of gratitude. Here is why.