It is Beautiful Life Friday! My how time flies! One of my “beautiful life” goals for August was to reflect on contentment. While it has been a long time since we were able to take a real vacation together, my kids and I spent a lovely day yesterday being tourists in nearby towns.
It may not have been a week long vacation, but it was wonderful just the same. We had the best day ever visiting a wildlife preserve, enjoying the beauty of Hood Canal and ending the day in Port Townsend.
On the way back to the car at the end of the day, my three kids walked hand in hand down the side walk. Well, my girls walked. My son tends to hop or leap in the air. It was a rather ordinary sort of moment, but I have to tell you – I got completely choked up seeing them all together like that.
Seizing the opportunity, I grabbed my camera and snapped this photo. My girls will be heading off to college in a few weeks (and my oldest is married!) — these moments with all three kids just walking along having fun together are becoming more and more rare. Now I’m getting all teary again {reaches for tissue}.
It was a beautiful day, made even more special by this one moment. One moment, frozen in time — through both the image from my camera and the tender place in my heart where I have hidden the memory of this day.
Did you have any of those “freeze them in time” moments this week? Moments you found contentment in just being present and treasuring what you have?
Let’s share the beauty in what we found this week! Either leave a comment about how you found beauty or leave a link (directly to your beautiful life post!).
PS. Don’t forget to get your Fall posts ready, next week starting on September 2nd Fall Nesting Week returns!
Oh, and I am thrilled to announce the very LUCKY winner of the vintage grain sack from last week’s giveaway!
Ta dah…the winner is:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Please contact me with your mailing address!
photos: taken in Port Townsend, WA
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Building an “acorn pirate man” fort with my 7 year old grandson. We scoured the woods for wonderful fallen mossy sticks, feathers, leaves, even a huge non-poisonous mushroom. We had so much fun, even had an old ring box as a buried treasure, with a pearl, a bell (to warn of visiting pirates) and lots of other magical wonders. We had an oyster shell as a pond and candles to finish it off. Of course we made acorn men and women. It was so much fun, the only trouble is they grow up too fast! The grandsons, not the acorn men!
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That is a beautiful post! I have done the ‘tourist in my own town/province’ many times too and it makes you look at your surroundings with different eyes. ( I have been a tourist in Port Townsend too, great summer holiday memories!).
So great to see your children having such fun together and it didn’t even have to be Christmas (which is about the only time us five grownups spend time together, such a shame).
Marianne@songbirdisnesting´s last blog ..Three reasons why everybody should swap.
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“Treasuring what you have” Words I needed to hear. Thank you.
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I love it! That picture is precious, I say! Precious!
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Love your photo! Hope you have a beautiful weekend, Melissa.
Julia @ Hooked on Houses´s last blog ..Hooked on Tara’s Vintage Kitchen
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Love the photo and sentiment, Melissa! Happy Friday!
Emily@remodelingthislife´s last blog ..The Bathroom Makeover
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Oh Melissa,
I have a picture of my three walking
side by side that makes me feel the same way.
It was taken last year…I think, But I so love
to see them enjoying each others company.
This week the blessing was watching Chelsea care
for her brother after his wisdom teeth removal.
I didn’t ask, she just stepped in and did a great job.
Becky K.
Becky K.´s last blog ..It’s a Party Featuring …Roosters!
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I had more of a “I remember when he was that age” moment yesterday, seeing a toddler walking with his Mom. He was about 2 and chatting away while holding his bottle. I got a little teary myself after they passed and realized my little boy is 19.
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Hi Melissa,
Your photos say it all. What memories to treasure! It just goes all too fast. . .
Have a lovely day,
Debbykay @ Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm
Debbykay´s last blog ..Market Fresh Treasures
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I’ll be honest, I haven’t had a lot of those good moments lately. My hubby had a very important job that fell through AFTER he had already been replaced at his job, leaving him with no job at all. Instead of whining more about it, I just decided to CREATE joy. Today’s post is all about Faith and HOPE.
Songbirdtiff´s last blog ..Faith and HOPE
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In my blog I started a weekly “happy post”. Because it’s important to think often to our luck. An happy weekend to everyone.Alessandra
Alessandra´s last blog ..Friday Happy Post
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I love the photo of your kids, we really cherish those moments because time goes by so fast. Some of my favorite times are when the kids were little and I could still tuck them in at night. Now they are grown and I wonder where it all went. Have a beautiful weekend. We are off to Chicago to celebrate our son’s 21st birthday at Wrigley Field.
Hugs,
LeAnn:)
LeAnn´s last blog ..Our porch
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I too am treasuring these moments – my eldest started grammar school today, and my youngest starts primary school next week.
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What a nice post. I loved everything about it, especially the message … to find pleasure in the things you have! I loved the first photo of the garden – I would like to go there, and right away I recognized the 2009 Pantone color of the year – “Mimosa” in the California poppies! It jumped right out at me and I am blogging about this very color in the garden today. I also loved the photo of your kids. That truly is a mother’s gift, isn’t it? Lastly, I am thankful for a surprise lunch with a dear friend this week!
Pam Kersting´s last blog ..2009 Pantone Color of the Year in the Garden
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This happens nearly every morning as I’m walking out the door to go to work: my cat is stretched out, on her side, napping contentedly away and my dog (a big rottweiler/shepherd mix) is on the floor right below her, sleeping in the same position. This morning, as I heard the raining beating against the windows and turned and saw them in their familiar spots, I thought, “I am so blessed.” I know that happiness is based on happenings but blessings come from the Lord. And these days some of the “happenings” in my life aren’t that great, but the blessings overwhelm me.
Alice´s last blog ..Oh The OCDness Of It All
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I love the picture of your kids. The time just flys by, doesn’t it. They are babies, and then before you know it they are grown. My dd is off this morning helping to start a Bible study for young ladies. My youngest last year of school, and before you know it they will all be gone. I am so thankful to have a very sweet hubby who takes very good care of me. And for my children and how much fun we still have together. Treasure the days……….
Jocelyn´s last blog ..A chair re-do
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I had one of those moments last weekend. Sitting at the kitchen table, sun streaming in on a quiet Sunday morning. The kiddos, who are 3 1/2 years & 22 months old, had their paper & colors all spred out on the table. Each deep in thought & lost in thier own world. Watching them & absorbing every detail of that moment was beautiful. =]
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what a wonderful photo and a lovely memory to treasure….
children are God’s greatest blessing on earth~
chasity
the wild raspberry´s last blog ..A Fairy Tale
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My daughter, one and only child, moved out on her own early this year. She usually calls ahead when she’s on her way over because she needs something and wants to be sure I’m home. This past Wednesday though she just walked in the door in the middle of the day. She was early for work, which is nearer my home than hers, so stopped in just to say hi. We had a lovely visit and a snack in the kitchen and then off to work she went! It was a simple, wonderful surprise.
Such a nice post, Melissa. Thanks!
Tracy´s last blog ..Comfort Food Friday
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Love Port Townsend too and the entire Puget Sound area. Beautiful to see those homes up on top of the cliff when coming in via the ferry. We took day trips to Port Townsend when we lived on Whidbey Island 11 years ago. Your picture brought back nice memories. I purchased some antiques in the shop on the same block as your pic that are still special to me now. Don’t have kids to share your sentiment, but I understand the special moment. Please do more posts like this as you get to know the fabulous places in and around Puget Sound.
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One of my favorite posts- thanks
I have found that the older I get the better I get at “seizing” the moment. Wish I had learned that lesson earlier- So here’s to not looking back but making every day count- Joy in the journey, right =)?
teresa´s last blog ..Can it be that Hard?
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I love that your son and his two grown sisters aren’t too “cool” to hold hands and have fun together in public.
Rebekah´s last blog ..Boise and Girls Like You and Me
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I did have one of those moments this week. My DH and I spent the day together on Wed. cause it was my b-day. Went to a nearby town (where we have been MANY times) and shopped, had a late lunch and just enjoyed the day. And when we went to bed last night I looked at him and realized how lucky and blessed I am. We have been married for 41 1/2 years and still love each other so much. Even just sitting quietly together is wonderful sometimes….. Hugs, Pinky
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Oh boy, this one made me cry. Probably because I am sitting here, alone, because for the first time in fifteen years, I don’t have a child at home- they are all in school now. >sigh< Reminds me of that song: you’re gonna miss this. I’m glad you had that moment to embrace and celebrate.
gina´s last blog ..four fab Fall finds
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GREAT photo! I should’ve captured a moment like that last night! My youngest asked my oldest if he could sit by him at dinner and USUALLY that is NOT a good idea… but oldest said YES and they chatted NICELY all evening… it was a JOYFUL moment I will NEVER forget! The FIRST of many I hope!
ENJOY your weekend!
Fifi
Fifi Flowers´s last blog ..Rooftop Fashion Wrap Up…
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I believe that of all the gifts, contentment is the one that I’m the most thankful for. Thanks for sharing this glimpse at your lovely family. It would’ve choked me up, too.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last blog ..I Fold
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Melissa, I loved this post. Sometimes when my husband and our two girls and I are sitting at the dinner table, just talking and usually laughing, or watching a movie, or just walking together, I stop and think how precious that particular moment is. You are right to appreciate those times. If you have ever had a sudden tragedy occur in your life, you appreciate them even more. Thank you for the reminder.
On a technical note, I finally tried to join in the fun and add my link and I did it wrong – how do I go back in and edit it? sorry!
Ann´s last blog .."Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?" or "I Love My Town!"
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P.S. It links correctly from my comment but not from the list………..I need to change it on the list.
Ann´s last blog .."Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?" or "I Love My Town!"
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Melissa, such a great post and so true. Some of the best family moments are the ones that sort of sneak up on you. The everyday moments that are totally spontaneous. Kids grow up so fast, don’t they? It never ceases to amaze me.
Joanie´s last blog ..have you been to janet hill studio?
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My “moment” was the other evening. It was dusk. I was outside on the deck with the dogs. I saw something moving in one of my plants in the tall wrought iron planter. I looked closely, and this little grasshopper showed his head and jumped to an adjoining leaf. I marveled at his simple green beauty. I seized that moment, and thought to myself: this is what I live for. These small moments when nature makes me smile in the growing dark.
Brenda
Brenda Kula´s last blog ..A Crowing Tablescape
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Melissa,
I‘m happy your lovely family had such a fun day! Thank you for hosting this inspirational event it really is a beautiful life.
Cathy
The Stylish House´s last blog ..Sunflower Delight!
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I know mine will be gone very soon. Sad.
Puna´s last blog ..ʎɐpıɹɟ ɐɥolɐ ʎʞɐǝɹɟ oʇ ǝɯoɔlǝʍ
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Wow! It has been hitting me as well, how fast the years fly with children. When they are little it seems the days go on and on with so much required… and then they grow up!
Thanks for the reminder to love where you are at.
-Angela
Angela @ ImagineCozy´s last blog ..Unify Your Room with COLOR
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Oh, Melissa, I just love your post, and love the picture! Our oldest moved out a few weeks ago and our youngest starts high school after Labor Day. Time is just going by so quickly. I want to freeze so many moments! By the way, we were driving up near your Portland house a couple of weeks ago. Such a beautiful area!
Sheryl´s last blog ..Freeze Them In Time Moments
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I knew the minute I saw that picture, where you took it. I hope you went to Elevated ice cream. They make their own !!!! CLarice
clarice´s last blog ..Tasha Tudor Day, 2009
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yES ! I was making dinner, and my little girl came downstairs in her ‘wedding dress’ and told me she was getting married !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was just tooooooooo cute and I’m so happy I had my camera because I was taking photos for my dinner post !
COZY KITCHEN BY THE SEA´s last blog ..Penne with Tomatoes, Olives and Two Cheeses
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i have these moments almost everyday where there is a moment i want to capture and remember…for some reason i hear myself say “click” in my mind like i’m taking a picture…today my almost 3 yr old got the 8 yr old belly laughing over something weird (a fart maybe?) and they both did the hugest belly laughs with their faces close together and the sun coming thru the window was just perfect…makes me wish i had my camera connected to me 24/7. them being like that-so close and goofy just make me so happy-especially concidering they nitpick each other so often-this was a rare moment.
Amanda´s last blog ..~Our home~
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Melissa, There really is no place like home. I have also been feeling somewhat emotional about the kids moving on, with the oldest finished with college and on her own, my middle away in Vermont at college and my youngest starting his senior year of high school and driving now, it is all a little tough for me to take in. I guess what I am trying to say is that you are in good company over here…I understand.
♥, Susan
black eyed susans kitchen´s last blog ..PINK TEMPTATIONS
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I’m definitely getting more of those little moments as the years go by. Just had a chance to be at the lake with the 3 younger kids and really was counting my blessings to see them having so much fun together as a family
Tamara´s last blog ..What On Earth is a Kanban?!
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That is a beautiful post, seasons come and grow and our children grow, it is important to take the time to enjoy every little day.
Pearl Maple´s last blog ..Sky Watch Friday
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With no real vacation this year (Hubby just started the new job), we ended up doing things close to home. We did go to a borrowed beach house for 2 nights and day trips the rest. It was the 5 of us-my daughter (25) had come from the city, college son (21) and youngest son(15) . All together with minimal cell phone interuption spending time together talking and laughing. We are lucky and blessd that our children get along so well….I will keep these days in my heart, too. Loved your post!
~Nancy
Nancy´s last blog ..The Sewing Room Giveaway
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Oh, such a sweet wonderful memory. When we appreciate all we already have we are doubly blessed!
Gayle at Mountain Moma´s last blog ..Hometown Flowers
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I snapped my daughter enjoying the beach last weekend and it made me stop and “freeze” in the moment too. http://beachvintage.blogspot.com/2009/08/beach-frolic.html
Beach Vintage´s last blog ..Vintage Children’s Books
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Oh, Melissa, now you have me going.
The other night I wasn’t feeling well. My DS pats my arm and says, “Poor Mommy.” I asked him if he would like to pray for me. So our DS, 3yo, prays, “Dear Jesus, please come in our hearts and make Mommy feel better. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”
His first prayer (aside from Grace over meals)…here come the purple puddles again.
Precious moments, filled with grace, reflecting our Lord’s beautiful presence and love. Yet mere glimpses of eternity. Thank you, dear Melissa, for reminding us of the beauty that resonates through the Spirit.
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