Tulum Mayan Ruins, Cozumel Mexico

We finally arrive to our destination in the Mexican jungle. It's hot, humid, and absolutely gorgeous. Walking into a different world,  from a different time and culture when agriculture, religion and science meet is a magical experience. Did I mention it was hot & humid? This ancient Mayan city known as Tulum was at one time a thriving city of red stone set on a cliff by the aqua ocean surrounded by a city wall. There was only one gate that lead you through a narrow tunnel made of stone into this city. Palaces, temples, government buildings and family dwellings make up the architecture amidst the well planned gardens and pathways. Tulum was a very busy city of the past now enjoyed by tourists like my family and I.

Common settlers in the area now enjoy the ancient city.

My mom (Joan), sister (Amy), and me. Hot Babes!!!

This woman is so amazing. She is a fabulous example and an earthly angel. My mom.

Steps lead up to the Mayan temple. It's amazing how much still stands after so many years have gone by. The Mayan's were truly a very industrious, talented, hard working people.

It was really special to see these carvings on some of the buildings. I wish I knew what they meant. You can see some traces of red that used to cover all of the buildings. This city was known among travelers as the city of red. It would be so cool to be an explorer back in the day and come upon this city standing on the ocean cliff bathed in red.

There were archeologists amidst the ruins digging, securing, ect. Looked like a pretty cool job.

The gang. What a special experience this was for me to travel with my parents and sister for week. We made so many good memories. I'm so glad we took the time to spend just with us once again. Missing the little brother though of course!

A lot of gorgeousness! Can you imagine having this view from your town, maybe even your bedroom window? Sigh, sigh,sigh. There may be a move planned for the Bell family in the near future. I wonder how my family would feel about learning how to speak Spanish?

Feeling pretty hot & stinky here. That ocean sure is looking inviting right about now.

We ooohed an ahhed over this little baby tiger. I wasn't supposed to take any pictureswithout paying a sickly enormous fee, but I couldn't help myself. He was so stink' in cute! I wanted to bring him home as one of my adopted children so badly. His owner looked scary and my sister pointed out later he had scars on his face. Yikes!

It's beginning to look a bit like spring around our house...

My DIY kitchen chalkboard. I like to put different quotes
and our weekly menu on it.

I bought these cute little french egg cups in Oregon
last summer. Every time I see them I
think of the fun day my mom, sister, Lauren and I had antique shopping!

I found these spring blossoms along the side of a
country road one day when I took Landon to
a friends house. I had to be very sneaky getting them
and it was a lot of fun. I think they are perfect to bring a bit of spring indoors.

I made this wreath out of some fabric scraps that I had from
another project last spring. I like it on this old rustic ladder I also picked up at
an antique store here in town.

Can you tell I love chalkboards?
Here is one that I found in Canton a few years ago. I love to write
holiday greetings or just whatever suits my fancy on it.

A bird must  have made a little nest in this antique glass pedestal.
Decorating doesn't have to be overwhelming. I just like to add touches of the seasons
here and there amongst my ordinary every day things. It makes me happy & puts a smile on my face.

Eden Elizabeth

Nothing is more fun than to go outside and play in the leaves for Eden.
She's an eight year old that loves the outdoors and whenever has the chance will slip
outside without mom noticing and escape home school. It only brings a smile to this mama's lips
because I know exactly how she feels! I secretly love that she takes the time to do this and treasure her free spirit.

Her spirit is one of giving and unconditional love. She is the sweetest little lady I have ever
met and so innocent. She truly has a pure heart and asks her Heavenly Father every day,
"that we can only choose the good things and not the bad things."



Everyone Eden meets is a friend. Last year in school her classmates voted for her
to receive a special award that meant she was the most friendly, helpful, giving student in their class.
She is one of my best friends too.
 

I hope these little hands that are already growing so big will always be capable
of giving service to others selflessly.

Eden has so much potential to do good in this world and make a difference. She is witty.
She is smart. She is kind. She is generous. She is loving.
She is becoming more and more like her Savior every day.

I pray that her feet will lead her down the paths of
goodness and joy all the days of her life.

Signs of Fall around our house...

One of the ways I love to celebrate the seasons is
through decorating and taking pictures. Here are just a few of the signs of Fall around our house...

Tea Time

Since Lauren and my birthdays are only a day apart my mom thought it
would be fun to go to a tea room to celebrate.
Everything was so beautiful. The food, the atmosphere and most of all the company.
At first when the food came out I thought, there is no way I am going to get full on this. I was pleasantly surprised! The herbal teas were fun to try. I'm not a huge fan of tea, but my mom and the girls are.

All of us girls at the tea room in Redmond, Oregon.

This lemon shortbread was AMAZING!
It was all I could do from keeping myself from licking the plate.

 



Eden loving her herbal tea!

The owners of this tea room are from England, so this made it extra special.
She talked to us about how tea time started and we all loved hearing her accent. I could listen to her all day.

What sweet, beautiful girls I have. It was a beautiful day!
Thanks mom for this special experience.

The Birthday Girls

For my 38th birthday (I know I really don't look that old right?) we went with my parents to a lake that
my mom used to go to as alittle girl. It was so beautiful & we had fun trying to fish! The fish just wouldn't bite. The kids had fun driving the boat & it was a gorgeous day.



We are 30 years apart!



Just because we are getting old doesn't mean we can't have fun!" This is a great picture for our posterity.

Rob was so sweet & made my birthday cake. Emma, my mom, and Rob made my breakfast and I gor to eat it in bed. It was so awesome!



My darling Lauren on her 16th birthday! I can't believe we are already here!
The years have gone by so quickly. I remember 16 yrs. ago when Lauren was born the day after my birthday, she was so tiny and I thought this day would never come. She was the best birthday present ever!
This year she got a fantastic camera to help her enjoy and develop her photography talent!



The Bell kids
Eden 8, Emma 11, Landon 13, Lauren 16
WOW

Gorgeous sisters!

Three generations

These girls adore each other!

We had such wonderful birthdays and it was so special to be in Oregon with my parents! I am so proud of my Lauren and the kind hearted, selfless, charitable person she is. I love that our birthdays are so close together it makes it that more special!