blankets

The girls have been asking to be wrapped up in blankets as they read their stories.  I don't keep the house that cold, but I guess they like to snuggle.  It is a little thing that brings a lot of comfort, I like being able to bless them in small ways.  Hope you have a great day!

hide and seek

The girls have been playing hide and seek since their Aunt Sarah came to visit.  They are so funny. Mollie will "hide" on the rug in front of the door and Betsy walks around "counting" with her hands over her eyes. They don't get the concepts of the game, but they sure have fun playing it.  Hope you have a blessed day.

J R Miller quote

"A true home is one of the most sacred of places. It is a sanctuary into which men flee from the world’s perils and alarms. It is a resting-place to which at close of day the weary retire to gather new strength for the battle and toils of tomorrow. It is the place where love learns its lessons, where life is schooled into discipline and strength, where character is molded.

Few things we can do in this world are so well worth doing as the making of a beautiful and happy home. He who does this builds a sanctuary for God and opens a fountain of blessing for men.

Far more than we know, do the strength and beauty of our lives depend upon the home in which we dwell. He who goes forth in the morning from a happy, loving, prayerful home, into the world’s strife, temptation, struggle, and duty, is strong--inspired for noble and victorious living. The children who are brought up in a true home go out trained and equipped for life’s battles and tasks, carrying in their hearts a secret of strength which will make them brave and loyal to God, and will keep them pure in the world’s severest temptations."
— J.R. Miller

 

potty time

Mollie is potty training at present.  She is going around the house bear bottomed.  She is doing a pretty good job of it too as long as the light is on and her panties are off. Hoping for success soon when she is wearing underpants.  Blessings.

sticker earrings

Mollie went to the dentist for the first time yesterday, she did great while getting her teeth cleaned.  While I was having my turn in the dental chair, I gave her some stickers to play with.  She ended up putting them in her hair in an attempt to give herself earrings.  I was able to get the stickers on her ears when I was finished.   She wore them to bed, she liked them so much. Unfortunately, the battery is dead on the camera, so I don't have pictures this time.  But, I'm sure we will do this again soon and I'll be ready. Blessings. 

family reunion

My dad's family had a reunion this past weekend.  My Great Uncle Roy hosted the event at his cabin.  He had a play set built last summer and a gazebo built this summer. There was also corn hole, fishing, and horseback riding offered.  Of course there was plenty of food and conversation.  I enjoy touching base with the family in such a low key setting.  It is always fun just to be together. Not too good for the diet, but the soul is nourished.  Hope you get to connect with your extended family at some point this summer and build into the family history for yourself and your kids. 
Blessings.

Mother Teresa Quote

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
— Mother Teresa

little man

My nephew turns one today.  It is so amazing to see a baby grow from complete and utter dependance to gaining independence day by day.  Not that he doesn't need a lot of assistance still, but he is walking, has a few words, and can charm the socks off most of us.  Happy birthday Colton, I pray you grow up into a fine young man who knows the Lord.  Blessings on you and your parents this day and every day.

the ride home

After touring the house and grounds at the Biltmore, we headed to lunch on the estate.  The buffet was amazing.  The unfortunate thing was that little Betsy fell asleep on the way to lunch and did not sleep again until we were back in Kentucky.  She was grumpy and restless.  I read library books and offered snacks, drinks and toys, but overall, she was miserable and made us so as well.  Also, once we were home, the house was HOT, so I gave the girls a cool bath, while the AC tried to catch up with our demand.  We were glad to be back, and now we are pretty much back on routine. So glad the routine things are so much fun. Blessings.

The Biltmore

America's house.  Amazing. The home has 43 bathrooms, a pool, bowling alley, separate bedrooms for the Mr. and Mrs. as well as a sitting room between them. The library is extraordinary and the dining room phenomenal. However, it is not air conditioned. The last time I was there was around Christmas several years ago and I didn't miss the AC then.  The house and gardens are wonderful, so if you ever get a chance to go, even in the summer (they have fans) it is well worth the visit. 

Antler Hill Farm

We got to Asheville, NC late in the day on Saturday, but we had time to visit the Antler Hill Farm on the backside of the Biltmore Estate.  It was a lot of fun.  There were lots of flowers and friendly farm animals-the girls had a great time, we did as well.  After visiting the farm, we went to a very fancy restaurant then swimming at the hotel.  Nice way to end the day.

Tybee take 2

On the second day that we went to the beach, it was raining.  We started the day at the pier.  When we got to the end, a man reeled in a baby shark. I tell you I know sharks are in the ocean but when you see one pulled out of the water, it does nothing to calm my fear.  The rain subsided and we went on about our day.  The girls played in the surf and had a better time on day two.  I think because we didn't attempt to get them out in the ocean.  After lunch at Fannie's, we climbed to the top of the lighthouse.  The girls climbed all 178 steps to the top and we carried them down. Then, we went back "home" to visit Tricia, Bryan, and Grandma Ash.  Another great day.

Tybee Island

From Savannah, we drove over to Tybee Island to access the beach.  The girls had a good time, minus the wave going over all of us.  They certainly enjoyed the sand and the surf. Mollie still says she doesn't like the waves.  We had a wonderful time.

savannah

We were able to go to Savannah for a few days too.  We stayed with Elaine's mother, Tricia and Bryan.  It was such fun.  I loved staying in a home, it is so much easier with the girls.It is such a beautiful city.  We got a driving tour from Aunt Elaine's sister and her husband. They also offered to babysit so Andy and I could visit Savannah, mainly River Street.  We enjoyed seeing the Spanish moss and the palm trees,  we have nothing like it in Kentucky. 

Macon

We spent one night with Andy's Aunt Elaine. We got to enjoy her company and that of her sons as we rode out a power outage.  We also got to enjoy some snicker doodle pie.  Talk about yummy.  See snicker doodle pie recipe. Here Mollie is enjoying a book with her Aunt.  We had such a great time on our visit and look forward to the next time we see Elaine.  We love her. 

 

blessings

Chattanooga

We spent a few days in Chattanooga with Andy's sister and her family.  We had such a good time at the Children's Discovery Museum, playing in the fountains and hanging out.  What a blessing they are; we enjoyed our time there so much. I'm so thankful for happy memories.  Blessings.