Well Trader Joe's opened today in Lexington.  I didn't make it to the grand event even though I wanted to.  I agreed to babysit for a friend and now the girls are napping.  We have church tonight, so it will be tomorrow before I can make it over there.  That's okay though because I'm sure Andy will keep the girls so I can have some down time.  It's funny how I think of shopping alone is down time now.  At least I know that TJ's isn't going anywhere for a while and I will make it to the store eventually.  Blessings

Pool

Yesterday we went to the pool - it was so nice for the girls to get in the water.  We had been to the park just before to meet a friend and her little one for a play date and picnic lunch.  I didn't pack my suit, but the girls loved being in the baby pool. With the temps soaring again today and for the foreseeable future, hopefully we will get back to the pool again and again.  Next time, I'll be sure to bring my suit too.  Blessings.

words w/ friends

Andy and I have been playing words with friends.  I enjoy the game a lot.  I even beat him on occasion.  The problem is, I tend to stay up too late when playing games.  So, I'm tired the next day. You would think that we would have plenty of time to play before it gets too late, but after the girls go down, I am busy cleaning the house or running a quick errand.  Somehow, the time gets away from me.  Oh well, I'm learning to better manage my time so I can be a pleasant wife and mom rather than a cranky one, and I know that I NEED sleep to be that kind person.  Hoping to get a nap today.  Blessings.

open windows

It has been very warm early in the day, but today is cool and breezy.  I have all of the windows open cooling off the house.  Enjoying the breezes pushing and pulling at the curtains.  It is a sweet sight.  I am reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's Farmer Boy to the girls, so it's as if we're living in an earlier time.  I must say though that while I like the open windows on cool breezy days, I will turn on the air as soon as things get uncomfortable.  Luxuries indeed.  Blessings.

Queen librarian

Mollie has been playing that she is a librarian.  This morning she announces that she is the queen librarian and she doesn't talk to strangers. God gave her strong muscles so she can move lots of books.  She is too funny.  Blessings. 

Beloved - the ballet

The Beloved ballet that a young lady from our church wrote is going to be performed at the Lyric Theater in Lexington, KY on Sat. June 30 at 2 p.m.  If you can come at all, please do.  You will be impressed.  The story is about the church and how much God loves her.  It is touching.  Blessings.

Lyric Theater  for more information and directions. 

crummy

All is well now in the Martin house, but earlier in the week, Mollie kept saying she felt "crummy."  She was feverish and lethargic as well.  I took her to the doctor on Monday to discover an ear infection and a virus.  He prescribed and antibiotic which she has taken incredibly well.  The last dose is tomorrow.  We both are glad for that.  Blessings.

morning devotion

I have started doing my morning devotions with the girls.  I was encouraged by my sister-in-law who starts her day in this manner.  I have loved doing it.  It is good for the girls to see me reading the Bible and praying. They have begun praying too.  It is a very sweet time.  I have a drawer full of Bible books for them to browse while I read in my Bible, then we pray together.  What a great way for them (and me) to start their day in the Word and prayer. Blessings.

scratchy freckles

Last night, Mollie was feeling my leg and said that my freckles scratched her.  Don't worry, I shaved this morning.  :)  Blessings.

Father's day

It was nice to be able to celebrate Andy.  For the past few days, the girls and I have been planning and creating.  We were able to give him breakfast in bed, cards, artwork, and gifts.  We also spent time with his dad and called my dad on the phone.  It was a great day all around.  Blessings.

31

I went to my first Thirty One party last night.  I have several of their bags, most were gifts and some from a catalog order that I placed. The party was fun and I got some organizing tools for the "school room" as well as a large tote to use for going to the pool and store.  It was fun going out with some friends and shopping too...good evening all around.  Blessings.

massage

For Christmas, I received gift certificates for 3 massages. THREE.  Here!  I have finally got the first one scheduled for tomorrow.  I am very excited.  It is sometimes hard to get things done for myself.  I know there is benefit in self care and I am trying to find that balance with the Lord's help and Andy's assistance too.  Blessings.

Chattanooga - take 2

Sorry for not posting yesterday, it was a little crazy around here. Anyway on our way back from Florida, we stopped in Chattanooga again.  We had a great time. Blessings

dancing in the morning

Betsy with her tat from the girlscouts

sweetheart

Ms. Vickey found a mount

Water play for the cousins

Mollie at the fountain

sweet boy

Ms. Vickey on an ostrich

Betsy on a fish and Mollie on a donkey named Beaver

NK and her ride on the bunny

Ms. Vickey loves co-cola

Moon Pie general store

Saying goodbyes

Peach Park

Somewhere between Montgomery and Birmingham is a place called peach park.  We decided to stop for a break to stretch our legs and get a snack.  It was a great idea.  Such a fun place.  We all enjoyed our time there.  It had wonderful ice cream, a park, and other fun foods (a little farmer's market almost).  Blessings.

Okaloosa Island Pier

On our way

Pulling in a fish

This fish was too big and had to be tossed back into the water

Betsy and I enjoying the views from the pier

Mollie in the breeze

dolphins

great heron getting some dinner

Flying away

one blessed  family

date night Florida style

One nice thing about taking friends along on a family vacation is that you get a date night.  Andy and I went to Pompano Joes and shared a seafood platter. I don't normally like seafood, but near the beach I like it lots.  Before leaving the kids cooped up in the condo, we took a family walk on the beach.  Blessings.

Next up - the beach

the condo

our set up

Betsy in her hat

buried in the sand

Sweet friend who went with us

another friend along for the trip

me - loving the beach