family reunion

Over the weekend, we attended my family's annual reunion. It was perfect.  The fish were biting, the food delicious, the horses ridden, the creek waded, and a lot of family was able to attend.  Everyone had a fantastic time.  It is always good to be with family, recounting stories and memories and being together to build new ones.  Blessings.

pool party

There was a pool party yesterday for the ladies in the church.  Mollie was upset that she was not invited.  I am almost a lady she said. In some ways she is right, she's more of a lady than myself.  I know I'll turn around and she'll be an adult soon enough.  The pool party was fun.  I took a buffalo ranch chicken dip. Yummy.  There was a lot of good foods and a few nursing babies, good conversations, some cannonballs and lots of fun.  Blessings.

nap

Today I am feeling extra tired. I had some caffeine yesterday but not today.  It looks like I may have to have a nap when the girls do.  I'm just thankful that they still lay down everyday. Else, I may fall asleep reading the library books that we got today.  Sleep is such a wonderful thing.  Blessings.

felt ballerinas

Yesterday I made a purchase at the parent teacher store.  There was a felt ballerina set on sale for about 1/2 off.  Oh, yes!  The girls are loving them.  Blessings.

heart refresher

We are studying the book of Philemon at church.  I tell you it makes me want to love the church more, to serve her more, to be a heart refresher to those in the faith.  If you've not read it in a while, let me encourage you to take a few moments to savor this sweet book and be built up.  Blessings.

home again

Well, the guests are getting settled in for a long term stay.  I am so glad that we have room in our home and hearts to accommodate 7 folks.  May there be love and grace abounding from everyone who enters here.  Blessings.

Blanket tents

We have had some afternoon thunderstorms blowing through our area lately. One way we've been passing the time is with tents. The girls are loving spending time under the blanket tents.  Just imagine the squeals of delight.  Blessings.

Rain ready

The girls love dressing for the rain. No matter that the temperatures are 90+ degrees. They want to wear their raincoats with hoods up and boots of course.  Funny kids.  Blessings.

drippy eggs

Mollie was watching Andy eat his over easy eggs this morning.  She asked if she had drippy eggs too.  I asked her if she would like drippy eggs and she said NO - good things hers were fried hard.  Blessings.

Farmer Boy

Right now, I am reading Farmer Boy to the girls.  I have enjoyed reading the book to them and truly realize that I would not like to live 100 years ago.  I like too many amenities of the modern era.  Those pioneers really had it rough, even when things were "good."  Blessings.

bring on the rain

We have not made it to the pool much these days, not because we don't want to go, but it's been raining in the afternoons.  I'm so glad that the grass in the front yard doesn't look like straw.  Andy will probably have to mow again before too long.  Nobody seems to mind though.  We are all glad to get a few soakings.  Blessings.

potty training

The potty training has begun with Betsy.  This adventure is not for the fainthearted.  Gotta go help this girl get to the little chair.  I sure will be glad to have two girls who "go" on their own.  Blessings.

coffee pot

Last night I set up the coffee pot to auto brew my morning coffee. I came downstairs to the smell of coffee, so nice, but the coffee pot was only partly filled, and steam was pouring from the back. Oh no!  I wiped down the wall and cabinets where the steam condensed and proceeded to make breakfast, mourning Mr. Coffee.  Andy came down a few minutes later and decided to try to fix it for me.  Love his heart, he was successful.  There was a coffee bean lodged in the filtration system tubing so the water could not flow through. He removed the bean and restarted the coffee. Morning saved.  Coffee poured. Husband kissed.  Blessings.

Betsyisms

Betsy is so funny ... here are a few of her favorite expressions recently

Push in me - after climbing in her chair when she is ready to eat
My do it by myself - asserting her independence
My love it or it's gooood - while rubbing her tummy usually a response to a food even ones she doesn't like ie broccoli or carrots
Lolly = Mollie
My read it - while looking at books

Blessings

water heater fail

Last night as I was returning the vacuum cleaner to the basement closet I noticed the floor was wet.  Andy inspected it and the water heater was leaking fairly rapidly.  Crazy thing is, I don't typically store the vacuum in that closet-I just put it there while we were cleaning out the office.  Furthermore, I rarely go to the basement to work or to clean-in fact, I had planned on going out last night but felt like Andy need my help more than I needed a "break."  The carpet got a little wet, but not too bad.  Had the whole tank leaked out, I'm sure it would have been ruined.  God's timing is perfect. Always.  Blessings.

joy food

On Saturday, Andy suggested we get take out. Love his heart, it has been almost too hot to cook. I suggested Chinese when we figured out the Thai place we like is closed.  Anyway, it was mediocre at best.  I was very disappointed. The chicken was tough and not very saucy.  Maybe it was fixed earlier in the day and never stirred around. It was nearly inedible to me and if you know me I am not all that picky. Furthermore, you should get Pad Thai at a Thai restaurant not at a Chinese one.  Lesson learned.  I think next time I get an urge for Chinese, I'll make the trip to my old neighborhood for some Jin Jin.  :)  Blessings.

party

One of our friends hosted a birthday party for their now six year old son.  The girls had a marvelous time.  Sprinklers, slip and slide, water balloons, hoses, hot dogs and cupcakes.  Fun, fun, fun.  We have yet to include friends at the girls birthday parties. Just family.  Maybe this year I will brave the party scene for Mollie.  She is very interested.  She already knows she wants a princess party and girls only.  We'll see.  Blessings.

mid-week holidays

I totally forgot that it was Thursday and a blog day. That's what happens to me during holiday weeks in the summer. I lose track of time.  One very nice thing was Andy was home.  Made it seem like a Saturday.  We celebrated his mom's birthday as well as the nation's. Played cards, watched a movie, and watched a few fireworks.  It was a nice day all around. Blessings.

swim lessons

Mollie is taking swim lessons this week.  It has been challenging for me to see her struggle in the water with the instructor.  But she is overcoming her fear and actually floated for a few minutes on her own at the end of the first lesson.  I can't wait to see what she will be able to do by Friday.  Blessings.

the office-bedroom

We are turning the office into a bedroom.  We have some friends who are coming to stay with us while their home is being built.  I lived with this family for years before I was married.  So I am honored and blessed to be in a position to offer them a place to stay.  Home office to the bedroom you go, to make room for friends who are like family. Oh yes!  Blessings.