Our...heart.to. heart..

Our family vacation is coming to an end until we do it again next December.

In 2009, here is what I can reflect on:

Four year olds DO rule the universe.

My son is THE xbox champion of all the xbox games.

My 12 year old daughter is becoming a lady before my eyes,

and I am not sure if I like this or not.

Texting will entertain kids for hours, while driving across country.

Candy is in the four food groups. When you are driving for hours, across country.

My son will play on his psp the entire drive,

12 hours, and still want to play once we arrrive.

My children are precious and I love that God has given me the precious moments with them.

I am grateful that these wonderful gifts forgive my shortcomings and are ready to start anew everyday.

Family time is great at Holidays, but is it okay to consider everyday a gift?

How much time on this earth do we a have?

How do we spend it?

Slaving away making money,

running from here to there being busy,

or do we stop,

breathe in,

and say,

"Thank you"

The ..Women..In..Our ..Lives...

I am a people watcher by nature. I love to observe interaction, conversations, and body language. I have a good intuition and I am usually a good guesser at what may or may not happen between human beings at times, at others I am just guessing.



I also take note on charactar. If I hear someone speak to a child, that tone I hear tells me whether that adult is kind hearted or impatient and not worth the minute in my day. For me, kind words to a child, any child, is a big judge of charactar. If I hear someone tell the truth or what I know to be a lie or tall tale, I am wondering when will they lie to me. If I see someone angry for not reason, or just as joyful as a songbird, well, who would you rather observe: the angry person or the songbird?



Our words to others are sometimes received well or blockaided just by the tone we use. Tempered with sweetness or just bellered out rudely. Have we chosen those words carefully, to be effective positively, or lazily grabbed on to the ill tempered emotions which wants to rule the flesh and lash out and hurt? Which has results for you?



Hatefulness. Unkind. Bitter. Lazy. Disenchanted. Stubborn.



Cheerful. Lovely. Sweet. Willing. Joyful.



I have learned so many charactar traits from the women who surround me. My family, friends and aquaintences have opened my eyes to so many different types of people that there are in the world.

'Self Control means controlling the tongue, A quick retort can ruin everything'

Proverbs 13:3

The main lesson is this: You give, you give, you give. You love, you love, you love. Keep your heart open, keep your heart open, keep your heart open. Jesus Christ is the only answer to lifes up and downs. God's Word is the authority on living a life full of blessings and a faithful heart is our blessing to Him.

"To Do Right Honors God"

Proverbs 14:2

Merry Christmas my friends and family.

God Loves You!

All I want for Christmas is....

Words to Remember....Proverbs31:21

"She is not afraid of the snow for her household. for all her household are clothed with scarlet."

This verse is appropriate for my daily awakenings this season.
Is my home warm, warmth with heat but also with food, clothing, coats, blankets?
Is my home warmth with my love and care, making sure we have what we need?
The basic needs of a child are: food=shelter=clothing=education. A child also needs:nurturing, loving words, correcting, play, and most of all: Parents who can hang out at home and do the before mentioned~
Its been rough being snowed in the last few days, only because we could not leave to go get more stuff to cook, bake, play. We played games, read books, computered ourselves out, and played in the snow for a little while.

I know that my house is warm. I know my household is covered. That is a blessing from God who takes care of even the little sparrow in the field, and He cares for little ole me and you too.

"Thank you for providing our family with what we need. "Our Family", a beautiful bit of two words that mean everything to me. Be my guide, teach me to be a better mother, better wife and a better servant for You. Against the coldness of the world, I need You to help me prepare my household to be strong, protected from lifes storms. Thank You Lord for Your Word, for Your Love, and for giving me this wonderful Family. Amen."

Snow Day......

Little pup, does not like the cold, he seems to like the fluffy white stuff though he cant jump over it!

My two oldest love the snow. Here is Codi saying, oh, I am cold Mom. How about some hot chocolate?

Here is my snow angel, Robert. It came out pretty good, I should have gotten a shot of that too.

We are trapped today. Oh well. we have a warm house, tv and computers to keep us busy, not to mention all the togetherness this entails.

Ou home actually looks good with snow on it. I think we planned it that way.

Snow is falling all around

More snow last nite, and it is still falling, big huge chunks of it! It is so pretty. I am hoping to get out and play in it today....

First Snow

Woke up to snow! So beautiful, so glad we put up our Christmas lights already.
I want to comment on yesterdays blog. I know alot of nice people in our town and I am so glad that I have met them, my life is better for it.
So I will leave my post with this in mind,
Love like this is your last day here, tomorrow may never come.
God has a plan and everyone we meet is put on our path for a reason, even the ones who arent so likeable.

you know you have incountered a Snotty Person when...

Lets define in my own words a snotty person:
self absorbed; narrow minded; mean; unable to accept outsiders; has a delusional belief that they are "better" than anyone else outside their own circle.

Lets define in my own words the opposite of a "snotty" person:
open to new friendships, not mean, able to make new people feel at ease, has no
beliefs they are better than anyone else. Does not have a "circle".

Hallmark facial expressions of a snotty person:
Pinched brow from looking down at others constantly.
No lips because they have worn them off from thinking, tsk, tsk tsk.
A frown because they don't approve of anything going on that would mean "new idea" or different
The stare, its not friendly or inviting, its meant to intimidate and "put you in your place"

How to return the favor:
Stare back, you could smile it would give them something to huff at
Wave too, its unarming and confusing to someone who is trying to be hostile for now reason
I prefer to wear dark glasses so they have no idea what I am doing, if its in a building, I just stare back until they look away.

How to win over a snotty person: why? who wants a snot for a friend?
How not to lose sleep over a snotty person: remind yourself of how much you love your family, your friends and that someday, the snotty person, will be old and alone and wishing they had been much nicer when younger.

That Soft Place To Land, Not a Rough Edge

Ask Yourself these questions today:

Am I serving the Lord, or just looking busy to others?
Have I helped anyone but myself today?
Do my words and actions line up with my Christian image?
What can I do TODAY to make my home a softer place to land?
Am I following Scripture in my life, am I living like Christ?

"Help me Lord. I am reading your words, I am praying for guidance and I still lay in bed at night and wonder, 'am I doing this right?' I yearn to be loving, caring, a good example and still I end up doing something or saying something that just leaves me falling short. Show me the way, dont give up on me, I know you are not finished with me yet. In Your Name, Amen."

Do They See Me...Or am I fooling Myself?

How do your children see you? How does your husband see you?
Are you a whirlwind and a blur?
A sweetness to the eyes?
An Ogre just waiting to pounce on any wrong doing?
A delightful thing to behold?
A Big Teddy Bear?
An Angry Monster?
They don't see you much because you are away working, or with your friends?

How do you wish for your children to see you? How about your hubby?

"Lord let me be the person you have planned for me to be. A mother and a wife, always mindful little eyes are watching. Help me to be a good wife and an even better mother. Its hard to be careful with my words and how I say them. Its hard to be everpresently aware of my actions, because they are who I am. Remind me that I am raising the future. How I treat them today will result if we have a relationship tomorrow. In Your Name, Amen"

J..is for joy..

I had the most tremendous gift of the day last Sunday night. We had a busy day getting in order for the coming week, and my three kiddos and hubby were somewhat helpful. Grins.
I happened upon my four year old, who was so carefully putting her toys away, and quielty she was singing, "Yes, Jesus Loves Me." Her melody was so full of joy as she put books away, and set each doll in its place.
I peeked in to my preteens room and she was on her laptop, chatting with her friend, laughing at whatever was being said.
My son and his friend were in the room off the kitchen playing pool, of course their laughter could be heard all the way to the kitchen.
A home filled with joy. What a blessing.
J is for Joy
E is for Emmanuel
S is for Saved
U is for Unmistakable
S is for Shalom

"Lord, You fill the empty places in my day. You wrap me up in Your Love, and the Joy is Unmistakable! What a miracle life is. What a wonderment in the day to day task, family, work, cooking, cleaning, Finding joy in being your servant. Amen."

Happy Halloween Everybody!

I wear my Heart, on my Sleeve

To be honest with you, being home sometimes gets....like a snowball affect.
I cant leave the house because someone is sick, or I am.
This has turned into a 3 week affair.
Surgeries, sickies, being sick.
We get completely out of routine. Workouts stop, choir, church, dance, fun outings..it all comes to a complete stop.
Coffees, lunches, visits.

And then, I get emails from friends, sending love and I am even more thankful for all we have.
A card in the mail from a coworker sending my hubby care over his surgery. How thoughtful that is. The doctor's office seeing my daughter at the drop of a hat, the tremendous help from my in laws, and this: a note telling me that our family has been on several prayer chains.

"Dear Lord, you know how I am feeling at this moment. I am so grateful for the prayers, the care, the love that Your children are sending our way, and that in itself has a tremndous healing power. But You know that. You instructed us to care for each other, pray for each other, and love each other. How wonderful a planner You are. Amen."

Life and other Random Bits...

what is happening in our home today...

post surgery healing...the viral flu....coughing....soup....

"Gracious Father..you are providing me with peace when I ask for it, You are my comfort, I asked for guidance, You were here, I asked for healing, you are here.
I am so thankful for You. Even when we are feverish, coughing, achy and not feeling so good physically, I know You are with me and my family. In Your Name. Amen."

Fourth Day..home again ...

We got home Friday afternoon, by midnight Codi was down with the flu.
All the kids spent Friday with Bob and Judi. I am thankful they were willing to help out.
Robert was in a lot of pain and after affects of surgery Friday and Saturday, but we did make it home without complications.

Today he is feeling better stomach wise and but he is still feeling pain from surgery. He ate today, very little but he did eat.

Laura is restless, lil Robert is home and feeling better from his bout with the flu. Codi is going through the rough part of the flu with fevers and chills. Codi is spending it at Maw maw and Bob's.

Here is what I am thankful for today: a laptop, loving grandparents, netflix, xbox, cell phones, and Uncle Eric and Aunt Tammy.

"Lord thank you for all the blessings you have given us. I am thankful for the caring people in our lives who are willing to answer our calls for help. Thankful for the sunshine today. Its so nice to look outside and see the bright sky and fall leaves. What a beautiful world you have created for us. In Your Holy Name, Amen."

Second Day....

We spent the night at a hotel last nite, us two girls. The hospital policy does not allow for minors, age 14 and under, to stay with family members who are under the care of hospital staff. So at 10:30 p.m. we called the Ramada and they had a room available and gave the hospital rate of $55.00 for a double room. We were able to shower, hot water thank you! and a complimentary breakfast! Praise the Lord for all good things!
Today is a new day, I am thinking when we get to the hospital, today will be faster paced and we can go back home.
On a side note, my 10 year old has the flu, he is staying with his grandparents.

"Lord, I am lifting up my son and husband to You. Lead me to your will to serve my family to the best of my ability. I am your servant always. Amen."

The Twelfth Hour. . .

We are still here. After urging, R has been moved to a private room until his stomach settles.
Now we wait until 8:00 p.m. to see if we will be going home or staying overnite.

Thankful for:
Attentive Nurses
Quiet Private Room
Slice of pizza and soda, with a cup of cottage cheese for my sweet helper.

"Thank you Lord for Your continued Love and Presence in situations that are not always smooth.
Your Grace is overflowing."

Surgery Over....

we are still waiting for Robert, its been 8 hours since we came into the lobby. So far we have consumed: egg bagel, whopper, pancakes, fries, gummy fruits, sugar wafers, two cups of coffee, gatorade, orange juice. Codi and I , not just I :-)

Dr Moore came out and reported that Roberts surgey went well. He is in recovery, and now we wait to take him home.

First Day of Surgery...

R is in surgery. We are waiting...praying....for a healing of his body.
You don't know how incredible a person Robert is. Maybe you do.
Either way, if you are a praying person, wont you pray for Dr. Moore to fix what is causing Roberts health problems. Pray for his quality of living to get better. Thanks.

First Day of Surgery

We are sitting in the pre op room with big Daddy, waiting with him before he first gets a cat scan then second, goes in to surgery. This has been a long time coming and a recurring event for my love, he has sinus disease, and has to go through this every 2-5 years.
I am praying that this surgery will give him some relief from pain, infection and leave him feeling better.
A couple of months ago he was told there was not anything else that could be done, but praise God, we found Dr. Moore. Dr Moore looked into the problem and came up with a game plan. Please God, let this help.
Here is what Robert indures ongoing right now:
Constant searing pain in his right cheek, just below the eye.
A headache located on the top of his head, that never goes away.
Sinus infections that do not clear up.
Polyps, scarring and diseased tissue that prevent him from breathing comfortably because his airways are blocked. The disease attacks his sinus cavities and surrounding tissue.
He does not sleep because of the pain.
He takes various medications to manage the infections and provide minor bits of relief.

So here we are.
Dr Moore is planning to go into the war zone and remove the debris that should not be there and open his airways with a plastic balloon, she plans to remove as much as the diseased tissue so that maybe his headache will go away in his head and he will have some period of comfort.

"Father thank you for this day. Thank you for being the strong comfort in our lives. Thank you for all that you provide for us everyday, for each one in our family and for the gift of salvation. I know you are with us Lord, right now in this very room. I can feel your peaceful presence while we wait for Robert to take the next step in this journey. I know this is in your hands, and I know that Your will be done. In Your Holy Name, I ask that you be with Dr. Moore and her staff, that she be careful, and cautious while operating on the father of my children, that the disease be wiped away and relief be given to my love, I ask this in your name, Lord Almighty. Amen."

To be continued.

The 6th grade girl's volleyball team

October 3, 2009.

Stanton Tournement. 1st Place.

4 yearolds,...puppy...cats...preteen...boyhood..and other random things...

Tonite is Volleyball nite. My athlete plays her first ever volleyball game tonite.
Today was raining and cold. Fall is still on its way. Have my decor out and it looks fantabulous!
Spent time cuddling my female cat, she is THE sweetest cat in the WORLD.
My four year old crafted me a purple butterfly...then told me she loved me.
My son helped out around the house this morning, without complaint, I will take that wave and ride it.
Husband leaves for Nevada tomorrow morning. Going to have a great time with his bro and stay with the bro's whole family for 5 days. Shooting, shooting and more shooting. I feel sorry for R because Cheryl is going to spoil him with her cooking. (Sorry Cheryl, he will probably eat you out of the house, he is so neglected here in Iowa.)

My thoughts for the day....

Friendships...and other heartbreaks, joyfulness and random bits of life

My heart breaks for my child today.
Her best friend is as they say it, 'dumping her' in little subtle ways. No time for her at breaks at school and no time for her after school.
And this is life.
We have season for everything, our lives move like the ocean tides.
Good, bad, in between.
How do we deal with it.

How do we give the right advice at the right moment then know when to say nothing.

My sweet little girl on the edge of being a teen, here is my advice to you.
Move on.
Move forward.
There are so many people in the world who would love being your friend.
You have so much to offer, to give and this is your time, enjoy it.

Carnival Time in Bedford....funday Sunday...

Sunday one of the many churches in our town held their annual carnival and this year we went. The weather was perfect. There were lots of people that we knew, and there were some we had not met before. Lots of kids.

For entertainment there was:

Two different local carriages driven by cute small ponies. A tractor train. About 10 to 12 fun carnival games, bean bag toss; balloon darts; football toss; ring toss; duck pond; with prizes for everyone of every age. A balloon slingshot, face painting.

And lots of food.

Hot dogs,

popcorn,

cotton candy,

cupcakes.

everything my diet screams NO too.

Needless to say my kids went and had a fabulous time. Here are some pics to enjoy. They are not shot well, I was having an off day with the camera.

Me, not the camera's fault.

Enjoy!

Random thing we do...like cooking...and other stuff

I have been so out of the routine of my non-usual random life. Wait, is that a word? Oh well, every morning I have just said to myself, got to get back to a routine. But end up doing the opposite, today is the day we get back to tcb. (taking care of business)

Here are some latest pics of happenings around the house.. and out of the house.

Laura loves to bake, we attended her open house at her preschool. The ladies pictured are her director and her teacher.

Codi and Robert are doing fantastic at school! I cannot believe how fast she caught up with her missed days and assignments. This week she has an overnight fieldtrip, everyone has school pictures on Thursday and The two mighty Roberts drive to Omaha for a day together on Friday. I believe they are planning a guys day which includes The Great Outdoors, hunting and fishing mega store and lunch. ( I am so happy they are doing a day together). Laura is liking her school more and more, I am so relieved to hear, 'I like school' instead of the opposite. Well, that is me catching up. If you would like to leave a comment, click comment and it just follow the steps. Have a blessed day!

Comments,,,,

I am thinking about shutting down my blogsite because I recently discovered something else to take up the long hours of the day.....

1sr Day back....wait....no...one more day at home

woke up with the birds. walked puppy for 45 minutes, and of course came home to 'my tummy hurts'....wednesday maybe?

And here he is........the newest addition to the family....M & M!

have you ever seen a cuter pup?

He's Taking that Plane Ride West...

Last nite hubby asked me if I minded him going to visit his brother, who lives on the other side of the rockies, in Nevada.
Mind you, I saw his free ticket, given him by his parents. Plus, his mother just 'mentioned' Robert might go before Robert ever even brought it up. (So nice to be the first one to know information like that).

My point is: I do not mind if Robert visits his brother. I am all for it. Go, honey, you deserve that rest and time away from it all more than anyone I know. No cell phone, no mowing, no elk, no go, go, go. Just a good time with your bro.

However, since we do live together and share a last name, could I get information from you first hand? Is that okay? Thank you oh so much.

Day Seven...and counting....

My oldest daughter had her tonsils and adnoids out a week ago today. I would love to report that she has bounced back and is her normal self but, I cant. She is not feeling well enough to even start school as planned tomorrow.
On a high note, Robert began school on Monday, so did Laura , and both have had good reports. Both teachers are nice and fun and they have plenty to do while at school.
So, the countdown begins. I feel bad for Codi having to be at home for so long.
Cards are nice, she perks up a little when she gets mail.

thewell

Ephesians 6:7-8, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

Patient doing well...me, I am exhausted

the long awaited needed surgery was successfully performed today. our patient is doing well, but mom and dad did not get any sleep.
our trip to Omaha was filled with excitement nervousness and apprehension. we took our preteen to her favorite restaurant for a pre op dinner:Red Lobster :-) and enjoyed a nice dinner of shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp served with potatoes. fried and baked. ( i have so much catching up to do on my work outs-geez!)
As I sat across the table from my sweet daughter, she was the center of my attention, there were not any distractions and i could see her shining green eyes, clear smooth skin and how long and healthy her hair is. her non assuming smile and open honest face. how nice to spend time with her-chatting about nothing and everything. she wants a cell phone. that is up in the air for me, a big no for her dad. more on that later.
after dinner we went back to the hotel, relaxed and prepared for today. i am happy to say we have returned home, less two tonsils, and one sleepy little girl-and two relieved parents.

Thankful for everything we have...

Back to School Shopping...and other daily ramblings..

Shop, shop, shop, will this ever end? it fits, it does not fit. it itches, it does not itch. i feel like dr seuss would if he were shopping with a 4 year old.

www.shelovesGod.com

"We all have a responsibility--a responsibility to make a difference, to be an influence, to lift someone. We are all in this together to work out our salvation, to reach our potential, and to be our brother's keeper--to help each other."~Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Home Sweet Home..and other daily ramblings

More Daily Ramblings..

My sweet little girl loves to take pictures of 'everything'.
We have been trying to stay busy while brother and sister are on vacation, somehow we are managing to find plenty to do.

Yesterday we filled the day up with a trip to Clarinda, having lunch at 'oldmcdonaldland' as laura refer's to it, she even was allowed to play on the playground! There were lots of kids for her to play with-for a sometimes shy kid-she did great. After lunch we rambled over to the library. Believe it or not we spent 2 hours browsing-after that we traveled back home. In the evening we spent some time at the park-so fun- then visited a friend who is getting ready to go on vacation and we are going to care for her mama dog and puppies while she and her family are away. The puppies go crazy for Laura, she isnt so sure about their jumping on her, so she climbs on top of whatever she can- I would like to say we went to bed happily last night, but miss laura was not ready, I was, and we went anyway. I gently reminded her what a wonderful day we had, and she stopped crying. Rubbing her arm I whispered in her ear,"I love you so much Laura, and tomorrow we will have another wonderful day together."
She was asleep before I finished my sentence.
As this happened I can recall nights when she was a baby and we lay the exact same way last night, she in my arms, safe, sleeping and now she, i prayed, is dreaming of puppies, parks and 'oldmcdonald's"

"clunker" trade in deal..we did it...got a great new suv

New rules for the New CAR: this rule applies to EVErYONE:even mama
no animals in the car
no food or drink:EVER
no gum or candy:EVER

this car has 425 miles on it!
it even has the new car smell!
it has built in booster seats!
storage compartments in the floorboards and cargo area. it has a drink holder with cooler in the dash!
i absolutely new hubby would pick a winner!

what do u say to daddy kids?

We took advantage of the new car incintives offered by American car companies and purchased a nice 2009 Dodge Journey SE. Here are the pics promised:

Get the Lead out

Laura and I spent a very laid back day together yesterday, went to the pool,played, watched tv, played, went to the frostee, went to see aunt tammy and the puppies, then played some more.
we went to two parties this last weekend so in observing her playing at throwing a party, she really picked upon some good hostess tips:
+invite a lot of friends
+have enough toys, plates, napkins and food for everyone
+try not to leave anyone out
+plan activities and games that are fun for everybody

she really picked up on this from this weekend, I know because she folded napkins, had the right number by the way of her stuffed animals and little pet shops, she drew pictures and gave them out for prizes for each 'guest' and she played a game of pin the tale on the donkey and played it with her 'guests. She asked me to lay out good plates for the food, and insisted they be the right size, not too big.

I love being this girl's mommie....

Pics of 40th birthday celebration:

Get togethers have always been a part of the Hitch family-we do not do this much anymore because of schedules, location, and just being pooped from everyday stuff. So, when we decided to throw hubby a 40th celebration, of course his parents were on board and strived to make it the best. So thanks to them for everything they provided, did and cooked to make the guests feel special. (mil was born to hostess parties).
Each time we do have friends and family together I long for the next time or next opportunity to get together and laugh and eat and laugh some more.. Bob the Chef

Judi, hostess with the mostest

Proof that yes,

I do know people in Iowa

The gag gift that had

everyone laughing

Sitting in the shade

Catching up since last time

Every birthday

party needs

helpers

Here Lies Your Youth
Cake made by dear lady,

thank you,

cake was a hit!

Until next time, probably

when he turns 50:

Its all fun and games until the cops show up!

Fortysomething....but who is counting?

We have planned a celebration for my guy's birthday

-he turned 40 today-

so let the games begin.

He planned a quick trip to Omaha for the Hitch Clan, so we will leave today, go to dinner tonight and return tomorrow. Quick-you betcha! I am looking forward to our family spending time together, we need a break from home. Everyone does now and then.
On Saturday we are having a few friends over to the farm for a cookout, cake and maybe some goofing off. I am nervous about the cookout, you know how it is when you plan in your head but there is always that nagging voice in your head that something is missing or needs to be different. Oh well, we will just go with the flow and do what I planned all along-make this day about Robert -his day-food, food and more food how can it go wrong?
A dear lady is baking and decorating his cake, cannot wait to see what she does. She is one of those artists who creates as she goes, and no one is every disappoointed!
The kiddos get to fill up 500 water balloons and reak terror on whoever is within target range.
(grandma is not very keen on this, oh well).
You turn forty once, and from here, it is all relative. They say that forty is the new thirty. So lets just take comfort in that....yes....So be ready for lots of pictures, lots of stories and me freaking out with hives...I break out when I am nervous...

rodeo parade...

fishin

Somebody is having a birthday...

Tomorrow is a special someone's birthday.

We plan to visit Omaha and celebrate early,

then have a party here at home with dear friends.

Happy Birthday!

the wife & kids

Make a Smilebox invite

Father's Day at the HItch Home..

Today has been sooooo laid back.
our father of the house has had a relaxing day watching his favorite baseball team, and they won, which is just as good. He asked for donuts, and at 7:30 I was collecting the freshest in our small town.
Myself and two kids just returned from the pool-a beautiful day outside, to leave him time to relax and enjoy his day off.
This evening we are joining my inlaws for frog more stew.
My eldest is away at camp making new friends and having fun. I asked her if I could come.
Guess what her answer was.

Anyway, happy father's day!

Summer Fun

We have been having a nice summer this far into it..today we spent a few hours at the lake not to far from our town. I told the kids to invite a couple of friend, we packed up the van with towels, floaties, food and took off.
While at the lake we built a trench, played chicken, played marco polo,searched and found tadpoles, dug up some clay and had a picnic lunch. Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE MY FAMILY....spending time and making memories..one goal of mine for the summer.
I loved listening to the kids play and interact with their friends. I have to say the girls were way louder than the guys. Time well spent on a sunny afternoon...

Summer Sports have Begun!

Memorial Day Pics

We spent part of yesterday celebrating Memorial Day at the farm since Robert has to work on the holiday. We played catch, put up a tent, played on the fort, shot bb guns and air rifles;

cooked fish AND had fun.

I decided to try my hand at some patriotic photography. I really hope these pictures do not offend anyone. The kids posed with an American Flag and the pics are too reflect the young midwest American who loves their God, their Country and the Freedom we hold dear.

Funday Day Saturday

Yesterday was really a fun day. I took Laura downtown to the annual Bedford in Bloom event our town throws every year for the last 5 years. There was a perfect spot set up on the courthouse lawn for children Laura's age. There was a jump house, face painting, bubble blowing, sand boxes, balloon guy making all kinds of animals, anything the kids asked for.

She saw many friends from school, and probably made some new ones. About noon we breaked from play and shared a lunch under a pine tree. She asked me, 'why are there so many people in Bedford today? Why are all our friends here? Is this party?'

Robert took Codi and Robert to Maryville with him so she and I shared a nice early day together.

Laura in the jumpy house, she has had enough and making her escape....hang in there girl....

Kitties, Milly and Laura snuggled up

These two adore each other. I saying yes to bringing kittens home back in November has been a descision that has had positive effects for me and the kids. I just see how Milly lets Laura cuddle her up and sits still with a cat smile on her face, my heart smiles too.

Road Rash

A little skateboard road rash, happened yesterday at the park. A little neosporin and inbuprophen and he was ready for school today.

Freedom is not Free, Thank You Veterans!