Sorry I haven't posted on so long. I've been busy chasing kids and trying to keep everything running sort of smoothly. My other excuse is that this week when I thought of posting my hard drive that has all of my pictures, well almost all of them, decided to stop working. I'm very frustrated with this!
So until next time!
Here are just a few of the cute ones that I have passed over in the past.
Here Aubrey shows that the grass is greener.
She's on the outside of the gate looking to get inside.
I keep telling her that she won't fit into my shoes for a while but she enjoys them as gloves.
(Left) See, girls like to play with truck too! (Right) Oops! She fit to get on the chair but she couldn't sit up. She wasn't very pleased.
I think it's a bit big for now but watch out dad. He's gonna fit it soon! Look at the pure joy radiating from Austin when daddy is tickling him.
This morning Austin asked me if we could have Pizza Hut. Seeing as I didn't want to drive to a restaurant or even leave the house today I came up with a better idea. I made homemade pizza.
Austin really enjoyed his pizza even though after 2 pieces he was almost asleep.
Now Aubrey on the other hand really relished her pieces of pizza. I think she's trying out a new beauty treatment while she's at it, pizza face mask and shampoo.
I think there's a theme emerging through some of these posts... Fun With Food!
It's been a long time since I posted anything. Here are some highlights of the last few weeks...
Doesn't Aubrey look cute in the dresses that Aunt Katy gave her? I think so!
In June Pat, a close friend at church, was diagnosed with cancer. On July 1st I got a call to start the prayer chain because Pat had taken a bad turn and would likely not be with us much longer. I wrote the following on July 4th. Please just take it for what it is, the ramblings of a sad friend.
How many times are we reminded to tell those we love how much we love them? It never seems enough. I tell my children everyday how much I love them and how they impress me. Ok, I also tell them that I don't appreciate their attitudes and I would rather not beg for help, but that's just being a mom. I also tell my husband many times a day that I love him. He's on the road much of the time and we talk often so sometimes it seems like just a good way to get off the phone, but I want him to know that in case something ever happens. I don't want to leave anything unsaid if I can help it.
About a month ago I found out that one of my close friends, Pat, had cancer. Everyone was upset. From then on I always made a special point of seeking her out when we were in the same place and giving her a hug and telling her I love her and seeing how she was doing. The doctors said she would possibly have about 6 months. So I though I had 5 more months of hugs and I love yous before I had to say goodbye.
I was very wrong. Last Sunday Pat took a turn and may not make it through the week. I didn't take the news very well. I was angry. Ok, I know intellectually and deep down that she is in God's hands and that He has a reason for His timing. I guess I felt cheated, I still do. I have accepted that God has a plan and that all things work to His good. I'm still sad to think of never seeing Pat's smiling face or hearing one of her outrageous comments meant to get a rise out of someone. I think she's the only one I would allow to call me "baby maker" or make comments about me working single-handedly to repopulate the church with young children. That was who she was and I loved her for it. She even made Trevor, the big tough Truck Driver blush.
I've never actually waited for someone to die. Right now Pat is not herself. She is very confused and has to be watched constantly in case she gets up and does something that can injure her or someone else. Luckily Hospice is helping Pat stay at home. Pat will be sedated most of the time until God decides he wants her back.
I'm sure gonna miss this woman. I'm just glad that we were able to have a little time for me to tell her I love her and for her to reassure me that she was ready to accept God's will. It's like she knew that I needed her jokes and wisdom to get through the time without her.
I dread the call that I know will come. I will cry some more but not for long because Pat would rather that I just go out and share the love that she shared with me the few years we knew each other.
Pat, I pray that God is holding your hand right now and that Jim can feel God's love as well as all of ours. Oh, and please give a message to the other Pat. I never got a chance to tell her how much I loved her before she left so suddenly. Tell her I love her and miss her still. I hope you will remember how many of us love you. We will miss you and remember you lovingly.
Goodbye, Pat, I love you!
Pat went to walk with the Lord early in the morning on July 6, 2007.
Tonight I surprised the kids and made microwave s'mores! Yummy! See how much they love them!
Aubrey loved the chocolate. A girl after her Aunt's Heart! Kesia just loved the treat! Finally dessert. Austin loved the marshmallows and chocolate. He wanted me to give the graham crackers to the dog!
Now to those Deer! After dessert Kesia looked out the window and said "mom look there's a deer in the yard!" Actually there were two! I didn't get very good pictures, I was shooting through a window. The one actually almost crossed the driveway. I'm glad my garden is on the porch or they would have had quite a dinner of my veggies!
Here are just a few pictures from the last week...
Austin found Danielle's goggles. Isn't he cute? I love that smile!
Doesn't it look like Aubrey and Sophie are having a conversation? I don't think any words were exchanged but who needs words to communicate?
Aubrey is so coordinated now. I didn't even know she could maneuver herself into Austin's chair. I love that look, "I had no doubts!"
Here are a few pictures and stories that have happened recently!
While Austin's sisters were at camp, he continued to be cute. While I was putting Aubrey to sleep we were visited by Salem. Since my lap was occupied "Salem sat on my (Austin's) lap." They both fell asleep.
Here Austin is proudly handing me clothes pins while I hang clothes on the line. What a little helper!
People Pile!!! from bottom to top: Trevor, Danielle, Kesia, and Austin. Aubrey was to scared to sit on the top. O don't blame her. It was a little unstable.
Just this afternoon Austin crashed on the floor for his Sunday afternoon nap. I guess Aubrey mistook him for one of our cats. She was petting his head. Awww, she just really loves her big brother!
That catches us up for now! See you later!
We spent a whole day at SpringHill Camp Friday picking up our trio of campers. Thankfully the camp shuttled us from camp to camp so we did not have to fight traffic between camps!
Finally we went to New Frontiers. Danielle had a blast riding and learning about horses for 4 hours a day. Here she is again calming Maggie. When Danielle first mounted Maggie was very fidgety. Danielle being the accomplished horse person she was able to calm her and go on to walk, trot and canter.
Whoa, slow down Kesia. You will get there I promise! 
One last wave before they leave us for the Treehouses. We'll see you in a few minutes!
Awwww, Isn't she sweet! She really was. She didn't fuss much during the 4 hours we were running around dropping off her sisters.
Ok, Just one more picture and I'll leave you alone. Have fun!
JJ meets one of her counselors.
Here is where JJ will be while she's at SpringHill. It's really nice inside, too!
This looks a lot like were JJ is staying but it really is Danielle's cabin. It's even nice and cool inside.
While waiting for her luggage Danielle makes a friend. They were discussing cats when I got close enough to hear.
She's unpacking so she said to leave. I guess after 5 years she really doesn't need me there to get organized.
I hope you all have a great week.
Some small, some BIG, but always something to celebrate!
These are after dinner at church. Having a meal with friends is always something special.
Gramma's home! After spending many months in a nursing home recovering from a broken leg, Gramma came home Saturday. She is soooooo glad to be home!
♫Happy Birthday to You!♫ Our very own JJ as turned 11! Where does all the time go? She got to celebrate he birthday at least 3 times. I think she enjoyed them all!
On Sunday we went to celebrate a coming addition to our extended family. I didn't get very many pictures of the actual party, I decided to participate instead.
Well, I took a picture of my gift before we left. I thought it looked pretty. Tie-died burp rags, fun to look at and an absolute necessity!
Good luck Amanda! I can't wait to meet your little Blessing!
Just a few more pictures of us at the party...
Maybe this next week we can celebrate some more!
