Does Anyone Know This Kid?

Last night we went to the Dollar Tree and Jonathan took his dollar along. He purchased some "pirate" gear, and after we got home, he had to model it for us. As you can see, he added some "extras", like the bandanna and the parrot. He hardly looks like the same kid. Anyway, he had fun, and I'm sure we have not seen the last of this get-up.

Also, I took this picture of the puppies yesterday, and just couldn't resist the post.
This weekend looks to be busy. Cleaning and answering phone calls about the puppies (the ad comes out today), company tonight, celebrating Paul's birthday, and the rest of the weekend will be spent doing more of the same, I'm sure (his birthday is Sunday). Hope everyone has a good day.

Busy Week!

This week has been a lot of fun, but extremely busy. Last Wednesday my in-laws arrived. They haven't been to Indiana to visit since February. Their visit was long overdue, and we've had a wonderful time. Thursday was the usual school, violin lesson, etc., and that evening our school had a fundraising chili supper. So that day went by quickly. On Friday, we had invited some friends of ours over for supper, so the day was spent doing the usual, plus cleaning and cooking and getting ready for guests. On Saturday, my in-laws celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. So they wanted to do something different and go somewhere they hadn't been before. We made our way to West Lafayette to visit Historic Prophetstown. There is a state park there, and a pioneer working farm. They have lots of neat "hands on" things for the kids to do and things to explore. Below is four of our family squeezed into an old Model T. Danae wasn't with us, she was at a friend's birthday party, and Makayla was securely fastened in the stroller (for about the 100th time). So we opted to do the four of us.
Here is my mother-in-law playing the piano like she's never played before. Jonathan, over in the corner, is playing with an old phonograph.

Then outside, Jonathan was so proud of himself. He was able to catch one of the chickens that was running around. He and Jeffrey came running over to show us, and Jeffrey declared that they had "caught our supper". We had a great time, and it was enjoyed by all. We went to the Olive Garden for supper to celebrate the big anniversary.

Next, well, I just have to post this picture of my father-in-law. He and I get along great, and we love to pick on one another. He is the one who called from NY one day and told me that "he was having trouble getting on my glob" (he meant blog). I laughed so hard at him. He's the same person who called a jacuzzi a "cachoosie". Anyway, Saturday evening we stopped to get Danae from the birthday party, and they invited us to stay a while. The host fixed my father-in-law a cup of coffee. I came around the corner to see him sitting on the couch with this coffee cup in his hand. It says "Double Bubble" on it. I died laughing, and couldn't resist taking his picture. I love him dearly, he is a wonderful grandpa to our children.

On Sunday, the grandparents wanted recent pictures with the grandchildren, so we did that.

And we figured we might as well do a family one then too.

Monday we went shopping and ran the roads. Paul's dad put new brakes on Paul's car, and we had some nice "visit" time in the evening. Today we went to Kokomo to meet some of my mother-in-laws family for lunch, and got back in time to pick up the children, run them to piano lesson, put a pot of soup on for supper, change the oil in the van, help with homework, run an errand, put the children to bed, visit for a while, fall into bed, and then not be able to sleep (it's 12:39 a.m.) Anyway, tomorrow they head back to NY. It's been great to have them here, and we hate see them go.

The puppies are getting big, and have made their new home outside. Tomorrow I place the ad in the paper to start taking deposits on them. They're really cute, and I'm sure their pictures will probably appear here another time or two before they all find new homes.

Tonight while I was out running my errand, the sunset was one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen. I reached over and turned the radio off, and just thanked the Lord for His reminder of His love and His goodness. Tears came to my eyes as I was reminded that He cares so much about me that He would take the time to create such a breathtaking site for me to enjoy. Our God is Awesome. Revel in His goodness today.

I know, I know...

...it's been FOREVER since I blogged. Sorry. It just seems things have been so hectic that I haven't had time to blog or read anyone else's blog either. Anyway, two weekends ago we went to UBC to attend the annual Old Fashioned day. The weather was HOT and miserable. It was hard to believe that it was 90 degrees in October (must be that global warming thing). One of the activities that I enjoyed watching was the "Pie in the Face" booth. Bro. Glick was the first on the list. Here you'll see Jeremy Fish getting.....READY
SET...

CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you paid $5.00, instead of $1.00 you could stand up close and just "smear". It was quite interesting. Some people had quite a time. (Are you ok, Bro. Glick, under all that cream? Can you even breathe?)

Talk about an "ear full".

Anyway, it was quite crowded, and too hot to eat under the tent, so we had "dinner on the ground" in the shade of the van parked next to ours. It was a real nice day, and we got to see lots of friends that we only see in a blue moon.

Sunday night after our jaunt to UBC on Saturday, I started with terrible back pain. Needless to say, I was down in my back for a good part of the week. On Tuesday I kept Jonathan home from school to help me with Makayla because I was not able to lift her. (Sorry...no picture to post of the ailing mama.) Anyway, I was able to go to a massage therapist on Tuesday, and she worked wonders for me. I am doing much better.

Also, this week one of my long time friend's brother was killed in a "freak" accident on Wednesday night. He was a police officer with the Shelbyville Police Department. This has been a very difficult time for all of the family.

This past Saturday our family attended "The Feast of the Hunter's Moon". It is a annual festival that is held about 30 minutes from us. It is reminiscent of the days of the early settlers. It was very interesting, and a neat experience for all of us. They had several drum and bugle corps there, as well as war reenactments. Lots of people dressed in attire from that era. Here is a picture of one of the "battles" in progress.

I thought this little wagon and little girl was so cute. Couldn't resist the Kodak moment.

Then this week I have been busy taking care of 11 puppies (we lost one), getting ready for company (my in-laws arrived today for a week), and coordinating a large event that is planned to take place in a couple of weeks. Right now I'm feeling a little swamped and somewhat overwhelmed.

The children are doing great, and Makayla got her first two teeth over the weekend. She's almost 11 months old, and a couple of nights ago, I couldn't resist taking her picture. I told the three older ones that she looked like a sleeping beauty. We'll soon be celebrating a first birthday. Doesn't seem possible. Thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by today. Hope you have a blessed day. I will plan to do better about blogging.

Being A Mother

A friend of mine sent me the story listed below, it was sent to her from a mother of 10 children whose husband died of a massive heart attack leaving her totally alone, with all 10 children still at home. Thought some of you moms out there might enjoy it. Let's all be careful to take the time to say "I Love You", because we never know when it might be the last chance. (Of course the picture above is just part of being a mom too...keeping your babies out of the dishwasher.)

BEING A MOTHER

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you." The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. "I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much." That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's'. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting." We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said. "Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed. "How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son." At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I LOVE YOU" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time." Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... Somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, "normal" is history. Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct... Somebody never took a three-year-old shopping. Somebody said being a mother is boring ....Somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit. Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good"....somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee. Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices ... Somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window. Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... Somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math. Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first .... Somebody doesn't have two children. Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books.... Somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears. Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother Is labor and delivery....somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of Kindergarten .... or on a plane headed for military "boot camp." Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back...somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies. Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....somebody doesn't know that Marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings. Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home...somebody never had Grandchildren. Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so You don't need to tell her.... somebody isn't a mother.

Spiritual Lesson from the BATHTUB!!!

This morning I put Makayla in the tub. She loves the water, and especially loves to play in the "running" water. Often, I'll put her in there and just let the water run for a while so she can play. This morning, I was just quietly observing her play. She was trying soooooo hard to "grab" the water. Over and over, she would reach up and try to "hold" it. You could see the "wheels" turning. She was trying so hard to figure out how to hold onto the water. After a while, she would wave her arms and fuss in frustration, but go back once again, to try to figure out how she could grab and hold onto the stream of water. It was a mystery to her how it could LOOK like she should be able to hold onto it, but when she tried, it failed. It is a rule of science that at this point in her life she is not capable of understanding. In that moment the Lord spoke to me. He showed me that I am often just like her. Life has circumstances that I just can't figure out. Often things look like they should be one way, but in God's ways, it's completely different. In my own strength, I try and try to "grasp" and try to make it work the way I think it should work. It seems like over and over again I keep going back and try to figure it out on my own. When it doesn't work like I thought it should, I often get frustrated, and "fuss" in frustration, saying, "God, why can't I figure this out?" But He reminds me that circumstances in my life are "bigger" than me, and at this point in my life, just like Makayla, I am not capable of understanding God's ways, but in spite of that, I still need to trust Him.

Thank you, Lord, for my lesson today from the bathtub. Help me to heed it today. To constantly be reminded that your ways are perfect, and that you are in control, and you really do know what You're doing.

New Adventure

Over this past weekend I embarked on an adventure, not a new one, just joined the adventure again. I am back in the Home Interiors (HI) business. I sold HI when we lived in NY. Had a good business going, and then we moved. Of course when we moved, I was six months pregnant, then the baby came soon, and we were in a new area, along with all of the challenges of having a new baby, Paul starting a new job, new home, new area, new church...you get the picture. So about a year ago or so, I let the business go. However, since then they have changed so many things, one of which, they ship the merchandise directly to the individual that orders it. So........I can still sell to my customers in NY, or anywhere in the US for that matter. Shipping is real inexpensive, up to $30 is $3, and 10% of purchase thereafter. (I couldn't deliver it that cheap.) I am really excited about the potential, and I love HI anyway. I know many of you are familiar with HI, but I wanted all of my friends to know that I'm back in business. Also, (drum roll, please) if anyone is interested. Right now they are having a huge candle sale. You can buy the ever popular petite jar candle for only $4.89, the one that is a little larger for $11.19, and then the largest container candle for only $13.99. That is a savings of 30%!!! This is the best time to stock up, with fall in full swing (we have some great fall scents), and with Christmas coming too. This sale ends Saturday, if you're interested. Hey, I won't promote my business here regularly, but I just wanted everyone to know. It doesn't matter where you live, I can still service you. Just go to my website: http://206.18.121.2/sites/catrenasdecorating?displayInfo=true, look around, check out the candles and all of the other great stuff, and if you're interested in taking advantage of this wonderful candle sale, feel free to e-mail me from that page, or give me a call.

Hey, thanks for letting me rattle on about this. Like I said, I won't do this often.

Well, I need to get back to the new mother. I'm being OB nurse today. Annabelle (our dog) is having puppies. Seven is the count so far.

13 Years Ago Today...

...I married my best friend. I will never forget that day. I look back on those early days of dating and falling in love - staying up late, talking on the phone for hours, thinking, "Maybe he is the one." I look back on our wedding day and I feel the joy of hearing him say "I do". I laugh about our first days of marriage, of discovering differences as well as the sheer, comfortable joy of just being together.

I look at us now, and I can see that each year we're finding how to walk with each other and with the Lord. I imagine the future, growing old together, and I look forward to lifetime of being together. Today we celebreate all we've been, all we are, and all we're still becoming. Most of I, I celebrate my husband...Paul, the man I will always love. I wouldn't trade what we have for anything. Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Busy, Busy Busy!!!!

Where do I begin? It has been a long time since I blogged, and it seems that so much has happened in the past couple of weeks. I guess that I'll start with this past weekend.

On Friday, the children were home from school because the teacher's had convention. After they got their school work done, the three oldest went for a bike ride. They had been gone for a few minutes when Danae came rushing into the house declaring there had been an emergency. Jeffrey had a wreck on his bike, and took the fall on his chin. To make a looooong story short, he ended up with two "itches" as he calls them. He is doing better now, and they should come out by Wednesday. Here is a picture of the ailing child before the actual "itches" were administered.

Then weekend before this past, Paul had another wedding cake to do, in addition to finishing the landscaping job at the church. The landscaping is now finally complete. I don't have pictures of the completed job yet. Once I get them, I'll be sure to post them. I do, however, have a picture of the cake. It was really pretty. He did an excellent job...as usual.

Also, weekend before this past, my mom and I went garage sailing again. We figured this would probably be our last "bash" for the season. Here is a picture of my "big" purchase on Saturday...a new entertainment cabinet. I love it because I can close the doors, and it matches my living room perfectly (it's more burgundy in person that it looks in the pic. It looks really red here). And to think I only paid $45!!!! (It was $400. new!!!!)

And then, as you can see, Makayla has been busy too. Since she's been busy, guess what? I've been busy too. This was the initial "discovery" of the beloved toilet paper roll, and oh what fun it was. I'm sure that there are even more destructive things to come. She's 10 months old tomorrow, and soon will be walking. She crawls everywhere, and pulls herself up to everything. The fun has just begun.

Be sure to check out below for the other couple of blogs posted earlier. Thanks for stopping by.

Now the boys "Morphed"

Here's Jeffrey.





Here's Jonathan.





Be sure to check out below for the "Morphing" of the rest of the family. Have a happy day.

We've Been Morphed

I had gone to Nichole Cassady's blog and had seen where she did the "morphing" thing, and I thought that it would be interesting to do it too. Here's what we look like. These can be really funny.

Here's Paul.

Here's me.

Here's Danae. I think her's is about the best.

Here's Makayla.


I've messed around with this far toooooooooo long tonight so I won't post the boys. I have so much other stuff that I need to be blogging about. Sorry it's been so long. There's been lots going on. Hopefully I can get all caught up on it all in the next few days.

Ever Wonder What They'll Look Like?

I don't know if any of you mothers out there ever wonder what your children will look like when they grow up or not, but I do. I really am not wishing their lives away, but I just think it's interesting to think about. Several weeks ago, a girl in our church brought her boyfriend to church with her (they were home visiting from GBS). His name is Greg. They were sitting in the seat directly in front of us, and as I sat there during the service, I got to looking at him. Hair about the same color as Jeffrey's, same color eyes, stocky build, full lips, etc., and I just wondered, "Will Jeffrey look like him when he grows up?" So after church I had Greg hold Jeffrey so that I could get their picture together. What do you think? Any similarity? Just a curious question.

In other news, I haven't blogged this week because I have been extremely busy. Of course Monday was a holiday, and everything that that entails. On Tuesday morning, it was Jeffrey's first day of Kindergarten (hopefully I can post about that soon). After I got back from dropping the children off at school, I started on a major redecorating project...the boy's room (hopefully I can post pics of that soon too). Anyway, Tuesday I painted bunk beds, Wednesday I painted the ceiling and the window trim, Thursday I painted the rest of the trim and walls, and Friday I finished with about a hour of painting, and then worked the rest of the day putting it all back together. It really turned out nice, and I sure am glad that the project is now complete. It's a wonderful feeling. This week I'll be playing catch up on all of my housework and laundry that didn't get done LAST week because of being tied up on the redecorating project. On top of the redecorating, our church was in revival as well. I've promised myself that in the future, I will not undertake a huge project during the week of revival. It just made things more hectic, and stressful. I plan to plan better the next time.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by, and be sure to let me know you were here.

Candidate for "Cutest Baby Contest" at Wal-Mart?

OK, all you bloggers out there, I need your opinions. I'm thinking about entering Makayla in the "Cutest Baby Contest" at Wal-Mart. It is a fund-raiser for some charity organization. What do you think? Do you think I should do it? Does she have a chance at winning? And those of you that are local, would you cast your vote for her? Let me hear from you. I need to do it probably tomorrow if I'm going to do it. So let me know your opinions. I'll be anxiously awaiting your input. I know what I think, but I'm sure I'm a little prejudice. Jonathan put this cool whip container on her head yesterday, and as you can see, she didn't mind it at all. She wore it for quite a while. She's lovin' it.

Wedding Pictures and DaNae's Definition of Home

Home, safe and sound! Whew! We traveled over 900 miles in less than 36 hours. The wedding was beautiful, and we are so glad that we were able to go. Jeanette and Bill are both very musical so the wedding was filled with lots of instrumental music as well as songs. She surprised him and sang a song to him right after her father gave her away. She sang, "I Will Marry My Best Friend". It was so great to be able to see everyone again, and to be with Paul parents. Here is a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wieserman!!!! Congratulations to them both!

Here is a picture of Jeanette's whole immediate family: top row, Daniel, Joel and Joli (she is married to Tim Dendler). Bottom row: Rev. Daniel Heckman, Jeanette, Bill and Sharon Heckman. The Heckman's were our pastor when we lived in upstate New York. We grew to be wonderful friends, and have so appreciated their lives and the opportunity to know them. We love them very much. They are a wonderful family. Daniel is in college now studying to be an electrical engineer, Joel is now in High School (doesn't seem possible), and Joli has two little boys, ages 3 and one. They are adorable.

Her cake was beautiful and the reception was lovely. Everything was delicious!

Here is a picture of the groom with my two handsome princes, someday (quicker than I realize, I'm sure) they'll be groom's at their own weddings. I'm treasuring these days while I have them at home.

Saturday morning we were able to have breakfast with Paul's parents and the Heckman's. We had a wonderful visit. There certainly is nothing like being part of the family of God. Friendship are formed that will last forever. We arrived home about 8:00 p.m. last night. Shortly after we go home, DaNae said: "It is so good to be home. There is just no place like home, because at home you can do all of those fun things that you like to do, and you can go to the bathroom when you need to, instead of waiting in the van for three hours to stop at a gas station". Leave it to her, she's very descriptive, and I guess, for now, that's what HOME means to her :). Here is a picture of her with Jeanette.

I am home this morning from church because Jonathan was up in the night sick. He is feeling better now, and we're planning to go to church tonight. I don't usually blog on Sunday morning, but since I was home and had a little "down time", I thought I'd post. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday tomorrow. Paul is heading up a work day at our church, re-landscaping our church. I'll plan to post pictures of that project later. Have a marvelous Labor Day.

"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for..."

ICE CREAM!!!!

Makayla absolutely loves ice cream, sherbet, Popsicles, freeze pops, fudge bars, ice cream bars covered with chocolate...well, I think you get the idea. Tonight I was eating an ice cream cone, and she was fussing to share it with me. As you can tell by the picture, it was chocolate, and she sure enjoyed every bite. I just couldn't help myself, I just had to grab the camera. As you can see...again, she also loves the CAMERA, and always has a winning smile for the photographer.

"I scream, you scream, we all scream to be back home" is sure to be our moto by the time Saturday evening gets here. Friday morning our family will be leaving early to go to a wedding in PA. When we lived in NY, our pastor there had two daughters, and one of them is getting married in PA on Friday night. Her name is Jeannette Heckman (she's one of my blog friends, check out her blog, she has several more pictures posted of she and her fiance'). We're real excited that we get to go. Paul's parents will be there too, so it'll be nice to see them again. I was able to get a room at the Holiday Inn, Holidome on Priceline for $45!!!! I was pretty excited. However, it is going to be a quick trip, and we're heading back home Saturday (about a 7 hour trip). I'm sure by the time we hit Indianapolis on Saturday evening, we'll probably be about ready to SCREAM! But I'm sure that it'll be worth it. Be sure to check back later because I'll be posting wedding pictures. Below is a picture of the engaged couple...soon to be husband and wife.

Everyone have a great holiday weekend! See ya on the other side of this PA trip!

My Baby Is Growing UP!!!!!!

On Saturday my little baby turned 9 months old. It just doesn't seem possible. She is crawling everywhere, and has recently discovered my "lids" drawer. Playing in this drawer has become her new favorite pastime. Here she is, after she crawls to the drawer, she's figured out how to open it, and for a few days, sat on the floor and played.

She now has graduated to "standing" at the drawer. She is pulling herself up to things, and sometimes she even lets go after she has gotten on her feet. I'm afraid she's going to be walking soon. Not sure I'm ready for that quite yet.

Here she is standing a little bit taller (I think), but you'll notice in the background remnants of her other favorite past-time...putting her little hands all over the stove, leaving lots of little finger prints.

And then, tonight, she was on the floor, and a little pink dress that she had worn earlier had fallen nearby. She picked it up, and by herself, put it on. As you can see, she still needs to work on this a little, but won't be long she'll be dressing herself completely :).

The kids put her in this blanket and were hauling her around the house. She loved every minute of it...as you can tell. Almost, without fail, when she sees someone with a camera aimed at her, she's sure to "ham" it up for the picture.

And since I had pictures of all of the other kids in this post except Jeffrey, I thought I'd share this photo of him. The other night after we had read our Bible story, he was sitting on the couch looking at the pictures. The Eeyore costume we got at a garage sale, and they've had a great time with it. He was so intently looking at the book, I just thought he looked really cute.

Hope everyone has a great day.

The Natives Are Restless

Oh my...need I say more? What a day! My children, first thing this morning, painted their faces, gave themselves native names, donned what "Indian" gear they had, and then went totally WILD all day. Do any of you mothers out there ever long for bedtime? Tonight, I'll admit, it just couldn't come soon enough. My children are really starting to get bored with summer. They've had a great summer, got to do a lot of fun things, go lots of places, but I almost think they're tired of being home so much. Playing in the pool isn't nearly as fun as it was the first week in June, and riding their bikes just isn't cutting it these days. Thankfully school starts Friday. YEAH!!!!! Jeffrey won't start for another couple of weeks, and he'll only go three days a week, but the two oldest will be in full swing starting Monday. Here are my "natives".

I think DaNae was a combo of "native" and "clown". Anyway, they used their imaginations, and they certainly were original.

And then there's Makayla. She was VERY restless today as well. Very fussy, and dissatisfied. I finally ended up putting her in my "wrap", and doing my housework with her in that, sitting on my hip. She seemed much more content. She just wanted to be held all day. I think she's getting close to getting a tooth or two.

Anyway, now the house is quiet, and I truly am enjoying it. I know, I know, one of these days, I'll long for the sound of "natives" running through the house. I'm trying to keep that in mind.

Crushed Glasses, Cracker Barrel, Camping Paradise, Celebrations, Church and Crashing

Well, this weekend has been a whirlwind, or so it seems. Friday evening we were getting ready to leave to go and stay at my grandparents house (they were not going to be home, but had offered their home to us to stay over night), DaNae was changing her clothes, had laid her glasses on her bed, and Jeffrey went in her room, and began bouncing on her bed, and did not know that her glasses were there. She came out of her room crying that Jeffrey had broken her glasses, and the picture below is just about the way they looked, only difference was that the lens was not broken. I rushed to the dr's office where we purchased them, but of course they were closed, so I ran to Wal-mart, and they had a pair of frames that the lenses would fit into. So we purchased the new frames, and now she is back in business. After we ate pizza, we left for southern Indiana, and arrived at my grandparent's place around 10 p.m.

Saturday morning, we met my dad's younger brother, Larry and his wife Sharon at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We had a wonderful time, and it was great to be with them again. We really don't live that far apart, but it seems that we just don't get to see them very often. This is Larry and Sharon Hudson.

Here is the picture of the other side of the table, my little family.

After breakfast, we headed further south to Clarksville, Indiana and stopped at the Bass Pro Shop there. We had never been there, but had heard wonderful things about it. We really didn't need anything, we just stopped to take in the "scenery", and boy was it something. They had a stream running through the place with real fish in it, and hundreds of stuffed game all over the store. It was quite the experience. We spent close to two hours there, and could have stayed much longer. Here is a picture of the entrance.

1 I wanted to get Jeffrey's picture opening the door. He looked so little compared to the door. It was all he could do to get it open.

Just a picture of some of the wildlife inside.

I thought this was really neat, the two buck fighting.

This bear was quite large.

After a couple of hours there, we headed a little further south to Louisville, Ky, for a 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration for my aunt and uncle. We don't get to see them very often either, so it was great to be with them. I have two cousins, their daughters, that I haven't seen since my grandfather died five and a half years ago, so it was real nice to see them, and be with them again. Here is the "golden" couple: Paul and Geneva Hairston.

Fifty years ago the eloped. He was living in Florida, and she boarded a bus, and went and met him, and they got married. He had never given her an engagement ring, so for their 50th, he gave her an "engagement" ring. She was so surprised, she told me later that she had no idea.

Here is a picture of them with their two girls. On the left is Pamela Hinson. Her and her husband are officers in the Salvation Army, and on the right, Angela Hairston who is a respiratory therapist.

My grandmother was there as well, and I wanted to get a picture of her with all of my children. I don't know how much longer I'll have the opportunity to have their picture taken with her. She is a godly saint, and I love her dearly. Her name is Ruth Brown. (As you can see, Makayla was really "hammin' it up".)

After the reception, my aunt and uncle invited everyone to dinner, and then to visit their new home that they just recently had built. We did go to dinner and visited with them in their new home, and then headed home. We arrived home later than we had planned, but it was worth it, and we were so glad that we went.

Then this morning, it was good to be back in our home church again. We had been away for the two previous Sundays because of camp. Of course we enjoyed being at camp, but there's no place like home, and especially if it has air conditioning :) (After the heat at camp, the A/C was a welcome relief.) Had some friends over after church, and DaNae has a friend spending the night, so it's been a busy weekend, but a good one. It was great to be with family and friends and to be reminded as I was yesterday by one of the guests at my aunt and uncle's reception (she asked me how many children I have, and I told her 4). She said: "You are rich". I responded, "Yes, I am, very, very rich." Thank you, Lord for your richness in my life.

Needless to say, I am ready to "crash", ready to hit it for the week that lies ahead. It promises to be a busy one. I think that every night this next week is already full and school starts on Friday.

(This picture was taken of Jonathan on the way home from IHC this year, but I thought that it was pretty appropriate for the way I feel about now. I think I could sleep in just about any position.) Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to let me know you were here (all you lurkers).