Playing in the rain.

This summer has pretty much been a wash (the pun was very much so intended). This afternoon was no different. It began to sprinkle and eventually it turned into a down pour. During this time, PQ and I finished up our 'date' by going outside to intentionally play in the rain. PQ was psyched about the offer to play outside and it ended up being quite a good time!

We rode scooters for a while and then we took a walk to the playground. A random man even stopped us on our way to tell us how the weather was perfect for a leisurely walk. We chuckled in agreement and carried on our way. PQ slid down the slide at the playground (even though it was soaked from all the rain). Apparently slides are much more fun with a little rain.

It's not very often that we head outside in the rain just because it's fun. But today was a gentle reminder that it is a lot of fun playing in the rain. A few weeks ago, we went on a rainy day hike with Glory's family and we had a blast. Today was no different. We spent quality time together in the rain and I am so grateful that we were able to do this.

Rain....shmain...we love playing in the rain!

Fishing at The Rangeley Complex

PQ recently fell in love with two young girls. Their names are Hannah and Lucy. The little girls are Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs. The Rangeley's own the two young girls and PQ absolutely adores them! (PS...they have better bangs than any woman that I've ever met. *WINK*)

This evening, PQ and Papa H headed over to The Rangeley Complex to go fishing with Mr. Rangeley. The evening was quite a success and my little man had a blast. Thanks again to Mr. Rangeley and Mrs. Rangeley for inviting the boys to come over.

The sweet girls...Hannah and Lucy

Mr. Rangeley and PQ were scoping things out.

Look what PQ caught!!!!

I love their man time.

It's not the size of the fish that matters...

...it's how much fun you had fishing!

I think it's a BIG one!




I am so proud of him for holding all of the fish!





Oooooooh yeah, baby!

Apparently Lucy likes to meet new friends too.

Gut Fish?

My boys...and Lucy.

Little eyes are always watching.

Pucker up!!???!!!

We all recall certain parts of our childhood, that's for sure. We all have memories of our parents and the types of interactions that we had together. I can only hope that PQ remembers the times that he and Papa H ventured out on their manly adventures. Sure, it's fun to tag along with my boys...but it's also nice to hear about their times together as soon as they return back to home.

It's even better when someone (like Mrs. Rangeley) surprises me with pictures and videos from the evening. Even though my camera is broke, she found a way to make sure that I could see my boys in action. Thanks again, Mrs. Rangeley. Papa H will be bringing your camera back to NBL tomorrow. Just make sure Mr. Rangeley reminds him to take the camera out of the truck. *WINK*

Lastly, we have a video. Country Mouse, please make sure that Husband watches this one. Trust me, it's a great video.

Welcome Friends!

Let's see....

Floors Refinished...CHECK!

Walls Painted in Livingroom-(Thanks again, Glory and DH)...CHECK!

New Furniture (thanks to the local stray cat)...CHECK!

Rearranged Livingroom...CHECK!

Sat on couch to make sure it was comfortable...DOUBLE CHECK!

Hanging Curtains...This will happen tomorrow.

Hanging Pictures...This will also happen tomorrow.

Most Importantly...Inviting friends over to enjoy it with us. Soooo...when can y'all come over to hang out? Let me know!!!

A Fun Little Survey...

My name is: Mama H

This morning I was: running around like a lunatic before work!

Where are your feet right now: on the floor under my desk

I dream about: extending our family

Been in love: Yes!!!!!

Cried when someone died: Of course!

Lied: Unfortunately, yes.

Flowers or Candy: Flowers are more heartfelt

Scruff or clean shaven: Don't get me started...CLEAN SHAVEN!!!!

Tall or short: Uuuh, do they mean Me or my husband??

Last person you slow danced with: Papa H-aaawww...I love to dance with him.

Makes you laugh the most: PQ, of course!

Makes you smile: Papa H

Gives you a funny feeling when you see them: Papa H

Hair color: Red...fiyah red!

Habla espanol: De Nada...

Sprechen sie deutsches: Huh??!!???

Feel happy: Yes indeed!

Wish you could fly away...far, far away: Nope. Not today.

Believe in God: Yes indeed. ~3 years ago. I can't even begin to explain how it has changed my life for the better.

Could you live without a computer: Of course, but I wouldn't want to.

Favorite candy: Anything chocolate

Favorite fruit: Raspeberries

What are you listening to: neighbors bickering

Worst physical pain: Childbirth!!!!!

Trust others too easily: Yes, most of the time.

Are your fingers cold: Not at all...hot and humid=clammy hands

I want: to sit in the freezer and cool off.

I wish: I hadn't started this survey. *WINK*

I love: to cook.

I miss: having muscle tone.

I fear: this quiz will never end.

I smell: our new fruniture.

I wonder: if I'll get pregnant this month.

Itchy, Itchy, Itchy Guy

If only signs like this were posted along all wooded trails.

PQ woke up last night scratching all over. At first I thought that he had multiple bug bites that were driving him batty during the night. After giving him some Benedryl, I sent him back to bed and told him that it will feel better in the morning. Morning came and went but the itching hasn't stopped.

I brought PQ to Grammy's house for her to take a look. She confirmed it...PQ has a bad case of poison ivy! Due to the fact that I've never had this (knock on wood), I really can't understand how badly it itches. I do, however, know from watching him that this stuff is brutal! He's been itching non-stop all day. His legs and arms have poion ivy all over them. His adorable, little face even has a few spots around his eye and along his mouth. He even has two new spots on his bum. OUCH!

Of course I can't post any pictures (because my camera is broke). Trust me on this one...the rash is not pretty.

When it rains, it pours.

We've all heard the saying "When it rains, it pours". It's an old stand-by that people use when things just aren't going their way. Well today, it's pouring for some reason. I have my own assumptions about why these things are happening...but for now, let me share our day with you.

After getting a later than usual start to the morning, we headed out the door for church. After church, we came home and ate lunch. We had leftover salad from the cookout at L&L's house last night. (This was a good thing-it was nice having food waiting for us upon our arrival at home.) After lunch, Papa H and PQ went outside to bring the couch back into the house. As you may recall, we had our floors refinished about 2 weeks ago. We decided to do some minor maintenance and painting before organizing the livingroom and porch so we had the majority of the furniture in various rooms at the house. We brought the couch out to the garage for storage and this my friends, is where trouble first began today.

While bringing the couch back into the house, Papa H yelled me for me to come see him and PQ. As soon as I started walking towards the boys (halfway in the house with the couch), I smelled the most distinct smell....CAT URINE! Oh yes, if you've ever smelled it you know what it smells like. It's disgusting!!! (For the record, we don't have cats...they're gross. End of story.) Papa H and I had a 3 second conversation about the urine smell and we both agreed that this piece of furniture CANNOT come back into our home.

After discovering the urine laced couch, we went to the local furniture and looked at what they had. We found one set that fits our needs (sofa, loveseat, double-wide chair, and otomon). We put the set on hold and decided to venture to the big city this evening to see if we could find a better deal.

Before heading to the big city, we went to the lake for a Baptism celebration. I always love this day of the year. It reminds of when Papa H and I were baptized 2 years ago. Just stepping out onto the property brings back a TON of memories. Mama & Papa Sunshine were part of today's baptism celebration so we were thrilled to be there. I got a few great photographs of them being baptized and then, WHAM...my camera broke!!! I'm not quite sure how or why it broke but I'm afraid that my picture blogging days are on hold...again! Grrrrr!

During our trip to the big city, we realized that the local furniture deal was much better than the deal at the larger furniture store. So we headed back into town and now we're back at home. PQ and I will go purchase the local set tomorrow. I can't wait...I'm thrilled about the new set...but sad that we are forced to buy a new set just because some stray cat got into our garage and urinated on our couch! RAH!!! Don't get me started!

We know that we're never given more than we can handle...but we're still waiting to see what else comes up for us in the next few days. For some reason, I don't think this rain storm has passed us by quite yet.

It's official...I'M AWESOME!!!!!

Thanks for the ego boost, Tony! *WINK*

From Sunscreen to Bug Spray

What a busy day! I feel so blessed that I have a part time work schedule that allows me to be involved in all of PQ's activities. PQ had baseball camp this morning from 9-12. The local New England College Baseball Team has been holding a camp all week and PQ has been having a BLAST at camp!

The day started off with plenty of sunscreen...

They are learning the importance of paying attention.

Simon Says: Get ready to run!

After baseball camp, PQ was exhausted!

After an afternoon nap, he was ready for the evening!

(Geocaching was on the Cub Scout agenda.)

Good thing they wore a ton of bug spray!





They learned the importance of working together.




PQ's favorite part was helping with the GPS.

My son LOVED being in the woods...

...and he reminded me that he wants to live there someday.

This picture really caught my eye...

look how focused the kids are.

Before it got too dark, we found the 3rd and final cache.

Boys are busy.

Boys are adventurous.

Boys are fun.

Boys are spontaneous.

Boys grow up to be men...Mighty men. It's the little lessons along the way that mold them into who they are as adults. My little guy is changing each and everyday. It's fascinating to watch him grow. It can be frustrating at times but all in all, it's well worth every bit of it. Time flies by so quickly and it's a lot of work being a parent. It is, however, one of the best gifts that God has given me.

Is Candy Just For Kids??!!??

What store has over 10,000 pounds of inventory that kids love?

This one does!!!!

The kids were overwhelmed about all the choices...

...but finally came out with their own picks.

Beaner got chocolate covered brownie batter.

D-Dawg got a Charleston Chew.

PQ got a bag of War Heads.

We bought some Puffed Molasses too!

This candy store always takes me back to my childhood. Every kind of candy that I grew up with can be found at this store. From Teaberry Gum to Squirrels to a SKYBAR, they all seem to be there. Even though the kids probably felt like we were there for them, I found myself feeling just as excited as they were about it all. Candy stores aren't just for kids, you know! Perhaps being a kid never gets old. *WINK*

LESSON SPF 60

WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BLOG IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH!!!!!!

On Sunday afternoon, we attended the annual picnic at our church. The weather was gorgeous! It was sunny outside so we spent the entire afternoon in the sun. PQ and I lubed up with sunscreen but Papa H forgot to do so. At home later that evening, it became obvious that he indeed had a sunburn. OUCH!

On Monday afternoon, Papa H called me at home. He told me that his head really hurt and that he felt like he had small cuts on his scalp. When he got home after work, he showed me the top of his head. On top of his scalp were a few blisters that were oozing yellow puss. Later that evening, our 'quiet' neighbors woke us up. At that time, Papa H asked me if people ever end up in the emergency room for sunburns. I chuckled to myself and told him that I didn't think his sunburn was that bad. That is, until I turned on the light!

Much to our surprise, his entire head was covered with small blisters. To make matters worse, those small blisters were oozing yellow puss which was drying onto his scalp. DOUBLE OUCH! I immediately called Glory for her nursing advice but her VM picked up. She called me this morning and reconfirmed the information that we found online...we needed to call the doctor.

Papa H called his doctor today and explained the situation. We are waiting for the doctors office to call us back with the next steps. As of 5pm, the doctor was still taking patients so he would be calling us back this evening. Papa H might need to be seen in the office...or they may call in an antibiotic to help stop any infection.

Below are some pictures (which by the way, do not even compare to seeing it in person). They really don't do it justice but at least you'll get the point.

OUCH!

DOUBLE OUCH!!

TRIPLE OUCH!!!

Lesson Learned? According to Papa H, he will ALWAYS wear sunscreen from here on out. That means every single day as part of his morning routine. It's too dangerous not to wear sunscreen. End of story.

PQ's Parents

QUICK....What happens when a very creative 6 year old has

some time to play while his Mom is making dinner?

He makes his Mama laugh!

Presenting PQ's parents:

Kids have a fun way of making us laugh, don't they? Without any prompting or suggesting, PQ went into each of our closets and came up with an outfit for each of us. He announced his 'parental presence' before entering the room...and he made me laugh each time! Absolutely hilarious. I think my favorite part of this was either Papa H clutching onto his pants (picture #2) or the 'look' that I make when I'm all dressed up (picture #4). Can someone please tell me that my eyes do not look like this when I'm feeling pretty!!!! HAHAHAH! Hilarious.

Thanks for the laughs, PQ!

Slacking...

I don't know about you but I go through spurts where I find myself neglecting one of our household 'jobs'. It's usually laundry but for whatever reason, I've been slacking on balancing our checkbooks lately. I used to check them EVERY SINGLE DAY but for the past 8 months, I've only been checking them about once every two weeks. It's completely throwing me off and I don't like how I feel when I finally get around to checking them.

I'm not going to rant about it (although I'm tempted to mope). Instead, I'm going to ask all of you...is there something that you've been slacking on lately???!!!???

I'm baaaaack!

Back from camping....had a GREAT TIME...but I'm totally spent! Camping is hard work! Everything is unpacked...I just scrubbed my feet for about 15 minutes (they were nasty). There is nothing quite like camping feet, is there???!!!??

Okay, folks...I have a bizillion loads of laundry to do so I can't chat for long. I'm not sure what I have for pictures (my battery was really low)...so I will be back tomorrow night. Not sure what I'll have up my sleeve for a post so stay tuned! *WINK*

Gone Camping...

Grilling
OREO's
No more than 10 miles from home
Eating non-stop

Camper...did I mention we bought a camper?
Absolutely fun
Making do with what we have
Plenty of games
Itchy bug bites
No computer
Gone until Saturday!

What I've learned from my husband...

I've learned a lot from my husband over the past several years. I've learned that going out to a fancy restaurant can't compare to a home cooked meal made with love. I've learned that living in an unfinished construction project means that we have much to be grateful for. I've learned that everything doesn't have to be perfect as long as we're together. I've learned that tough times can bring us together as long as we let it. I've learned that a sense of humor is something that can't be learned...it's born within.





I've learned that children learn a lot from their parents and I'm reminded that little eyes are on me each and everyday. I've learned that designer clothes don't make or break me as a person-people will love me for me. I've learned that camping really can be fun. I've learned that having a strong Christian husband is important to me. I've learned that living in the woods is very appealing. I've learned that a husband will always protect his wife and child. I've learned that sharing stories and memories can be rejuvinating. I've learned that I can love someone more than I ever imagined....and that love is unconditional.

Just a few things that I've learned...

Well Worth The Break!

It's been over a week since I was connected online. I'm sorry for the delay. I hope y'all haven't forgotten about me and my blog! We had a floors refinished and we are THRILLED with the outcome. We never imagined that they would look as good as they do!!!

LIVINGROOM BEFORE:

PORCH BEFORE:

DRUMROLL PLEASE...

DRUMROLL PLEASE...

DRUMROLL PLEASE...

PRESENTING OUR NEW FLOORS!!!!!

Trust me...it was WELL WORTH the wait!