Happy 1st Birthday, Sugar!!!

 

 

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, SUGAR!!!

 

 

 

Sugar was FULL of smiles this morning!

Big Girls (aka: 1 Year Olds) can color, you know!

CHECK HER OUT!

She was PSYCHED about it!

 

 

 

 

Look who came over for Sugar's birthday dinner!

It's BoBana!!!! 

 

 

 

 

Jell-O for dessert...one of Sugar's favorites since Camp Good News! 

And really...who needs a bowl, anyways??!!??

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl.  I can't wait to further celebrate your birthday with our family on Saturday!  I wonder how much cake you will get on your face.  Or better yet, I wonder how much cake you will get in your hair!  YIKES!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY GIRL!

One Last August Swim

As the end of the month draws near, so does the crisp air of autumn.  But before the cool air is upon us for good, PQ decided to take advantage of the warm sunshine by taking a quick dip in the pool.  Sounds great, doesn't it?  PQ thought so too...until he got in and felt how chilly the water was!  Apprently the recent rain storms have dropped the water temperature in the pool.

 

 

Taking it all in...(not sure what was in the sky??!!??)...

 



 

YIKES...the water was MUCH cooler than he thought!

 

 

 

 



I can almost feel how cool it is just by looking at PQ! 

 

AT LAST...full body submersion!

RIP: Caterpillar Cocoon

Grammy recently found a monarch caterpillar in her yard and she saved it for PQ.  Up until yesterday, the caterpillar had been residing at Grammy's house in a small relish jar on her porch.  PQ brought his new friend home last night and noticed that it wasn't moving.  At first he thought it was 'napping' or 'preparing for his cocoon'.  But after giving the little guy a small nudge, PQ realized that the caterpillar was dead.

When I got home from work last night, I found PQ sitting outside near the retaining wall with one of the next door neighbors.  They had markers, paper, and flowers laid out nicely on the ground.  When I inquired about what they were doing, PQ brought me up to speed about the passing of his new friend.  He told me that they were preparing a funeral for "Buddy CC", aka: Buddy Caterpillar Cocoon.  A few minutes later, Buddy was laid to rest in the ground and a beautiful shrine was placed at his grave site.  Rocks were perfectly aligned to show where his body laid.  I gave PQ a hug and told him that I was sorry about his loss.  It's times like this that I think about how sensitive my little boy really is.  He has such a big heart.

Within the hour, PQ came inside to grab some Lego's from his room.  He rushed back out the door and sat near the burial site.  I gave it a few minutes and then I went back out to check on him.  Remember that big heart that I mentioned?  Well, PQ did not think that it was right that Buddy CC did not have a casket to rest in.  So, he came inside, grabbed some Lego's and made the little guy a final resting bed.  (That's right...if you didn't catch that....he dug up his dead friend, put him in the Lego casket, and reburied him!  A little weird but very sweet at the same time.  *wink*)

The moral of the story: Kids get attached a lot more than we realize.  We need to be more sensitive.  In my mind, it was just a caterpillar.  But to PQ, Buddy CC was created by God and he was loved.

Rest Well, Buddy CC

His final resting place.

(As you can see, the rocks are no longer lined up nicely at the burial site.   But hey, at least Buddy CC has a cool Lego casket!) 

Never underestimate the heart of a child!

1st Day of School- 4th Grade

It's official.  The start of our school year began today!  I woke up bright and early so I could make PQ a special First Day Of School breakfast and spent the morning praying over our day.  Having quiet time in the morning before the kids wake up is the best way for me to start my day.  I ease into my morning feeling relaxed.  I sat alone at the kitchen table enjoying a hot cup of tea while working on my daily devotions.  (Our family is using a new devotional book and we LOVE it...more on that in a later post.)  I was reminded once again this morning that my attitude needs to be joyful in order for my childrens attitude to be ready for the day.

Upon waking up, PQ found a sweet note from his Papa (which made his smile from ear to ear).  He also found warm pumpkin streusel muffins on the counter- fresh from the oven.  He immediately sat down, ate breakfast, and then went in his room to get ready for his first day of school.  The entire morning went off without a hitch.  PQ worked diligently on his work and he was focused.  After lunch, things got a little hairy.  Perhaps it was the afternoon lull that got him hung up on his math lesson.  PQ was a little distracted but he did manage to pull it together and get the job done.  (I did learn something today.  I learned that MATH and ENGLISH need to be taught in the morning when his attention is at peak performance.  The afternoon can be used for science experiments and history exploration- things that PQ loves to do, which will help him stay motivated.)

A sweet note from Daddy

My handsome 4th grader is a ROCK STAR!

(Seriously, look how handsome he is!!!)

I think THIS was PQ's favorite part of the school day...

(his 15 minute morning break was spent in the pool)

Literally BEAMING about the privilege to swim during the school day!

We covered more material today than I thought we would on the first day of school.  I would definitely like to see this type of day repeated!  Thanks again for making your first day of 4th grade so productive, PQ!

Just Like Daddy!



Just in time for the start of school (tomorrow), PQ officially has to wear glasses to see...and he's PSYCHED about it!  He loves them!  He looks just like Daddy!

Happy 10th Anniversary, Papa H!

Happy 10th Year Anniversary, Papa H!  On our special anniversary day, I planned the days events.  (If you're not familiar with our story, we take turns each year deciding what we will do.) So 2012 (aka: Year #10) was my year to plan.  My mind has been swirling with ideas for several weeks, but knowing that money is tight, I wanted to keep our plans within a reasonable budget. 

Ten years of marriage!  In a time when divorce rates are skyrocketing around us, I am honored to be celebrating this day with such an amazing man.  So, what did I plan, you ask?!!??  We set out for the big city and up until we arrived in the city, Papa H had no idea that I even had anything planned.  Although his expectations were not very high for the days activities, I think he was thrilled by what actually took place.  Let's take a look, shall we??!!??



Outdoor dining, anyone??

Elevation Burger...grass-fed organic hamburgers...YUMMY!

After lunch, I took Papa H on a REWIND SCAVENGER HUNT of several memorable places that led up to our 10th Year Anniversary.  Upon our arrival at each of the places, I pulled out my Bible and read to him.  As you will see by the verses, they are specific to each event that had taken place at each location.  We've come a long ways, that's for sure.  And I would not have wanted to do it with any other person!  I love ya, Papa H! 

PICTURE IT: Where we stayed the night of our wedding...

SCRIPTURE: Song of Songs 2:16~

My beloved is mine and I am his;
he browses among the lilies.

PICTURE IT:  Where Papa H proposed to me...



SCRIPTURE: Song of Songs 8:6-7~

Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
 Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. 

PICTURE IT: Where we had our first 'local' date...

SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 18:1-3

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.   From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

PICTURE IT: Where we had our first kiss...(ever since the day we met, he has always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world...all the time...every time...no matter what.)

SCRIPTURE: Song of Songs 4:1-7

How beautiful you are, my darling!
Oh, how beautiful!
Your eyes behind your veil are doves.
Your hair is like a flock of goats
descending from the hills of Gilead. 
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn,
coming up from the washing.
Each has its twin;
not one of them is alone. 
Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon;
your mouth is lovely.
Your temples behind your veil
are like the halves of a pomegranate. 
Your neck is like the tower of David,
built with courses of stone;
on it hang a thousand shields,
all of them shields of warriors.
Your breasts are like two fawns,
like twin fawns of a gazelle
that browse among the lilies.  
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee,
I will go to the mountain of myrrh
and to the hill of incense.
You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
there is no flaw in you. 

PICTURE IT: Where we first introduced...and where Papa H eventually told me that he loved me.  (He said it first, by the way...and then I ran out the door.  It's actually a funny story between the two of us.  If you ever want to hear it, let us know.)

SCRIPTURES: Colossians 3:14~

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Jeremiah 29:11~ 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Little did we know that God was doing a work in both of our lives.  He planned for us to meet.  He planned for us to fall in love.  And He walked with us every step of the way.  It's funny how perspectives change once you accept the gift of God.  Walking down cobblestone streets holding my husbands hand while we giggle about where God has taken us is way more exciting than trying to prove ourselves to the world. 

Life from a whole new perspective!



After taking our journey back in time, we had reservations for dinner and a cruise.  Papa H had no idea that the sunset cruise has been planned for us, and he seemed quite happy with the romantic voyage that I had planned for us.  Upon arriving at the restaurant that we had set out to dine in, we quickly realized that the restaurant had shut down.  (So much for the gift certificate that we were going to use.)  But we made the best of it and made other plans for dinner...and for the evening. 

As much as Papa H would have loved to go out on the sailboat for a sunset cruise, he thought it would be best if we cancelled our reservations.  I think the idea of having his wife hang overboard for 2 hours while we sailed back to shore was frightening to him.  (I'm one of those people that has to take Dremamine before going to an amusement park.)  We ended up cancelling the reservation and we didn't have to pay a thing.  We decided to venture into a few shops and then head out for more outdoor dining.

It's RED from Fraggle Rock...I've always loved her. *wink*

Papa H and Me in 10 more years...???  (if you can't see it, the farmer is carrying the pig and his wife has just collected the fresh eggs from the coop- now that's life!)

We're still holding on to the dream of living a simple life on a farm or an orchard.  My vote is for an orchard! 

What dinner date is complete without a Mariachi Band???!!!??? 

Talk about timing!

Outdoor dining during the sunset...PRICELESS! 

And thank God we opted not to go on the cruise...because it POURED OUT!!!!!

(Now that would be have been miserable...)

Happy 10th Anniversary, Papa H! 

I love you very much and I can't wait to see where we are in 10 more years! 

XOXOXOXOXO

Monkey See, Monkey Do...

What happens when my city slicker (aka: PQ) meets up with Twirly's son, Duck Egg?  Monkey See, Monkey Do!  One of the luxuries of living in the woods is actually playing in and/or on nature's playground.  When you live in the 'city' like we do, the kids have to imagine what it would be like to climb a tree.  Unfortunately, city slickers aren't trained to scale anything and everything that comes there way.  This evening proved just that.  Introducing Duck Egg and PQ in a playground pastime that I like to call Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Monkey See...

Monkey Do! 

Well, sort of...

if only he could figure out how his friend got on that side of the roof!

Yippee...it's official...MONKEY DO!! 

I'm telling you, Duck Egg is a wild man!

Monkey See... 



Monkey Do!!

It never fails.  I always seem to learn something about myself when I meet up with Twirly.  I was reminded once again that I need to just RELAX a little more in life.  Kids need to explore (without their mother freaking out in the background listing all the ways they could get hurt).  Kids need to gain self confidence (even if that means taking some risks- all while their mother is still reminding them about all the risks involved- *wink*).  But most importantly, mothers need to let their kids fly...(well, not literally...come on now, you know how much I want to tell you all the reasons why that's not a safe choice...hahaha)

Breath, Mama....Breath! 

7~ A Little Hint To What's Ahead For Me...

One Final Hug Before Our New Friend Arrives!

Within the next 24 hours, Baby Mouse will officially have her Mama's skin to soothe her, her Papa's hands to hold her, her big sisters hair to tug, and PLENTY of cousins and friends waiting to help her explore the world!  I couldn't resist snapping a picture this afternoon when we went by to pick up some fresh cukes (the pickles will be delivered early next week-thanks again).  Time continues to fly by, and just as Country Mouse wrote in a note to me earlier in the week:  Can't BELIEVE you have an almost ONE YEAR OLD. Were we not JUST sitting in my living room with you crying about how happy you were to be getting a GIRL? I MEAN COME ON.  Indeed it does feel like just yesterday that was happening, but TODAY is your day, my friend.  Today (or early tomorrow morning), you will be meeting your newest baby girl for the very first time!  I am over the moon excited for you and your family!  Baby Mouse has no idea how lucky she is to be joining such an amazing family!

And before I burst into tears, I'm going to distract myself from all of the mushy-mushy stuff....(come on, y'all know how much Country Mouse CRAVES distraction during the labor process- I'm just using her tricks for my own benefit right now- *wink*)  Back to our not-so-mushy comments....please see below.  Seriously, my girl was using Baby Mouse's Belly Bump as a SHELF!  I have a feeling that these two are going to be sweet girlfriends.

Stay tuned for more pictures tomorrow.  We have a trip to the 'city' planned for tomorrow afternoon.  We can't wait to meet the newest little mouse.  I'm sure she will be LOVELY!  Aaawww....Lovely Mouse....that might her new nickname!

Getting Un-Stuck With 7

For quite some time, I have been struggling with something and I haven't been able to put my finger on it.  You see, I've been feeling stuck in my life.  And I'm probably not going to explain all of this very well, so please bare with me.  (And please feel free to ask questions if any of this is unclear.) 

STUCK...how should I begin to describe how I've been feeling?  For a while now, I've been feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in my life.  Stuff can range anywhere from an overloaded schedule to stuff physically in my possession.  I'm continuously craving simplicity and for the past several months, I have been wheening myself off from being a YES GIRL who jumps at every opportunity that is presented.  I still struggle with this but I'm becoming more aware of my struggles which is helping me.  Not only have I been struggling with my busy schedule, I've also been feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things we own.  Sometimes it feels like our stuff is keeping us from living a life of true richness.  I feel like the American Dream of having more stuff is what's causing us to feel so lost in this world. 

After sharing my struggles with Papa H, I started searching online for other people who might be experiencing the same type of struggle.  I came across a book titled 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess written by Jen Hatmaker and I immediately ordered a copy to be shipped to me.  In her book, Jen details a 7 month experiment where she addressed 7 areas of excess in her own life.  Each month was dedicated to simplifying one area of excess, with the hopes of changing her future mindset in those areas.  Over the past couple of weeks, I have been slowly reading through the various chapters and feeling so encouraged.  Afterall, I confirmed that I'm not the only person who's feeling burdened by our cultural attitude that encourages consumerism.  During my down time at Camp Good News this past week, I managed to finish the book.  I've given it some thought and I'm thrilled to say that I am going to embark on a similar challenge. 

I don't have all of the details in place as of yet, but I do hope that you stay tuned over the course of the next several weeks, as I jump in head first.  I'm hoping to satisfy my hearts desire for a slower life.  And I'm hoping to get un-stuck.  Won't you please join me?

Reborn...