Friday, July 30, 2010

One Tomato

Well, we are about to harvest
exactly one third
of our tomato crop.
I don't know what happened.  Several people suggested maybe bad soil.  Or I just don't know how to container garden.  Anything's possible I guess.  The summer after I graduated from JMU I grew some beautiful tomatoes at my parents' house.  Could it be I had a little more time on my hands?  Or that now the ol' green thumb is turning brown?  
We're hoping to put in a garden next spring.  Hopefully we'll get a little more from it!


Thursday, July 29, 2010

Healthy Choices

 Trying to help us all make healthier choices during the day.  Though it isn't rocket science, I decided to have a plate of fruits and veggies all prepared so when we're hungry, there's a quick and healthy alternative.  So far so good!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Eleven Years

That day eleven years ago was perfect.  Blue sky, warm.  My wedding day.  I was so excited.  Who isn't when they are about to get married??  The dress, the flowers, the friends and family.  The GROOM!  We all scurried about, getting ready.  Maybe fifteen minutes before the ceremony was about to begin, someone came in and said it was like a monsoon outside.  I didn't believe them but when I looked outside, I saw black clouds, wind, and pouring rain.  I didn't love that but oh well.  I was getting married anyway.  And we did.  Despite the rain- which was actually a wonderful thing since we were in a drought that summer.  An Irish blessing someone said.
I guess that is typical of marriage, isn't it?  Some perfect blue sky days and others where the rain pours and the wind rages.  But I tell you, I wouldn't trade a minute of it.  God has definitely had some surprises for us and taken us places I never would have even thought of.  He has been faithful to us and will continue to be.
He surely gave me such a treasure in Brian. 

Friday, July 23, 2010

A Few Pictures

Some recent summer shots of the kids

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sweet Dreams

My sweet baby girl rested her head on my shoulder.  She had a full tummy and her jammies on.  I held her for a minute then started up the stairs.  Still, she rested.  I thought to myself how much I love to hold a baby, especially a relaxed one, especially mine.  I wondered if she were asleep so I looked in the mirror.  No.  Blue eyes wide open.  So I held her.  We swayed by her crib, slowly, silently.  I do not ever want to forget what that feels like.  One day there won't be any babies around here anymore.  I kind of cringe at that thought.  Beautiful, growing children but no little tiny ones to hold.  I love how her whole body can cuddle in my arms, her sweet breath on my neck.  Her little hands resting on my shoulders.  So peaceful. 
I look again.  She's sleeping now.  I hold her a little longer then reluctantly lay her down.  Sweet dreams little one.

Monday, July 12, 2010

New Trick

I am figuring this out!  I have seen other people do these collages/mosaics and am just now trying my hand at it.  You will probably be seeing a lot more of these!!  What a fun way to enjoy pictures!  By the way, Jack took all these photos.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Special Treat

With Brian being gone this week, it has been nice to have some diversions in our day.  Our good friend, another Kayla, came over one evening with bags full of treats for the kids (and us) to make ice cream sundaes.   Have you eaten one of Paula Deen's gooey butter cakes?  She brought a chocolate one among other things and it was OH so good!
You know, I appreciate it so much when someone else takes interest in my children.  The ice cream was great, but the biggest treat was Kayla spending the evening with us.  She played with the kids, talked about what she did when she was a kid, broke up tiffs, cleaned up chocolate faces, etc...  Nothing like good friends.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Which is Which?

Kayla and Lucy, both around 6 or 7 months


Thursday, July 8, 2010

Morning

I love quiet mornings.  They are always early, but if they are quiet I can handle them.  Right now we have some lovely piano music playing quietly.   Jack is already into a book- rubbing his head with a slight grin.  Robin Hood I think.  Samuel is into the Little People and trucks again.  Kayla was reading as she strolled around the house.  Now she's into some project- I'm just not sure what it is.  Lucy is back down for a nap.  This morning Sammy and I were talking about missing Daddy, who is away for a week.  He smiled as he told me that last night he talked to God about missing Daddy.  That can get to this mama's heart a little.

I took this picture in our backyard.  It's one of the things I enjoy about this house- the feeling of being by a country road even though we're in a neighborhood.  Sometimes I like to think we're way out in the middle of no where.  Not sure what that says about me- sometimes thinking I'm at the beach, sometimes the country...
Swimming lessons later this morning.  That has been a real joy for me to watch.  Just two weeks ago, Kayla would not put her face in the water.  She's a fish now!  And so happy during her lesson.  Smiling and bobbing up and down in the water.  I think she's under more than she's above! 
Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Who needs baby toys when you have a big toe?

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Three H's

HHH.  Growing up in the Tidewater area of Virginia (ahh...what a great state!) we always had the three H's on hand for summertime.  Hazy.  Hot.  Humid.  I don't remember minding it.   It was summer!  The beach, dad's boat, working at Water Country.  Then I lived in the Shenandoah Valley for many years and summers were a little milder.  Maybe not so humid.  Then to Charlotte.  Back to HHH.  Now in the New River Valley where summer seems to usually be mild but lately, it is HOT and getting hotter.  It's a little different now that there are young ones to consider.  We're out early and late but generally inside for the hottest part of the day.  That can get to a person. 
But, we're working on some different activities to keep us busy.  The library is always great.  We saw a free musical, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," at Va. Tech last week.  And over the weekend, when we did have some reasonable temperatures, we spent time at Claytor Lake with Brian's family.  His parents were so gracious and worked so hard to get everything ready for 6 grandchildren (and their parents).  Here's some shots:

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July!