It Ain't Easy Being Green

More for tomorrow. I really am slow at getting photos uploaded, so here are some, well, from last week! LOL!

The wonderful Kermit the frog has been traveling with my grandparents (yes, that's their car!) for who knows how long. YEARS. My brother grew up LOVING Kermy, and can do a grand imitation of him, also. I had to take a photo of this, because it's quite memorable.

Random thoughts

Philip peed in the living room vent this evening.

Children's Place is currently selling stirrup pants. STIRRUP PANTS!??!?!?! OH NO!!

I found some cozy 0-3 wintry clothes for the new baby.

My kids' adore my friend, Katie's, little girl Autumn.

I started the terrifying job of potty training Philip today. REALLY trying to potty train him.

Thus, the new places to go potty.

Oh, I hope I made someone laugh tonight!

Oh I did forget to say....

the other day, that it appears that a FEW of my photographs will be included in a wonderful fall publication, if ALL goes well. I am THRILLED. So, all goes well, I'll let you know with images later on.

Other news, I got the cutest photos of my parents and my children outside being goofy today. Not loaded up here yet, as I am slow at that. But, nonetheless, they will be quite worthy to share, for THEIR smiles and personalities that show in them. Philip was a little "soldier boy" in the hat Grandpa got him, which was a union cap. I truly couldn't take my eyes of my boy because the shape of his face, and his eyes, and his cheeks, were sooooo adorable under that hat. Really, still makes me smile, and get all gooey inside.

Please pray for my brother, sister in law, and their daughter as they have SOLD their house and are looking at one in OUR town tomorrow. Also, please pray for my SIL's oldest sister, Darlene, as she has discovered she has breast cancer last week. They are still awaiting some more tests to see where it has spread. Also, she has 2 sons, who are 9 and 11, I believe.

Oh, the joys of parenting!

And they really are! I find it sweet, still, that Philip falls asleep in the car. It reminds me he is still little. But growing fast. Oh so fast. We went to McDonald's tonight for treats (ice cream for kids, yogurt for daddy, fries for mommy). Tomorrow I promised the kids Happy Meals, too. VBS is tomorrow, but I may skip and take them to the free movie, which would be Charlotte's Web, at the Regal Cinema. We'll see! Philip's never been to a movie, so he would find it great, I think!

I should not have eaten fries, but oh well. My stomach hurts, and so does my back. I need to remember to sit back and sit up these days.

I did make a spice cake today and my honey ate some before he ate his dinner. HA!

Last week was honestly a challenging one. Many good things, yes, but stressful, emotional, and parentally challenging. Especially my Friday, which in turn, I was still recuperating from on Saturday, so I missed the photo lab get together because of that. It ended up being a positive night at the Russell household though, that evening, as we got some things accomplished and I felt more relaxed, and the kids behaved. They BEHAVED!

I have been working on the same scrapbook page for 5 days now. How sad. LOL! My mind is too tired to do that right now, I guess!

Friday, we're ready for a date! And a date we shall go on! To see The Dark Knight, of course. Ella will be at a friend's sleepover birthday party, and my parents' are going to watch Philip for the evening. They are really excited to have some one on one time with him.

My sweetie brought home a project for me yesterday, which I accomplished today. Names of children and sizes for EVERYTHING, shoes, socks, shirts, etc....so we could provide school clothing. A boy and a girl. I found great prices online at The Children's Place, so we're set to go! I think I must have been unconsciously stressed though, about that, not that there was any reason to be, but my hormones went WAY wacky, I got EXTREMELY overheated, and I had to turn the air a bit cooler. Oh my. I did NOT feel right but that only lasted an hour. I had to eat something, too, so I HOPE there isn't anything goofy going on.

This summer is flying by, isn't it? I hope to try to enjoy the DAY and all that is in it. Every day. Sounds nice, but it can be difficult, that's for sure.

A 1930s Housewife

103 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

I didn't even fudge. Does this make me a good housewife these days, too!? Just wondering! :-)

Here is how I rated my own darling....He did REALLY well, which I knew! I go around the house in "stocking feet." My bad! LOL!

161 As a 1930s husband, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Some new things in life

Our gifted van, a true blessing, and wonderful vehicle! Thank you Lord~

A "circle journal" I am working on, well, the cover at least. I am using a Melissa Francess heart album, that folds, as you can see. This will be given to nine other scrapbookers, online friends, from Studio Calico, as we are exchanging our individual albums with each other to complete a full and beautiful variety of pages. This is the first time I ever joined in on one of these, and it will be fun! We each chose our own topic, or theme, and can give instructions, too. Mine is for describing the gift(s) you bring to your family, friends, and even strangers. What is the thing about you that can be a blessing to other people, so to say.

And, the delightful new table and chairs! The kids were eating cherries gram and pa brought today when they stopped by for a nice visit. Couldn't get a full table shot, but it is LONG, and beautiful, as you can see! Four chairs, and that wonderful bench, all padded. The chandalier is not up, but will be within the day or two, I hope. We'll be putting that "buffet" you see in the back down in the basement. It is a space user, plus it doesn't look good next to that dinette set!

My Girl

Announcements

There's definitely some today, and one VERY important!!!

Announcements Announcements, An-ow-ence-ments.

(Anyways, only a few people will know why I just wrote Announcements three times like that! Just the good old days when I was a little girl at church!!)

First thing, I'm going back to a little bit of couponing. Since we eat brand name Cheerios, natural peanut butter, and Smart Balance spread/butter, I know there are usually coupons available for these. Sooooo, I am NOT doing the Grocery Game, where you get so sucked in to that it's on your brain 24/7, but I am just going to get 2 papers every Sunday. JUST 2. I don't want to spend more than approximately $4/week on papers. The off brands of cereal at WalMart have been extinct lately, and I am thinking that it may be permanently, which is really upsetting.

Second thing, Martha Stewart craft/scrapbooking supplies are sold at WalMart now, and I hope ours will get those soon. They clearanced TONS of things, and has one half of an aisle EMPTY. I think it's just waiting to be filled!

Third, it was hot today.

Fourth thing, it was hot today.

AND, it's a busy week, AND weekend, so I have to give on something, but having a hard time knowing with WHAT.

Okay, the BEST news today, and some of the best news of my "anyday" is that we are having a BOY! Little Ella girl cried, she wanted a sister. I had to giver her lots of hugs today. Buddy is thrilled, and I am really looking forward to seeing how they play and interact, these brothers. Now, I get to get rid of lots of great girl clothes on Ebay, so I need to start cracking on that! It'll be a lot of work, trust me, we have lots of girl clothes!

There's another neat thing from today, because Ella had to meet with her preschool teacher to help Miss Meledy with a class she is taking this summer. I stayed at the table at the library while they went through worksheets. Miss Meledy didn't guide her too much or help her get "right" answers. With everything, maybe 8 worksheets, she got a good half, and more, of the things correct. I found out when we were done that those were all Kindergarten and FIRST GRADE skills. So, Ella did really well, and that made me happy and proud. Ella also got three Handel's coins for a free single scoop each coin. I am really going to let her just keep those for herself. It was a tough morning for her, and she was so good to let Miss Meledy test her. What a special little girl!

I LOVE Tennis

Wimbledon watching, I am. Federer vs Nadal. Williams vs. Williams, or rather, Venus vs. Serena. What a fun final!

Next week, maybe?

The first dinette is the one I would love for our home, and the good thing is, Rich likes it too! I am betting we'll order by next week. I can't wait any longer for this. It is longer, with two drop leaves on each side. We'd keep 2 chairs and the bench in the DR always, and store the other 2 until company comes. That bench could seat 3 or 4 kids, so I think that would be really handy. The second photogaph is of one that Rich really liked but in all honesty would not be one that people would just like to sit at for awhile. It's the countertop height and we don't think that would end up being real practical. The set I like would be great for scrapbooking LOL. Also, it has a nice shelf and drawer at the base. So, we went as a family to look at furniture. Probably will wait on the couch a bit, but not too long. I am not set on that quite yet. Neither is he. I mean, I know which one I would like, but just thinking of maybe getting through the summer with the kids beating up the couch we already have a bit longer.

The sun drained me today, even being out there for such a little time. We met with a friend and her two kids from our old church for lunch today, b/c Ella really missed her friend, Natalie. I think there is a sleepover in the works, so that will really brighten Ella's day, or week, or MONTH rather!

Last night we also had a late night McDonalds icecream trip. YUM.

My energy disappeared for the remander of the day. Hoping for it to reappear so I can get some cleaning done that I need to get done by Friday. We are going to stick around here all day on the 4th, and have my grandparents and a friend(s) of ours we don't see together that often. The fireworks are always clearly displayed right from our backyard, or deck. We get to stay home to see that wonderful display! I like that. No more trying to get parking and sitting for hours on the ground. My parents are going to Gettysburg for the reinactment, and we'll miss them this holiday, but know that it will be a wonderful time for them as well.

The van is home, and we are enjoying it immensly. Part of the reason we made some trips last night. I really like driving it, though I am still getting used to parking it with room equal on both sides! HA! WHAT A TRUE BLESSING this is!!!!

While I took the car for it's official post buy inspection, which was also taken care of by our (anonymous for all of you) donors, I had forgotten to bring a book in to read but had my journal instead, and wrote 3 devotionals ( none of which are up yet). But, I was really excited about accomplishing that because it has been so long since I had written anything. I need to touch up some verses and then hopefully will feel like I can share.

Tonight, Rich brought me another piece for my Willow Tree collection. The awaiting mom-to-be. He really thought he had gotten that one for me before, but when I said he hadn't this past week, when we had seen them in a store, he said he'll get it for me. And he did. He was so sweet. I love it. So does Buddy. He wanted to put it on the piano for me, but I am oh so cautious about those figurines! I think that makes #9 for me (maybe 10, but I am not sure). I do hope (very badly) that I can get a mom and baby girl one or mom and little girl, and then there's another one with mom and little boy (I have 2 of these, but I know there's another I don't have), and MAYBE that little girl one could be in November. But we don't know yet. Really, we don't know yet. 6 more days and then the next ultrasound! I am trying not to wish away the week too much. Next week will be a nice busy week, and I don't want to rush things in my head right now. I am really just so tired, which is like I said before, due to the heat. If you ever visit, don't expect much! HA!

We were given a huge blessing tonight

We were given a 2001 Dodge Caravan.

We are overwhelmed. The key was handed to us, as well as the title, and everything else, including a checkup of the car and license stuff, will be/is included.

I am in shock that is a mixture of disbelief, humbleness, and excitement.

My prayer is that these wonderful people are blessed beyond what they ever expect, This was a huge stress reliever for us. We followed them tonight to see the car, and it's sooo nice. Just a few cosmetic things, and that's it. I am at a loss of any other words, just to say, that God has truly taken care of us with this, and we hope we can keep these things in mind at some other point in our life when there are things that we can do to help others.

Let's see...

I have to do an abbreviated post since I'm tired. I have been online looking for something important for a project idea.

So, what has happened the past few days...

Rich finally got rid of the possum that got stuck in our garage two nights ago. The thing hissed at him. So glad I was asleep when that was all going on. Took him until 2:30 to get it out!

Daddy saved Ella from a yucky black spider on her wall tonight.

Daddy inflated a really cool water pool/slide thing for the kids this afternoon.

Rich reshaped the top of his banjo. Gosh, I didn't know he was into that kind of stuff!

AND, Daddy added an amount as we drove through Arby's for a charity, or something like that. I was pleasantly suprised, and my heart grew with even more love for him.

Well, daddy deserves and A+ but not me LOL. I have been so tired in the afternoons/evenings that I got irritated and yelled and that is not me and I felt so badly. I was supposed to go to the Gate Give Friday night and did not go b/c I was so upset/tired at the same time, and needed to resolve some situations with my wonderful children. Today was a better day for all of us, really, except just feeling so exhausted. I had a great time watching the kids play in that toy of theirs that is NOT new b/c we've had it in a box for 2 years! LOL! We are soooo slow at getting things done sometimes!

Time to go to bed. Tomorrow is a busy day. Music with praise team, lunch with special guests at our house, and then my friend Katie invited us all over for dinner that night. I am excited about that b/c it has been so long since the four (plus kids) did anything together.

Well, I think I'm going to end this post with a new thing. My dad and I have a special message to each other... LTTS. If you figure that out, you're quite smart. So...to all my readers...

LTTS.

A little bit of Ebaying

When I started ebaying I was always doing clothing the kids outgrew, b/c I would find super duper deals on Baby Gap, Old Navy, Children's Place, and Gymboree, whether at consignent stores or in store. One pair of pants I bought for about $2 used sold for about $12!!! I have sold some stamps I don't use anymore, and things like that. It has always helped me get that extra bit for myself to use on other hobbies. Well, in one week and a half, we will hopefully discover whether this baby is a boy or girl, and I am THRILLED with that fact. This past month has been tough as far as waiting for this. It has seemed like FOREVER! So, with that news in hand, I will start ebaying whatever clothes we don't need. And, that will in turn, help me with somethings we need in the months to come as well as scrapbooking goodies like this:


Tonight is the Gate Give, so those that live around here, be there or be square! You'll miss out! The Gate will pass out free pop to stopped cars at a nice intersection. They did this once before and I heard it was a great turn out and well received. I think this idea is wonderful because it shows God's love in a practical way AND spreads the word about the church plant.

The kids and I are going to my grandparents' house today for a special visit. I say special, because I love my grandparents, and EVERY time we see them is special. They live not 5 minutes from us, too, so it's a nice easy trip over! LOL! I needed to have a place for the kids and I to go today because I am still recuperating from insufficient sleep the night before. It always helps to just get out a little bit when that happens. We made it to my friend's house yesterday, as planned, and the kids enjoyed some water and sun in their yard. What a great friend Katie is too, because she made me some iced tea. I LOVE iced tea. Although, I am not too fond anymore of presweetened tea for some reason. Like Chic Fil A's sweet tea! No kidding! What happened? Not liking that tea is unheard of!

I am in a fall mood

because no kidding I'm already seeing that sort of decor in stores! YIKES! Well, here are a few pics from last September I never blogged. Also, a couple of pics from VBS this morning. I love looking at Ella jump! What a blessed morning it was. Even though I made the mistake of swallowing a big prenatal vitamin this morning and thus felt very nauseated when we were trying to leave for VBS. So glad I was able to drive without having to pull over. THAT is NOT fun. Anywhoo....the beautiful guitarist is Kim, the worship leader at church, and I soooooo want to do a fun photo shoot with her (ahem.....if you are reading this, oh please please please Kim! you are so photogenic!). The thing that is special about Kim, besides being a very talented musician all around, is that she is Uma Thurman's stunt double. LOL. No really, she does look like her LOTS. It's uncanny! Okay, so I probably really embarrassed Kim, but that's alright..I HOPE! :-)

We all went to Panera's for dinner tonight, the kids, Rich, and I. I tried something new, suprisingly. I like sticking to what I always order, but the change was good. Strawberry poppyseed salad, with walnuts, blueberries, etc. and a chicken salad sandwhich. Then off to Barnes and Noble where we picked up The Be Good Tanyas first CD, The Blue Train. (I think that's the title). I blogged their song The Littlest Bird on Monday. We so loved their sound we decided more of their music was in order. Also, this just shows how much Rich pays attention to music, but he said as soon as he heard this song, they are the ones who opened up Because of Winn Dixie.

Was he right?

Yep. I would NOT have remembered that. That movie is a favorite around here, especially with Ella.

Tomorrow we have a nice playdate with my friend Katie, and her daughter Autumn. We missed seeing them last week because of sickness in their household.

I went to a PartyLite party last week and really wanted a couple things but couldn't get exactly what I wanted. I did find, for $5 compared to $40 from Partylite, the reed and oil in bottle home fragrance set at Joanns. Hallmark has some other kinds, and they were decent priced too, about $20-$25. So, yeah! Glad I held out on that and just waited.

It is awfully late, and I am almost done with my shortcake and strawberry late night snack. Please take care!

How do you simplify your life?

I guess that is the question I've been trying to answer for months now. I do believe the church change was a major answer of prayer in simplifying my life, and my family's. Making changes in what you prioritize daily. For me, as I am attempting this venture, it is concentrating on raising my children. Organizing things in the house. Paying closer attention to fewer CLOSE friends. Praying for ALL my friends. Reaching out to NEW people. And, submersing myself in the thought and TRUTH that I need Jesus most every day, more than a conversation with anyone else. At church Sunday, the sermon touched on lots that I have been mulling over my brain. Not as far as monetary giving though, as the idea of giving yourself entirely to God and finding what your purpose through Him is. In no way do I ever want to stop serving in different areas, music being one of them, but just really listening to that voice that prods me along in doing things that are helpful and beneficial to others is something to really take hold of. Life is busy, with two children, and one on the way. Staying healthy is one of my main goals right now, both physically and mentally, for if that isn't the case, everything else will just go awry. I see great purpose in my children, caring for them and making sure their needs are met- spiritually, socially, physically...and I do believe they are being met, even more than I imagined. God truly does take care of us. Different opportunities are opening up to be involved in church, and I am trying to be attentive to what I can do, without sacrificing my own sanity and well being of my family. And, I know that I can do what He leads me to do, BECAUSE of being attentive to how to simplify things. Rich is all about simplifying things. For that, I am blessed! And glad! He is an uncomplicated person, and I really appreciate that about him. I am NOT uncomplicated. I am trying to be though. Simpler, so that an inspired and refreshed spirit can exist. Being simpler means being content in your life, I think. And for me, that means not trying to pursue anything from my hobbies that would help bring any sort of extra income. Really. I have tried this, and it just produces stress. And, it has not been even about getting extra money, but more that successful feeling I'd get FROM recognition from people via photography shoots. So, I am NOT going to pursue my photography for a long time. I have always wanted my hobbies and passions to be used as a ministry, and in particularly, photography. And as far as music goes, I like to write music, particularly piano solos, and the time for that is really nonexistent. I miss writing, other than here on the blog. I would love for my scrapbooking to reach a different level. But, keeping the stress away requires some leaving some dreams on the backburner right now. And that's okay. It really is. Hopefully, God-willing, this stay at home mom will be able to accomplish some other dreams. I know I am extremely blessed for living THIS dream. Being a mother and wife. Out of everything I wanted in life. This was it. Completely. It is TOUGH. It is REWARDING though somedays it doesn't seem to be. It is a BLESSING.
Here's a whimsical, fairly light hearted song I found on this blog while looking at samples of some other blogs. There are some very touching posts about people in Rwanda. And beautifully done photographs.



Lyrics:

Well I feel like an old hobo,
I'm sad lonesome and blue
I was fair as the summer day
Now the summer days are through
You pass through places
And places pass through you
But you carry 'em with you
On the souls of your travellin' shoes

Well I love you so dearly I love you so clearly
Wake you up in the mornin' so early
Just to tell you I got the wanderin' blues
I got the wanderin' blues
And i'm gonna quit these ramblin' ways one of
these days soon
And I'll sing

The littlest birds sing the prettiest songs...

Well it's times like these
I feel so small and wild
Like the ramblin' footsteps of a wanderin' child
And I'm lonesome as a lonesome whippoorwill
Singin these blues with a warble and a trill
But I'm not too blue to fly
No I'm not too blue to fly cause

The littlest birds sing the prettiest songs...

Well I love you so dearly
I love you so fearlessly
Wake you up in the mornin' so early
Just to tell you I got the wanderin' blues
I got the wanderin' blues
And I don't wanna leave you
I love you through and through

Oh I left my baby on a pretty blue train
And I sang my songs to the cold and the rain
I had the wanderin' blues
And I sang those wanderin' blues
And I'm gonna quit these ramblin' ways
One of these days soon
And I'll sing...

The littlest birds sing the prettiest songs....

[I don't care if the sun don't shine
I don't care if nothin' is mine
I don't care if I'm nervous with you
I'll do my lovin' in the wintertime] - Syd
Barrett

The Yellow Room Makeover

When we moved into this house I knew right away I wanted a bright room for Ella. She loves the color yellow, so the walls were painted this color. Plus, I am not one for changing things a lot and yellow just seemed alright from toddler to who knows what. Anyways, my sister in law, Lisa, the wonderful decorator she is, agreed to help me with some bedding and curtains, etc, as part of Ella's bday and Christmas gift a few years ago. Let me tell you, that quilt she made? A LABOR OF LOVE. I know it took her hours upon hours. It's beautiful, and I am never letting go of it! I had found that fabric on my own, through Ebay, and thought it was perfect for this little girl's room of mine. She also made the pillows, and then delicately stitched patches and hearts of various fabrics on the white curtain. The little frame on Ella's dresser she put together. The frame beside it is one I had altered awhile back, with a picture of our other place, when Ella was very little. The box tied with ribbon to hang was also created by Lisa, as were the letters on the wall. The two tutus hanging up are very special to me. The pink one was made by my Grandma. She also made my niece, Abigail, one. The white one is also another Lisa creation. You really should check out her blog. They are still trying to fnd a house near here, etc., so I know she hasn't done much with it as of late, and she had another blog but decided to switch back to blogger. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the pics. I sure do!! LOL! My closet photos did not turn out, and just as well, because I would probably get comments here like what PROBLEM do you have with clothes??!?!? I would reply, well, I love them. Especially on little girls! There is one pic of some of my favorite dresses Ella wears these days. Or, rather, has not worn yet but will hopefully soon. The doll was mine growing up. My favorite one. It has a definite played with look, but that just adds to her charm. The hat you see is one I found at an antique store. Not real antique or vintage though. I really enjoy Ella's room. I put her books in a drawer under her bed. We had this pottery barn like dollhouse shelf on the floor but it just got so messy with all her toys. Putting them in those storage units helped so much. ALL of the items in there are basically those little toys that just go everywhere and you lose. I almost forgot- the canopy with butterflies was a consignment store find. I like it because it sort of hides Ella's play space. The dollhouse was a great garage sale find. Also, hanging on Ella's closet door is a box purse I altered by painting and then papering. I added a touch of beads and letter stickers. It's hard to get Ella not to play with that, as I really prefer it as a decoration though! Next time, I'll get a shot of my wacky pink 80s radio Ella found in my childhood loot in the basement. It works, still, which I think is great. Brings back memories.

All I want to say is

It's done!
Finished!
Ella's room, floor, bed, dresser, and closet!
Yipeeeeeeeee!
All rid up, organized, put away, ready to give away, thrown away, decorated...
Whew. I am TIRED. It was a lot of work.
The kids love it (yes Buddy is really liking her room too!).
Someday I will do his. Not this month though. LOL.

Trying to simplify things

So Wednesday I worked hard at trying to sort things out we don't need and packing away stuff that is in closets so it's not IN the closets so we have the stuff we DO use very nicely at hand. I overdid it, and my body is SORE. But not as bad as if I had decided to move furniture around, which I WON'T do, but really would like to, since I just have to wait for someone else to do it for me. Oh dear. Anyways, yes, I am really trying to just get rid of things we haven't used...I have some decorations that I should just throw out, but it's hard to do that, you know. I really should get rid of 2 tubs of things, but mentally freeing yourself from something you MAY use down the line is hard to do. My plan is, for this summer, to simplify our belongings, and get the basement to be organized and look decent for anyone to go down there. Oh, I know some of you feel my pain. *WINK*

Tuesday, I was painfully tired and didn't accomplish much at ALL! Except to make dinner. Monday, Rich was tired, and he actually called off from work. Good for him!!!!

Last night, I actually spent four hours, and more (due to someone in our group who left her lights on and we all decided to let everyone just guess who it was- Vanda, Kimmy, Beth, or me), talking with friends. It was a wonderful get together. I really needed that. They did too, I think. When I got to Applebee's I ended up ordering my old standby, the southwest chicken salad YUMMY, and then also the chocolate meltdown, or whatever it was called. I really could do that same thing tonight, but I MUST have some self control! These days food imagery is really strong for me, as I actually TASTE the food I crave. Very strange. And it makes it difficult for me to eat something other than what I am thinking about. So then I break down and just go get what I really want to eat! Rich is getting used to this routine now! Last week, let's see, I went to the Lazy Bean two days in a row (not spending much mind you) and got pizza or whatever at a another local place THREE different times! LOL! I would've gone today except I just didn't want to spend more money. We are going out to breakfast, at the airport cafe, of course, with my grandparents. My pie was delayed a bit, since my gram had some trouble with erratic heart beats earlier in the week, but she has one she wants to give me tonight. I really think she is so giving and such a strong person, even if not technically in the physical way, but just in the way she approaches life.

Tonight, I get to go to a Party Lite party and I hope to find something that I can get, even if for a gift for a family/friend at a later date. But, shhhh, don't tell Kimmy I am really coming just for the cheesecake. The whole buying bit, just to throw her off. :-)

The time today has just flown by. Because it was so dreary outside, I am glad the day went by quickly. I let the kids play outside a bit, and I have figured out what to do while they are outside, since I have to be outside with them always. I bring out 2 big boxes of stuff and start scrapbooking. It really works out quite nicely.

Oh I did forget to mention that Vacation Bible School through The Gate started yesterday morning. Every Wednesday morning, we are meeting at a house that is big enough to accommodate 30 kids or so, and a few adults. Ella and Philip did so well. I really appreciated all the time and effort that the leaders of VBS, and volunteers, put into it. The theme is about sports, or rather, the Olympics. Next week, they'll get their shirts back they painted on, etc. They say on the front, above a cross they made by putting paint over masking tape shaped into a cross and then removing that tape, "God's Team." Philip acted a bit shy at times, going underneath my shirt, which really wasn't flattering to me at times! I think he'll do a bit better next time. They ate "torches", too...ice cream cones with sherbet and dipped in red sprinkles. Everything was so well done. Can't wait for next week and the next and the next..

There's somethings going on inside my heart recently, and after I sort them out, I'll share. I really do believe that the whole simplicity thing is very important, and when you do that, and honestly, let God show you how to do that, He can use you in so many different ways then you would expect. My own health, emotionally and physically, has seem to determine quite a bit what we do as a family and participate in. It's the whole learning, and changing, process that takes time and diligence. So, the number one thing to do to be humble and listen, is to make sure there is daily quality time in devotions, and prayer, and just deciding to do it and DOING this will enrich your life in so many ways.

Some of my thoughts have taken me back to think of fond memories, and one of them being the photo lab where I had worked during high school and college, and shortly afterwards. The girls there were wonderful to work with. I just got an invitation to a reunion of sorts for us in July! I am very excited. VERY EXCITED! Yeah! The girl who is organizing this get together lives out of state, but her parents are nearby us, and we have known that family since I was very little. Anyways, it will be a wonderful time.

To honor my dad and husband

I have put a Civil War song list on my blog now. The first song was the main theme I believe from Ken Burns' Civil War documentary. Rich and I play this song whenever we play somewhere, more often than not. We have the piano arrangement, which is a beautiful backdrop for Rich on the harmonica or mandolin. Tuesday, at a local library, there will be a presentation, including playing, of Civil War music. We are planning to go, as well as Rich's banjo. I bet he'll be able to tag along musically quite easily. My dad is excited about going, too. They'll both be wearing appropriate attire. Dad's love of participating in the Civil War reenactments has truly rubbed off on my wonderful husband. I am so glad that both of these wonderful men in my life enjoy something like this so much.

Sunday, Rich and I split up with the kids to go to different churches. Philip and Rich sure had fun at my parents' church. My grandparents and my uncle also were there. A pancake breakfast every 3rd Sunday in the summer is held in the state park as well, and so thus, one of the main reasons the guys went there! I didn't mind going different places, as long as it isn't a habit. :-) Ella loves going to church, and to her class, and has made some new friends. I am very happy for her.

Rich's dad fried a turkey, made large potato fries, and also made ice cream for Father's Day. I thought this was terribly nice of him, especially since it was a day to celebrate dad's. All quite yummy. The kids love that whole process of making ice cream. They'll make raspberry flavored ice cream sooner or later. They have the berries for those I do believe, or at least will in their garden area. The other great berry news is that my grandma is making a strawberry pie for me us and bringing it over so I can have it all share.

Little girl, ALL little girl still

Off to bed, but before I do, just a little pic from one of the hot days this week. This picture really shows me how LITTLE she still is.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, and a busy day behind us. Mommy got some new duds for being more comfortable in this weather (meaning- sleeveless tops- YEAH!). Ella and Philip each got a new doggy from Build A Bear, husky and lab, respectively. Philip was so original when he named his doggy. Buddy. LOL. We call Philip BUDDY. So, thus, it's funny. I HAD to laugh when he told me the doggy's name.

At a cousin's graduation party, we saw Verity (yes Verity, THE precious daughter of two great people!), swing a baseball bat about 10 different times to try to crack open the pinata filled with the chocolate that Ella and Philip won't eat much of but will give to their wonderful mother. :-)

This week, noteworthy correspondance occured b/w me and a good friend. She's one of those friends who you know will talk to you even if you don't talk for months! One of these days I will link her site to my blog, but for the meantime, be praying for Anne Marie. She's going to Africa for teaching ESL. I LOVE this girl. She amazes me. She has gone through challenges like no one I know. She emits JOY like my dad does. She is so positive, fun loving, and extremely humble. I learn a lot from her.

When I was in Nashville for a short summer with World Relief, she was ALSO in Tennessee. One fine day, we met halfway b/w Memphis, I believe, and Nashville, for lunch at a Cracker Barrell. That was one of the highlights of my time there. It was great to see a friend soooo far away from home. And, she is not a novice of doing that. She's already been to Africa, and she's going again for two years. LOVE YOU ANNE MARIE!

And, looking at The Gate church website, I see that her dad will be a guest one Sunday this summer, in July, and I think that is fantastic.

I woke up with Nostalgia

and still had a bit of Nostalgia at the end. You see, later throughout the day I thought about locking myself in the bathroom. Twice I thought that. I didn't though. I thought about it. That's the Nostalgia I ended the day with. :-)

But yet I will explain why I had that pleasant mood this morning, which made up for the rest of the day with two kids who were being kids, and one who had told me after the bath that she accidentally you-know-what in the bathtub when her and her brother just got in to get CLEAN, and then I washed her hair with that water and her brother, like always, found some way to have bath (bath?) water in his mouth and out again. Funny sounding to some, but to me....yes, it is. YES. I need to laugh at that because this day, although as trying as it was, went by with a blink.

Anyways, I went through some old photographs at my parents' house recently, and found a variety of things. My dad and I camping. Jr. High girlfriends and I at a sleepover. Church choir concerts. My mom beaming when my brother graduated from Mount Vernon. A few of my Grandpa and Grandma Duvall at one past Christmas. Charles Dickens (the Snyder family cat way back). The small jazz choir I was in, with two of my best high school friends. And, some even of my brother and his then girlfriend and fiance Lisa, who is his wife now.

However, one set of photographs set themselves apart for me. My grandparents had lived out in the country all the years that I remembered until about 3 years ago, when they became "city" folk. Crestview Road. What a grand place. I got stung by a bee on that road. Hiked the train tracks there, too. Had my first best friend on that road. Had my first "garden" in their backyard. Apple fights with the green and sour apple tree in the backyard. Just so many many memories that made me want to be there for just even a minute. I really miss that house, and the country air, and all that the house brought in my life. Not the house itself, of course, but who lived here, visited, grew....I miss it. It has quite changed since then. New owners. I can't imagine what it looks like now.

On to the photographs taken on that road, in the backyard of my grandparents' house. Rich received a handmade by me walking stick for Christmas that year (not sure what year it is right now). My grandpa went with me through their backwoods, and even over to the neighbors' backwoods to look for the perfect stick to alter. We hiked. Talked. Smiled. Prayed. I am so thankful for these four photos I have of this time. I'm making a small album with the whole why I made a hiking stick for Rich that year story (and honestly I cannot remember why I did! but I'll figure it out), and will give it to him for Father's Day. It's small, just right for his desk at work. My grandparents' are wearing wonderful smiles in that photograph. They still wear those wonderful smiles. God bless them.

Been thinking of names....

I check out names whenever I'm reading something. I received my new Victoria magazine today, and in the reader's letters a name just popped out at me.

Annie.

Now, we don't know what we are having, and I am always one to get those girl names in my head faster than the boys (but anyways, the boy name is for sure picked out- Max (my mom's mother's name is Maxine)). Anywhoo....

I really love that name. And Rich did too! Middle name, JOY, after my grandmother (it was her middle name). I may have to squeeze in an Elizabeth for my other grandmother, as that is HER middle name.

But, having a baby Annie just sounds so sweet to me.

I turned the page of that Victoria and came across some wonderful information about an Anne of Green Gables fair/festival thing at Prince Edward Island, of course. Ahhh..what a neat thing to go to. We can't of course, but it sure looks like fun. Lots of great photographs to take, and opportunities! I loved the books growing up, and the movies. I think I still have a couple books from my childhood book collection that my mom lovingly stored in her attic for 20+ years. I also have all the antique books I collected, all my miniatures and dollhouses, and more books, such as Little House on the Prarie (all of them) and Mandy books, a Christian series for young girls that was in a historical setting.

My body hurt today, and I think I just wore the wrong shoes- thin flip flops. That was not very smart of me. Since 6 o'clock I've been in a daze of fatique and pain, and I am TRYING to accomplish somthing. Well, I guess I did- fed the kids their bedtime snack and got them both in bed sleeping around 8:30ish. Our friend, Joe, called and I chatted with him for awhile. HE has a gal he has been talking to and I am quite excited for him.

Rich and I completly bombed out with two movies we rented recently- Juno and some other one that I can't even think of the name. Had Christian Bale in it so thought it'd be good but just was not anything I was into. Juno...omigoodness. This is just my opinion, but don't watch it. I thought it was supposed to be good. The first ten minutes introduced the viewer with a bunch of imagery, especially, that I feel was vey negative. I was NOT going to waste my time watching it. I am sensitive to certain things...now, I can handle R rated movies, war stuff, etc....but some other things, no way. I don't even want to say what you would be shown. Just take my advice.

But, I did watch another Hallmark movie, the Valley of Light- about a wandering fisherman. Love story, a very sad part, but it was a wonderful film. There was a part I had the kids watch (since they are into fishing- well really they are into finding worms!!!). The fisherman and a boy who befriends him look for worms together. And they hold them up! EWW! LOL!

The kids had a blast tonight outside with their daddy. My sister in law, Jessica, picked up something at TRU for $5- a sand/water/play table thing. Has little boats, and a "dumper" truck (per Philip). There's a wheel you manually turn, and it makes the boats go round the edge of this toy. It is very neat! I hope my friend Katie and her little girl, Autumn, can come over again (they came over Friday), because I think Autumn would love it. She's about 20 months old. It was too cute when she played with Philip Friday. She kinda attached herself to him, probably because he was closer to her age, and voluntarily kept giving him hugs. He giggled quite a bit at that!

I am severely tired now, but this writing was relaxing to me tonight. I guess I usually don't go until too much detail. Nice for a change.

Am I wearing a sign?

That says: Please. Splash. Me.

I must be, for three times in a row of going to the Community Center to swim, some boy (each a different one, too) has purposely and ignorantly splashed me in the face. Um, HELLO? That is very rude. Especially to a pregnant lady. And parental supervision is nada. If my boy splashed someone on purpose- and if it were an adult, look out- I would WANT to be approached by another adult and told of that incident. It is so ignorant. The second time, the boy was very ignorant in doing the splashing. The other day, the boy was semi in fun but he doesn't know me! I don't get it! I want to take the kids again, because it's so hot, but I got to figure out where this sign on my body is and peel it off first.

We were able to attend church yesterday, and that was wonderful, and right after had some birthday celebrations to do at Rich's parents' house. The kids are taking over the dining room table!!!! 7 grandchildren, and two more on the way, ours and Rich's sister. Totally taking over their table! During those hot hours, Rich picked some strawberries from my inlaws' patch. They are so little, and takes awhile de-stem them, but oh so worth it. Very yummy.

I really have a lot to do around here but the heat is zapping me today. Add in very little sleep, and there you have someone that has no pep. Hoping for a cooler day tomorrow so I can feel like I can work around the house a bit.

I have been scrapbooking quite a bit lately, so I need to post a few pages sometime soon. I have really been enjoying doing that lately. Well, I need to go take care of some needy children...

NASA Photos

Someone directed me to these FANTASTIC photographs you do not want to miss! Pretty breathtaking.

Had a sweet phone call from the pastor's wife at The Gate. We're missed. :-) It was nice to chat with her.

Picked up some strawberries freshly picked locally today!!!!! 3.95/qt and that is not bad. My gram thought it would be $5. Ella's preschool picnic was today. I cried. I admit it. I cried. She was so happy to see her friends and play and eat junk food. LOL. Philip felt a little out of it though, because Ella took off without him sometimes to play with her girl-friends. It was extremely hot and humid. All three of us were glad to be home in cool air. Rich got to come for a little bit, yeah! And, my grandparents came to cheer Ella on during this final preschool program. What a blessing the day was (despite my own difficult with the heat and being easily irritated).

This weekend we are going to try to go to a hot air balloon festival, maybe spending the night Saturday, maybe not. Just depends. Sunday afternoon we have to go celebrate some birthdays at the inlaws. Ella's, Philip's, and little Kaylin- and I am not sure if I spelled my niece's name right! Isn't that horrible? She turned a year a couple months ago. We try TRY TRY to do several bdays at once, celebration wise, so it's not every month. We have to do July and August later this summer too.

July 8th, at 9:30 am we find out if it's a girl or boy! Maybe I mentioned that already, but here it is again, because I am just so excited.



Kimmy, Kevin, Mike, and Beth- Rich and I are praying for your family AND so are members of my family. We love you.

Get rid of this please

My migraine.

It's everywhere- under my eyes, over my eyes, in my neck, my temples, and making me more sick to my stomach than I already am.

Off to lay down again. So glad my grandparents picked up Ella from school for me today.

**Here's a great thing to do (free lemonade stand) if you have a child 7-12 years old and sign up to raise money for a charity. I found this on another forum and many mom's had done this before. Too bad my daughter is only 5. I would have loved to do this!

Another day

in a church funk. LOL. We are having a Bible story read here..after BOZ is done, and then, we are going to go to Skyline Diner by the airport for lunch. It'll be a great time of airplane watching for the kids. We went there for breakfast Friday, and it was super fun for them. Great place to eat, too. They are only open for breakfast and lunch most days, and closed Tuesday. My sleep- or lack thereof- is just giving me a hard time. Mornings just aren't real fast moving. Or the rest of the day for that matter! I know of a friend of mine that has dealt with the whole where to go to church thing, well, a couple friends, and it is not the easiest thing in the world. You could be settled, but then maybe not. And it's hard to know. We're keeping this in lots of prayer of course. I think missing a few weeks at the place we were going really threw me off. Anyways, off to finish our Sunday morning here, and then to enjoy the sunny day.

OH, well, I am trying to keep on scrapbooking consistently but quite frankly I don't care for the pages I did lately at all. Phooey. I am trying to do things to them so I like them, but they just, well, I don't know. I suppose not everyone can have layouts that they can put out there for people to see all the time! Oh well!

Gee I am back because I forgot to say that I am still nauseous and today is no exception.

And, I love Indiana Jones, but I am a diehard archaeology fan and the new movie wasn't for me. Those aliens, why did they have to land out west anyways?

Rich and I went on a lovely date at the Columbiana Theater and I did enjoy the movie,not as much as I had thought, but I expected something different.