What wonderful snail mail

Here is a COMPLETE "glimpse" of the R.A.K. I won from the most wonderful scrapbook community online. Nicole- thank you so very much. I was floored by the 4 pounds of paper! And all the vintage goods...and everything else. LOL! Notice, all the old buttons, the birdie stamp, the TONS of paper (for those who don't know, a sheet of scrapbooking paper probably costs .75 each now, on the low end).

My favorites are all the black and red diecut paper. And some of the vintage paper goods. YUMMY! I think I am going to make some odd sized paper albums. Like, very tall, but just wide enough for a 5" photograph. I love LOVE LOVE the paper that is in the sweet package. So,that way, I'd still have plenty of pretty patterned paper left to use elsewhere.









On to a quick summary of the week and upcoming weekend. Wednesday had been a busy day with the kids. We went swimming and the next day, oh my goodness. It was like I had run a marathon. My fibromyalgia was really REALLY bad, especially in my hips. I think because of squatting down/sitting down in the kids' sized pool. So, I did not do much at all. Today, it is so much better. I also had a chance, well, TWO opportunities, as a matter of fact, to go out with a girl-friend. Beth and I hit a couple stores, and then had dinner Wednesday night. Thursday night, Kimmy and I were going to just sit and have coffee but I wasn't up to chatting b/c that was the day I didn't feel to peppy, so we watched the movie, even though we saw it both before LOL. I had wanted to catch it before it left the Columbiana theater, since it's one, closer. Two, cheaper. Three, just all around a nicer atmosphere. What we didn't expect was that the film started to burn up while we were watching it! Ahhh! Somehow they managed to get it going again. Whew. I think I would have cried. I do a lot of that lately. :-)

Tonight, I'll watch my neice, Abigail, as her parents and other members of the family are trying to get their "new" Historic home ready (i.e. carpet ripped up, new flooring, painting, cleaning...) for their official move in of Monday. Now, mind you, they had to be out of their house in Medina Wednesday! So, I know they are stressed and would appreciate prayers. Also, tomorrow morning is Ella's soccer practice, then Rich will go help my brother and sil with the house stuff, and I will watch Abby. Later, practice with the praise team, and Rich will be coming to that too! Yeah! I have really really really missed sharing in that ministry with my husband.

Chapman, healing and faith video...

Soccer Pics!

and my favorite little outfit for the new boy...

A bit of melancholy

Yesterday and today....a bit of melancholy, yes. We all went to the neighbor boy's 7th birthday party yesterday. Ended up staying there for 3 hours. The kids enjoyed themselves so much. We really appreciate these certain neighbors, and enjoy "nurturing" that friendship between our kids. Ella started calling her friend's dad "uncle." HA! Anyways, Rich and I ended up sitting with the grandparents. And, if you know anything about Rich at all, you should know that he has the great gift with conversing with the older generation. Thus, we had great conversation with this over-60-years-married couple. Add that fact with the WW2 veteran hat placed upon the grandfather's head, and there you have a big reason for my sadness. A comment made by the grandfather was, "did you know 1000 of us die every day?" I held up until we got home, and just cried. That generation of people is quite golden. So special. What they sacrificied before the war, during, and after. I feel we have a great loss as this is all happening. Later, Rich dropped me off at my grandma's and then took the kids elsewhere to play. We had an hour just to chat. It was very nice to do that, by myself, though she always says I don't know how much having those kids around means to her.
Today, I was again quite emotional about my grandpa, and some other things. Music being one of them.
Tonight, I just tried to hold on to the moments I had with my kids. Seeing Ella for the very sweet and loving girl she is. Admiring her, and telling her, that she is so good at riding her bike, not a tricycle, but a BIKE, which she has been doing for quite some time now. Almost a year, or maybe, a year even. Philip, for doing so many big boy things. Getting potty trained (or getting there LOL), and always loving "mommy's baby." That is sweet. He says mommy's baby is "coot" (for cute).
I have been taking the challenge of working crossword puzzles lately. That was a great pasttime of my grandpa's. Also, praying more. And, I have been reading some western collections of his, that I was bequeathed so to say. I share that love of history, especially the love of that particular time period, with my dad, and my grandpa.
*******************
Well, it's actually Monday morning now, and I realized I forgot to talk about 2 highlights of my day yesterday....an Applebee's date with my Richie, AND, winning a scrapbooking goody drawing on the Studio Calico board (a wonderful and sweet design team member was personally giving away some stuff!). Can't wait for my happy mail this week!!! Don't know what I'm getting!

A post for my mom

This was on my friend Beth's blog. I thought since my mom interprets for the deaf, and even though this is not "sign language" I thought there was quite enough significance to post this...for my mom. I appreciate her and love her so much.

It's all about the duds

Clothes, that is!



Isn't my dad handsome in his Civil War uniform?

And then....

a few little things that I got a couple weeks ago for the little guy in a few little months (and by the way, I have officially reached the uncomfortable stage). The monkey outfit is for summer actually. I couldn't pass it up. I returned the other monkey things, which didn't have much "monkey" on them but they were awfully cute. Hoping to find those pieces on Ebay come spring. I'm saving my FAVORITE outfit photograph, complete with a newsboy cap and houndstooth pants and gorgeous matching sweater for some other time. I just may scrapbook it first.






I had the urge to shop today so I took some of Ella's clothes to a kids' second hand store and in return, was able to buy some little guy warm things. Ohhh I had so much fun and found such cute stuff. The lady who took the things to look over said I had really nice things. I was so glad, too, because they took almost everything from that laundry basket I brought in. I still have enough left to take to the other kids' store at the end of August.

And here is another photo from The Farm visit a few weeks back.



Oh and one more thing...

Two very special friends came by and gave us homemade cinnamon rolls. DELISH! We have the best friends! Thank you, Kevin and Kimmy!

And another thing, all are officially well. Ella went to soccer camp again, and played hard once more. Her face sure gets flushed! I had her wait this time, before she ate anything, and gave her a cool washcloth at home.

The sickies have struck

Ella was sick during the night, flu...but I am thinking (or hoping) she'll bounce back. So, no Veggie Tale (free) movie that we were going to attend with my friend Beth and her two children, and no soccer tonight. I feel bad for Ella...she had so much fun last night at soccer. Sigh. I just pray that no one else here gets sick. Don't want that to happen at all.

The good news is that Rich has a buyer for his honda. We have three cars right now, and that's not good with that addition on our insurance bill. So, after he locates the title, and sets his price for this guy, we'll be set to go. I think that it is great we didn't have to even advertise!

Well, we would appreciate your prayers. Sometime, soon, I need a time away, even for an hour. I HOPE! I finally got to that mound of laundry last night. Glad to have it out of the way. Today is going to be inside, of course, and trying to make it as enjoyable as I can for Ella, and Philip, too.

I'm Tired

I'm starting the day off very fatigued today. Although, I did manage to get about 6 hours (straight) of sleep, which was a real feat for me! There's lots going on today...here's the plan...

Well, I forgot COMPLETLEY that Ella starts her "soccer camp" tonight, and it's through Thursday evening I believe. Also, tickets were included for a game on Friday.
So, I need to go out and about in Salem to check out prices on shin guards, socks, shorts, soccer ball, and shoes, I guess shoes. Not real sure about that one. Yikes. That's a lot to get at once! So, that's at 5:30.

We'll leave soon, and during that shopping "spree" haha, I need to also get mailing envelopes for my ebaying! I was so happy last night that I sold enough stuff, two Close To My Heart stamp sets (one went for $20!) that I don't use anymore, and then some of Ella's size 3 and 4 stuff she doesn't wear anymore, to buy my scrapbooking this month. I'll have to go on a hiatus with that, and I don't want to, IF I cannot succeed with the ebay each month. I would like $36/ monthly and that may sound like a small sum for many, but for us, it is not. It's like, well, gas in the car!

Some things did NOT sell and I think I'll just take it all to a consignment shop. All name brands, so that'll work out good! I can't decide if I want cash right away for it, or credit, so it depends on what store I take it too.

Also, my dad should be stopping by, if he can, to help me finally get my photo printer hooked up. I had problems with it, and I don't not want to pay someone to install it for me. Grrr.....

Photography will be on my mind today, too. I would like to photograph some things that I was able to have that were my grandpa's, including a journal I had given him in 1998, that he filled, about 2/3's, with writings. How special is that?! Also, some World War II items that are very special.....

Well, I need to go start our day.

Oh, and fold three big loads of laundry. I did six, or seven, total yesterday. I've had to because of Philip's potty training, which has been going well, but accidents do happen, and wanting to clean bedsheets, etc. Whew. I think that must be why I am so tired.

Ending with a bee sting!

Today was a day of remembering.

A day of putting to rest the physical being of someone who has passed on.

Being my third grandparent of four to pass on, it was hard. As you can probably tell from my earlier posts, this grandfather of mine was very special. I don't suppose I can say much more...

I loved hearing others talk about my grandfather today. A memorial service that went two hours long, did NOT seem that long. I listened to every bit of what treasured friends needed to share. I enjoyed playing the piano for my grandfather. I loved seeing the draped American flag that was later so exquisitely folded and handed to my grandmother near the end of the service. A treasure are those veterans. Taps was beautiful. So meaningful.

All while this was going on, Ella sat quietly with her daddy and I. Philip was taken out to be watched by a few friends. It worked out quite nicely, since the minutes stretched a bit there (which, again, was not upsetting or anything, but it was really the first funeral service I was at that was so long!).

Later, about the time of the meal (or feast, rather) that we enjoyed with so many family and friends, of the church there and far away, my friend told me what happened while her kids and Philip were playing. Somehow, Philip happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He actually got stung SIX times outside. The poor, but tough, fellow. He never had been stung before. Apparently, that was definitely a suprise, and as it was to be found out, thankfully, he wasn't allergice. He cried for mommy, and only was comforted then by some crushed ice (which he does like to eat sometimes!). He got stung on his stomach and his back. Thankfully, baking soda did the trick. And, I am extremely grateful for the care he was given. I think that if I had been there, oh...dear...I can only imagine. I am not so smooth and calm in situations like that. Not at all. Nevertheless, as I was being told all this, my heart was pounding greatly.

Now, at the end of the day, my little boy is still going strong. He didn't have an accident today, either. I am so proud of him. I bet his great grandpa is too.

Overwhelmed by the love

I am, along with the rest of my family, overwhelmed by the love and care shown by those who stopped by last night to pay respects to this wonderful, Godly man I was so blessed to have as my Grandpa.

The line was long...all the time. Very overwhelming to think how much my Grandpa has meant to others, and how people who knew him little but knew one of us standing there by him and came. God bless you all.

I am honored to be able to play the piano today, for the service this early morning, as a piano special, then another with my brother on guitar and Rich on harmonica, and also for several hymns- congregational singing. After another hour of "calling" before the service, the memorial will have included a military service, as well. My Grandpa was a proud veteran. And always thankful for this amazing country.

This morning, the slide show my brother made will be shown on the bigger screen in our former church's (but my grandparents' current church) sanctuary. He did this beautifully. After everyone had left last night we all sat and watched it. My Grandma's tears were ones of joy, though. Yes, sorrow for missing the one who has taken care of her, strengthened her,loved her, and prayed with her all these years.

One man said in line...."If Bill didn't make it to Heaven, I quit!" We thought that quite funny. For he KNOWS how much he loved Grandpa and he knows how much Grandpa loved the Lord.

Another, a man who was Rich's age, "He was my best friend."

And, that is what he was, besides a Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He was a friend. He touched many many many lives. I think of all the conversations that he has struck up, so many I don't know, but have heard about, and how some of those have brought certain people to the Lord. I know of one young man who was in his teens- and had a very hard and troubled family life- when my grandpa reached out to him, and eventually came to their church, and bonded with those there, and even more with my grandparents...and came to know Jesus as his Savior. What a treasure this man is, and was, and will be in Heaven.

God is never late. He was one time with my Grandpa. I could have stayed beside him last night forever. It was hard to break away. I put a little note from our family beside him, and wept as I saw beautiful single roses, one for each Bill and I, and four for each grandchild, including the one that will not see his great grandpa until, God willing, he himself is in Heaven.

Thank you, friends, for all your prayers, and thoughts. And calls.

William “Bill” G. Snyder, 84, of Salem, Ohio, formerly of Crestview Road, went to be with his Lord early Wednesday morning, July 23, 2008 at his home. Mr. Snyder was born June 8, 1924 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, the son of Robert Clay and Lila (Kester) Snyder.
Bill moved to Ohio in 1950. Mr. Snyder worked as a driver/salesman for Borden’s Dairy of Youngstown for 34 years. Bill was a member of New Springfield Church of God and served as a prayer warrior and past Sunday school teacher. He served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre 2nd Division Artillery from 1942-1945. Mr. Snyder was a member of the local V.F.W. and enjoyed reading, especially history. Bill loved his family and treasured his time with them.

Bill is survived by his wife, Helen E. (Spencer) Snyder, whom he married August 15, 1945. Other survivors include two sons, William (Ruthe) Snyder of Columbiana and David (Terry) Snyder of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Rose Fry of Curwensville, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, William R. Snyder and Amy Russell and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the New Springfield Church of God, where the American Legion Benjamin Firestone Post 290 will conduct a military honors service following the committal at the church. Burial will be in Columbiana Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2008 and from 10-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the New Springfield Church of God.

The family suggests that material tributes be made to the New Springfield Church of God.

In Remembrance....

As of sometime early on in the night/morning, my Grandpa is with Jesus now. We miss you. So early on with this, that has happened, but I want this photograph of my grandpa on my blog, to remember him by, as this is all fresh even.

The Farm

Enjoy these photographs from our family day-outing to a great experience where feed dust gets in your car, hungry llamas' heads get into your car while you are trying to feed them, and big horned animals loom closer and closer. Actually, all fun (except the llamas, those stinkers). The children (you know, Philip, Ella, and Rich haha) really enjoyed themselves. Mommy too, but it was HOT for her. The car ride was fun, and actually, there is a wagon ride option too, which we may try the next time. Picnic areas, a noah's ark playground, wonderful landscaping, and more animals to walk around and enjoy at leisure. The "safari" was "in the car," for good reason. Those cattle and bison were HUGE! If you are in Ohio, try to go here. It's BETTER than a zoo. I think it was the first year for this, and there were NO crowds and homemade Amish cookies, as it is an Amish farm in the heart of Amish country.














And the funniest and best one of all....

It is quiet here

Philip is sleeping. I am eating my new craving, cream cheese on bagel. Ella is still at a friend's house, where she stayed overnight last night. Philip and I had to go grocery shopping, at several stores. I had decided to no longer do our main grocery shopping at WalMart, and didn't. We went to Aldi's, Marc's, and did end up at WM but only because I couldn't find underwear for Philip. Which, by the way, was kind of a major purchase since we only had 3 pairs here, and this morning was only the 2nd potty training day. So, I picked up 3 packages. He got to choose two of the packages, and they were the "army" and also Thomas ones. I am determined to go out and about with those on him instead of the diaper route. I think that'll be the only way he'll "get" that this is for real. I have not let him wear a diaper unless, like today, we had no other alternative, and if he is going to fall asleep. I did not mind going to several stores today. At both of the "discount" grocery stores, there was a chashier that opened up for ME and had me come over and checkout. Talk about service. Walmart? Nope. My experience there on Friday was just not good, and after my great experiences elsewhere, it's time to pen my letter. And, I will do that this weekend. They need to know I totally skipped their convenient shopping experience because of quality customer service elsewhere, which I CANNOT seem to get at WM.
Last night, Rich and I were able to go on a date. We saw The Dark Knight. Excellent movie. I know I need to see it again (hopefully soon in the theater, actually) so I can "get" everything. The whole Heath Ledger part did not bother me, and I had thought originally it would, but really, I forgot that it was him as The Joker. I think Ledger's role was so good that you don't even realize or think about the actor. At least I didn't. Other parts DID bother me, but because it was sort of sad. I do hope that there is a third movie coming out. Compared to some of the other "epic" films, this is the BEST two so far, and I can't wait for the next installment. I did think, at times, the movie was a bit long, and really could've been TWO movies, there was so much going on. But, it did not make it bad at all. Rather, really intriguing how intense the storyline was. Oh, and now I want to watch Swing Kids again. Haven't seen that in years. Christian Bale's character in that was a bit tormented as well. A the new Batman, he is EXCELLENT. Hmm, I guess I like the movie! LOL!

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!