A day out with Grandpa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Grandma had the girls out shopping for back-to-school (and blessing our budget), Grandpa checked out an old pharmacy and train in Corydon with the little ones. Kate giggled quite a bit at the name of the pharmacy. As much merchandise touting the name was available, I suspect Kate isn't the only one amused. (It's noted in her horse ride photo.)

Pretty cool

Tuesday night's glow in the dark sidewalk chalk.......

 

 

Thursday night's incredible clouds as they rolled over our house. It felt as though we could reach up and touch them. It was very cool.

 

July 17

Our family has a few dates throughout the year that are significant to us for one reason or another. July 17 has been a date that has historically shown us God carries us through life's challenges. It is a happy date for Greg's parents who celebrate their wedding anniversary today; forty eight years if my math and memory are accurate. Twelve years ago today Greg fell 25 feet off a billboard he'd just posted. He shattered both arms, both legs and his lower back. We celebrate him as our personal Superman on this date. He was teased about being my hero but forgetting his cape just  that one time within hours of his fall. That started a real journey for us to draw closer to the Lord and learn first hand He is our provider and our peace in difficult times. God is good all the time but we learned it was in the big moments we relied upon Him most. I wish I could say we are good about that in the daily struggles but we are as stubborn as our own children and try to carry burdens alone. As I said, we started a journey. On this date a few years later, we had a miscarriage. It struck us that whereas we typically celebrate Greg's miracle, our little miracle that day was in the hands of the Lord. It is a date full of mixed blessings and feelings.
Today, we took steps to finally end a trial for our beautiful daughter. She has spent ten months trying to shake a boyfriend she dated for four months. It has been a long journey full of challenges for her personally and also for us as her parents. We've been on quite the emotional roller coaster with her. We've been patient, kind and firm but this young man needs the Lord and professional help. He refuses both. We ended up in a courtroom, seeking a protective order to end the ongoing harassment. It wasn't a place we ever thought we'd have to go. The judge was fair and exactly what we needed today. We pray this young man moves forward in his life healthier as a result.


"So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Is. 41:10

Erin's Senior Photos

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

• There is a small, green dinosaur living under the bridge in our neighborhood? He has no teeth but likes Goldfish crackers.
• Grandma Carol called to wish Ty a happy birthday and he immediately replied, "can I talk to Grandpa". She felt loved. 
• When you tell a three year old they can come to your house anytime they want to, they will immediately be ready to go. (Same Grandma.....she created some drama in our house on Friday)
• If going to Grandma's doesn't work out, when the other grandma calls, you can always invite her to come to your house. The deal can easily be sweetened by offering birthday cupcakes and the pool. It was an offer Grandma and Grandpa couldn't refuse. They're coming on Friday.
• The latest favored greeting in our house has a slightly British accent as he says, "hello dear". 

Birthday Boy

 

This beautiful boy turns 3 today. He loves dressing up, snuggling with his Daddy, peanut butter sandwiches, pretzels, yogurt, cookies, Veggie Tales, playing ball, picking up dog poop, discussing dog poop, calling his sister Mr. Poopy Butthead, comparing poop, flushing poop (not necessarily his own), watching for trains on the local track, taking walks down to the creek, wrestling and jumping on the trampoline. Did I mention his fascination with poop? He is an exhausting joy. Happy birthday to you little man. We love you!

The Glitter Photo Shoot

Because I have clearly lost my mind and they are only little girls once, I broke out the pink glitter and went a little crazy today. I will be cleaning up glitter for years. It was worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't I just bubble wrap him?

Ty had so many bumps and falls today that Greg and I were deciding at dinner if perhaps he's in another growth spurt. Just a few hours later, he really wiped out and I was certain we were headed to the emergency room. We are so glad he didn't split his head open. It was close. After five solid minutes of screaming, Ty told everyone there would be no more running in the house, using the same tone his Daddy had used prior to his injury! Let's hope this lesson sticks for more than a few hours.

Taken with the phone so the quality is poor but you get the general idea.

Otherwise, life is as full and crazy as usual. The girls have enjoyed pulling out craft supplies the last few days. Summer will come to an all too abrupt end in a few short weeks. They will not appreciate that sleep schedule.

The boys keep me on my toes. They are a blast but ask for their cooperation for photos and I get this.....

Try to catch them playing and I get this......

It's exhausting.

Just another day in paradise

18 years ago today I married the man who would grow to be my best friend. We've sort of grown up together. I can't honestly believe it's been 18 years; however, I do enjoy telling him he's known me over half my life, which makes him old. It's a bit crazy and chaotic at times, but it suits us.
Our anniversary is not typically highly celebrated but we did hope to slip away for an ice cream together this evening. As it turns out, there was a teen who needed discipline and a toddler who missed a nap. Throw in a full inbox at work after a week's vacation and our ice cream date was nixed. It was just another day in paradise.

Happy Anniversary Greg. I love you more today than I realized possible at that altar 18 years ago.

Joy

The 100 degree heat has not been well tolerated by the little men in my life as they are used to ongoing outside playtime to burn energy. Wrestling matches have become a favorite activity this week unless you ask Colby, who declares, "no, no WAY" when you ask if he wants tickled while he continues climbing into tickle range.

When Greg's Away.....

Mom and I discussed how much I enjoy folding towels with scissors at the ready when she visited last weekend. She remembered helping me buy our existing towels when Kate was a newborn because the original wedding gifts were beyond repair. The towels, or what's left of them are seven years old and have served us well. One thing led to another and I re-did the bathroom while Greg was in Ohio last night. These things have a tendency to happen like that around here. First, I start pricing towels and note the exorbitant cost. Then, I begin to think the neutral tan has a tired look to it, and the next thing you know, I'm at the Home Depot paint department finding paint swatches to tie together the colorful towels I just picked up at Kohls. It's a wonder that man ever leaves me alone.

Before:

After:

My Superhero

Greg took the week off to build the kids a new swing set that was a birthday gift to Kate and Ty from us and both sets of grandparents. It has been 100+ degrees all week so we've spent several days lounging around the house, enjoying air conditioning and each other. It's been a relaxing vacation. The swing set will have to wait until it's cool enough to allow outside playtime.

 

I've wanted to make the boys superhero capes for a few months and finally found time to do so. They are  excited although Ty is concerned he can't actually fly. Greg's worried he may try to do it like his father!

 

 

 

Greg headed to Ohio with a few of the girls for his annual surgical appointment today. Erin will be taking her Senior photos with Kristin as well. Ty was irritable after Daddy left without him so I suggested we run to the library to return books. He declared he was only going if he could drive! I've got bad news buddy. His teenage sisters don't even make demands like that!

Clubbin at the Walmart

I stumbled upon a clearance dress that was practical, versatile and $24 while waiting on Erin to upgrade her cell phone at the mall Saturday morning. Given I previously owned one dress that you would have seen if you've attended a wedding or funeral with me in the last six years, I decided the spontaneous purchase was worthwhile. Makenna joked I could wear it "clubbing". First, it's not that kind of dress and second, how does my eleven year old know the word, "clubbing"?  But I hung it in the closet and enjoyed the day with my mom who was able to visit without my dad this weekend. She treated me to tea and cheesecake. She's my favorite. We ran errands, window shopped and talked for hours. Not being quite ready to call it a night, we found ourselves at the Cheesecake Factory at 9:30pm. It was indulgent and wonderful. I could barely finish the delicious dessert but managed, sans the whipped cream I noted my mom also pushed aside. Once we arrived home, Mom remembered she needed a toothbrush so we snagged Makenna for a Walmart run at 11 pm....sounded rather risky to me but it was the only thing open at that hour. Makenna decided we were "clubbing at Walmart". Perhaps she doesn't know that word after all.

In preparation for both Jill's visit last week and Mom's this weekend, Erin and I disagreed about the condition of her room. Erin's idea of "fine"....she says her room is like a museum because everything is on display.

Kate's side of the same room at the same time and a glimpse of my expectation.

Ty has maintained his fascination with dog poop. This is the scene all too regular in my backyard. I promise he begs to do this.

Greg sneezed loudly from the other room and Ty couldn't contain his giggles. When asked why he was laughing he said, "Daddy god bless you'd loud".