Be As You Are

Reel Kids Fish

  

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Last Tuesday we had the pleasure of going to a cookout at our friends' home. Leslie (Jeff's cousin) and her husband Jeff invited us over to visit while their daughter Paige was in town.  Of course that required a celebration!  They happen to live on a beautiful farm equipped with a stocked pond.  Oh yeah, my kiddos were in heaven.  Jonathan wanted to fish first thing and the girls followed.  I captured Stella and Anna circling the pond and carrying the fish-grabbing net.  Two sisters working together for a common goal ~ To Catch The Biggest Fish In The Pond!

However, Jonathan was the big winner of the evening:

 

Jonathan and Goliath ~ way to go son!

Stuck

 

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

This could very well be classified as "The Saddest Photo EVER".  Why?  Anna Banana, a.k.a. Water Girl,  is trapped behind the glass walls at the Hunter Museum while the Southern Belle River Boat passes by on the Tennessee River.  It might as well been Alcatraz for her.  Water, water all around....

She actually enjoyed her visit to the "Fancy Museum" and is still talking about it today.  She even requested that we take her sketch book next time so that she can draw one of the statues (people do that type of thing in fancy museums I'm told).

Animal Lover

 

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

As most of you know, Stella Grace is our animal-loving child.  She has a heart and compassion for animals like no other.  Let's face it, how many kids nurture a crab at the beach for 7 straight days without killing it.  Everyday she is bringing something in from outside in her bug catcher.  And just this week her butterfly starter kit arrived and she has been watching the larvae transform into the pupal stage.  That girl.

This afternoon we went to the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga after the kids begged us to visit earlier in the week.  Outside there is this statue of a horse that, from my untrained artist eye, appears to have starved to death.  Poor Stella was concerned about this creature Monday night as we walked around.  So today after our lunch at Tony's, Stella offered to share her leftover fresh fruit with the horse.  She's such a good girl!

Prayers

Please remember Jeff's cousin Gina and her family in your prayers.  Gina's oldest son Robie was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident tonight.  I am at a loss for words right now.  This young man had everything going for him.  May God be with Gina, her son Ross, and Robie's dad Jon during this very difficult time.

We love you Gina!

Where Did It Go?

Could someone please tell me where the month of June went?  It cannot already be time to turn the page on the calendar.  NO!  We are halfway through Summer Break and have only accomplished a small fraction of our to-do/to-see list. 

June was an great month filled with vacation, Science Camps, days at the pool, boating, Dollywood, Jeff's birthday, Father's Day, and our 14th wedding anniversary.  Whew! 

 

The kids at Dollywood.

 

These two love each other ~ they really DO!

 

Jeff found this package of Nylon Rope in the boat (somehow forgot why we purchased said rope) and we teased Jonathan telling him this was his birthday gift.  By the look on his face he was really surprised by the gift ;)  Who needs video games when you can have endless hours of fun working on those Boy Scout knots?

 

The two most awesome men in my life. 

 

Sweetness!  I remember having my bridal portraits taken at the Hunter Museum 14 years ago.  Now look!  Never in my wildest dreams did I think my life would be this blessed and happy.  

  

So thankful for my sweet hubby and best friend.  I cannot believe he's put up with me this long but I'm so glad he has.  God bless this man.  He has put up with so much here lately and has talked me off the "ledge" numerous times.  Thanks Jeff!  You have the patience of Job.

June has been a great month.  Cannot wait to see what fun awaits us in July.  I just hope it does not pass by so fast.

Missed

 

This week has been filled with so many losses in the entertainment world.  Ed McMahn, Farrah, and Michael.  However, this afternoon we learned of Billy Mays passing.  That one hit our entire family very hard.  This man could sell our family ANYTHING.  His voice was so distinct.  My kids begged for a Big City Slider (mini burger pan) just because the ultimate Pitchman was selling it.  We will miss you Mr. Mays.  There will never be anyone like him.

Approved!

 

June 17, 2009

Last Wednesday night at church Anna and her friend B were playing "family".  Both were taking care of the babies (although I have my concerns about the one face down on the table) and playing so nice together.  B wanted Anna to change her name to Candy (which happens to be his mom's name).  Anna requested the name Gabriella, B agreed and they proceeded to play.  Too stinkin' adorable.

Mr. B certainly has our stamp of approval.  This guy comes from a great family ~ wonderful parents and grandparents.  Oh how I wish it was that easy to pick our children's spouses because we would put him in our shopping cart immediately for Miss Anna.

Super Science Saturday Fun

 

Jeff + Jason + Diet Coke + Mentos + Stick= TROUBLE

Today we participated in a special fund raiser for missions.  Our friends Faith and Jason hosted a Super Science Saturday event at Lee University.  Over 40 kids participated in the day-long event filled with science experiments, devotions, and pizza.  Fun for everyone.

Happy Birthday

 

Happy Birthday to my dear hubby! 

 

Stellar Stella

 

Sunday, June 14th.  She made a "Stellar" choice.