How we water around here!

The kids and I were out front watering (and mowing) the other day and they conveniently soaked their clothes. Next thing I know I'm looking at Ryder in his chunders watering the hostas. What you are missing in the picture: the pack-n-play on the driveway (along with ryder's scattered clothes), toys thrown by Gage from the p-n-p, all of the kids riding toys/bikes and other misc. toys.

Maybe my title should read "welcome to my wt world" :-). Just so you know, I did clean it all up and the yard looked real nice when I was done mowing (hence why everything was everywhere).

So, so, so excited for my neighborhood garage sale this w/e, not so excited for the 90% chance of rain tomorrow, I would appreciate any and all prayers for the rain to hold off for a few days...

The Weekend..

Brandon Heath performing.


Bebo Norman performing.


Bebo and his band (the accordion is just for you mom :-) )

Paula and I cruised down to a local college this w/e for a FREE concert. Brandon Heath and Bebo Norman performed (both Christian artists) and it was great fun. It rained on and off, so we were treated to an acoustic set from both; and since I actually prefer an acoustic set, I was very pleased.

Below are the after effects of my legs and the lack of sunscreen (a total no no for me, but it was raining!!). Keep in mind I thought it was a thick cloud cover, my umbrella was up most of the time and I was wearing longer bermuda shorts-I never saw it coming. Can you tell I sat with my legs crossed the entire time.....




Yes, those were the only two spots on my body that got sunburned. Nice huh?

Swimsuit season is upon us...

So, I hit the mall today in search for a swimsuit. Now I had already done my research online and found what I thought to be the perfect suit. It was made by Nike, a tankini, sporty, not flashy, comfortable, but not matronly (I read that one in the review). Turns out the suit is available online only, and they're out of them :-(.

What is the deal with the style of swimwear the last couple of years?? Can someone say plunging necklines and halter tops??
Obviously the people designing these things are not aware that I will be chasing three children around the neighborhood pool; so if something falls out, there will be witnesses. Not to mention trying to teach my children modesty. While looking for a suit today, Ashlynn asked why there were bras and underwear in that department :-).

Last summer I had the wonderful excuse of being prego, so I swam in a tank top (with a swimsuit top underneath) and board shorts-classy, I know. But who cared, I was nine months along.

The pool opens tomorrow, so for now I'll stick with my lovely speedo swimsuit I purchased at Costco FOUR years ago for Ashlynn's swim lessons until I can find a suitable (no pun intended) replacement.

Dance Pics

Here are a couple of pics from the rehearsal. I still need to download the others from the recital.

Does anyone else have the problem of trying to carry everything in one load? Whether it's groceries, laundry (dirty or clean and neatly folded!), or toys, I try to take it all at the same time. Often I end up dropping something and spend more time cleaning up after myself than if I had just made two trips. What's the deal with that? Is there anyone who makes two trips without even considering trying to grab it all at once??

Just my thought for the day ;-).

Ashlynn holding her diploma.


Ashlynn and I outside the preschool/church.


Randy and Ashlynn after the ceremony.

Here are some pictures of Ashlynn's graduation. It was really cute and they sang a bunch of songs with cute little hand gestures to go with them. The best was when they sang "I am a Promise"; all of the kids got way ahead of the music and were singing it so loud-glad I have it on video!! Must admit, though, I am glad preschool is over. The getting up and feeling rushed to get her to school three days a week was not the most fun-I can't fathom trying to do it five days a week AND an hour earlier-Ashlynn would never get breakfast (not because of me, by the way, she is just a slow mover in the morning!). It will be exciting to see what the first year of school at home is like, Ashlynn makes sure to "remind" me everyday that I will be her teacher next year (amazing that a four year old can hold someone accountable:-o)

I'll post some pictures of her dance recital tomorrow!!

Pics, hopefully!

Ashlynn enjoying the zoo.


Ryder checking things out at the zoo.


Here are some pics-finally. We had a great afternoon at the zoo and Ashlynn's dance recital went really well. I'll be sure to post some more pictures of that throughout the week (her graduation too!). It will be nice to have things at a slower pace for the next few weeks and then we'll head north for summer vacation-can't wait!!

Crazy Week

Ashlynn had her last two days of preschool this week and graduation Wednesday night. Last night she had her dress rehearsal for the dance recital-it was so cute! Tonight is the "real" performance and the poor girl is just exhausted. In between all of that, we have gone to the park and the zoo (thanks again mom!!).
This is the last crazy week of the spring and I am not signing the kids up for anything else the rest of the summer. We'll just try to hang out at the pool and RELAX!!!

P.S. Tried to post some really cute pics of the kids at the zoo and guess what? Blogger is not cooperating! Will try again later today.

New Dress

Ok, so I would not normally be posting pictures of myself, but I wanted to show a picture of the dress I just finished. It's one of those "looks better on, than on the hanger" for pictures. So, here it is. It has a mandarin collar, fabric covered buttons and tie belt. Thanks to mom for the awesome fabric selection!

Happy Birthday Ryde!!

Can't believe you are already three! Where has the time gone? You have such personality and spunk, I love watching you bloom into the young boy you are becoming. Happy Birthday to my determined, daring, loving, snuggly, sweet, crazy, kissable, huggable little boy.

I love you Ryder!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!!

I'll Never Fully Comprehend....


Even though I am fully grown,
raising children of my own,
I'll never fully comprehend
the depth of your love and sacrifice

Mom, how did you ever manage to dress us (beautifully!), do our hair, teach us, and haul us here and there?

They say each generation has it easier than the last,
though raising seven kids could never be an easy task.
I do believe I have it easier,
that's why I'll never fully comprehend
the depth of your love and sacrifice.

Mom, where did your patience to educate us, cross borders for us and stay at home with us come from? How were you able to care for us so much, that even as number four, I felt like number one? How did you manage to hear God's voice and trust Him with the life He created for me?

How can parents ever let their children go?
This is one thing I think I know.
You don't let them out of your heart
even if by distance you are apart.
It's holding on to every memory, treasuring every today
and having confidence we will try to find a way
to begin to payback what
can never be fully comprehended.

My love, respect and awe for you grows everyday in time spent with my own children. My gratitude runs deeper than the depths of the sea and my love, admiration and amazement will never cease.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

She's here!!!

Lindsey and my bro Johnny had their baby yesterday!! Welcome baby Keira! Check out Bekah's blog (Married...without children) for pics!
Way to go you two, can't wait to see her in October :-)!!!!!

Today

Today I ran a million errands and spent what felt like a million bucks. As the cashier at Costco rattle off my total, I realized it was same total at the previous three stops: $100!!!! Thankfully, I will get reimbursed for some of things as the official "Mother's Day and Ryder's Birthday shopper". The worst was filling up my gas tank, $38.00-ouch (I drive a 4 cylinder compact car; it should cost $15.00!!!).

We met up with D & L and the boys to celebrate Mother's Day. Randy is on shift Sunday and tonight worked best for everyone. My brother-in-laws are the sweetest bunch of guys. They all gave me a card and $$ with strict instruction to spend it on myself (shoes are in my forecast!!). They gave a ton of hugs and went on and on about what an great mom I am (if they only knew...I have my not so good moments people). Now if only one of them (or all of them) would get married so we could balance out the 'Sunday after church lunch', girl to boy ratio in that household (thank goodness Auntie Coleen and Auntie Paula come over!).

Off to work in my sewing room, I am attempting to finish a dress for Mother's Day, we'll see......

Wordless Wednesday: Ashlynn and Reilly: the fun of being kids!

Finally, some photos!

Ryde "helping" Marilyn drive the 4 wheeler


Ryder waiting patiently to see the wildlife


The kids and Randy headed out to the the woods


The kids and I playing at the spring (the water was freezing!!)


Ashlynn checking things out

ants, accountibility and dishes...

They're back. The ants. In full force. I hate them, but I use them.

This is our second spring in this house and our second invasion of those little black creatures that scurry across the countertops in my kitchen. Last year we used poison and this year I'm trying to go without. It's not that I have anything against chemical killing agents, I'm just trying to avoid them with all the kids in the house. So my strategy is to keep the kitchen really clean.
At the first sign of the ants I completely cleaned off every countertop and appliance (small and large). This made them disappear, for a while. Then the scouts came back, one here, two there. I'd squish each one and rinse them down the drain to make sure they were gone for good. I figured when the scouts didn't show back up at the nest, surely they'd deem my kitchen to be a "danger zone" and give up. Not that easy.

So here's where I'm at. If I so much as leave one little dish in the sink, they're on it like flies. But, if I keep my kitchen spotless (ajaxing the sink after every cooking expedition-which is like twenty times a day around here!!), I only see random stragglers. This brings me to acceptance. Acceptance of the ants for the sole reason of keeping my kitchen clean. Crazy, I know, but it works. The ants keep me accountable.

I imagine them gathered around in their nest: "That lady, she has a real problem with crumbs and unloading the dishwasher in the morning. Why don't we send in a few of the troops and see if we can't get her to clean up the place."

Ok, so maybe they don't personally hold me accountable, it's just their presence. And trust me, I've not found some new love for these things. No "I love ants" bumper stickers, I'm just using them to help me out a little.

Must run now, I cant' remember if I ajaxed after breakfast...

Wordless Wednesday: Nice to meet you....