GREAT, great summer...

It would be pretty hard to complain about this summer. It has been pretty darn awesome. The weather has been most cooperative. We've been busy enough to not be bored and not sooo, so busy that the stress becomes overwhelming.

Last week was pretty darn awesome because for the weekdays we had the lovely Diane and fam stay with us and then from Friday to Monday we had Glenn and two of his kiddos come and visit.

Glenn is Dave's best friend from kindergarten and he is good people. I love the dynamic between the two of them and that in itself made the weekend fun. The kids had a nice time together also.
We made more balloon flip flops! I have yet to make a pair for myself.

Now, these two are fast friends. It is quite interesting to watch them together because I wonder if this is the type of friendship Dave and Glenn had... oh, if only I had a time capsule.
These two did not want to get their picture taken and were having a great time staying away from the camera. DeLIGHTFUL!
And then, of course there was lots of swimming and all around fun in the pool.

Looks to me like this was more of a game for the big boys versus the nine and under set....

I want to add one more thing that has been making me smile for the last few days. Glennie and Robby slept on the family room floor each night and the family room is within ear shot of the futon that Glenn slept on each night. Glenn shared that the boys giggled about poop stories in their sleeping bags until they fell asleep.

This image is so priceless to me and has stuck in my mind for the past two days. Not sure why but it does...maybe because the thought of Robby giggling and laughing with someone other than me as he falls asleep is another reminder that my boy is growing up...so wonderful that I get to watch it and so bitter at the same time.

Happy Tuesday.

A Little Story about Jack and Diane...

So this week, my pookie came to visit me...the above pic makes me quiver a bit because I strongly dislike my squirrel smile, however, I posted it just to show exactly how happy this visit made me...
Here is the beautiful Abbey-- Diane's oldest daughter. She is a sweet heart- so glad I know her. Her youngest is Nora- they are both cute and adorable.
The kids get along very well and Diane is the best house guest because she just comes along wherever we go--- Abbey, Nora, and Diane got to live the life of a swim team family this week.
Here are all my chickabiddies watching Wipeout...loved that my Campbell boys came over...they have been at Summer Camp so my Campbell quotient is very low. It's a great summer night when you can watch Wipeout on an inflatable mattress.
And here's our farewell pic of the four kids together---look at all those long legs---should have known that the TWIN TOWERS(one of our nicknames in college) wouldn't have short children...
Couldn't get any serious shots of the four of them no matter how hard I tried...

Oh well, the Fallons left yesterday but my heart is still singing from their visit.

The Joys of Summer

Here's my garden. I simply love it. I can't get enough of it really. In years past, I have always loved my garden. The last two years were heartbreaking to me (and I mean that) because the deer got into the garden and demolished my lovely plants and after that, it wasn't the same.

This year, Dave has put up a deer mesh fence that sits about four feet away from the raised bed garden. So far, we have had no intruders. However, I spotted deer scat outside of the fence midweek. Never fear, I have asked Dave and Rob to urinate outside of the fence whenever possible.
Because of these precautions, we have made it to HARVEST. So far, nine cucumbers and lots of zucchini and tomatoes are a brewing out there. BIG NEWS-- today we spotted three baby pumpkins!
Ohh and I did not mention the FRESH BASIL for all my cooking needs. If this picture speaks to you, read Animal, Vegetable, Mineral by Barbera Kingsolver. Quite an interesting read.
What else do I love this summer. Boys and their baseball...

Look at those cuties.
Gotta love a summer day.

Too Long

A very happy night...Katie and I were invited to Katie's teacher's wedding. After the ceremony, she held a milk and cookie reception--- so very sweet.
Here we are on the balcony watching the ceremony...it was a magical service.
And here are some of the girls with the lovely bride--- it was a wonderful evening. Katie was so thrilled to be a part of the night.






















My heart just swelled seeing my little girl so happy about this wonderful evening. Miss Lange was a dream bride and her husband seems like a prince. oh my, I feel so twitterpated.

On another note, I miss my blog. I am blinking here and six months have passed. My kids are growing like weeds, wonderful things are happening in my life and time is a'flying.

So, this part of my life, the reflection and the focusing on the great stuff is lacking and my blog is the way I do it. It centers me and makes me happy. So here I am, watch for me.

PROUD MAMA!

The kids performed in the Christmas Pageant on Sunday. It made me so proud.
Look at my Katie---she was a scripture reader. You should have seen her Daddy watching her--he smiled from ear to ear-- What a moment!
And my Bobbers- he was a three king of course--- what a performance he gave-- made my heart smile.
he is moving and grooving up on the stage-- I was so proud of him.
And Katie, my beautiful, beautiful girl. Bestill my beating heart.

katies book

Click here to view this photo book larger

HI!

This post is long overdue-- two days in fact!

Rob lost his first front tooth on Wednesday. Look at my cutie.
Notice, the big tooth in the back already growing in back there? Well, we had to have his baby extracted on Wednesday at the dentist because his adult tooth was sprouted and growing strong and baby tooth was not even an inkling loose...

Rob handled it like a trooper. I could not believe how brave he was.He's just really growing up---Last year he was a totally different category at Hershey. Now he is tall enough to go on most rides. My baby.
Robby John, you are such a blessing in my life and all of those around you.

Happy Halloween!

Last night we went to a Halloween Party--- It was a blast! Our good pal, Cole, came along with us...doesn't he look like a tough G.I. Joe?
I must say, my Harry Potter, with the black hair!, was amazing. He was one of the hits of the party. He was as proud as proud can be of his costume. I delighted in seeing him running around as Harry Potter. Be still my beating heart.
And the other hit of the party was my Katie. She was a beautiful Owl, complete with the name, Wiggy. What a great night.

Happy Sunday!

H is for Harry Potter and Headbands

Oh My Crafts.

bought a canvas at a yard sale a few weeks backs and made this... still has some tweaking to do---working in the paint spot below "I" etc. but let's just say this.

I need to work more. Having no children home to tend to and few sub jobs is leaving me whirling and swirling. I am painting canvases here, people!

Sent two applications out today for subbing in two more districts.

Cross your fingers.

Meanwhile I am off to make owl feet with kitchen gloves. Stay tuned.

Headband Mania!