back again!

My blogging is way behind because I was computerless for almost 2 weeks. I am back with a new computer (which I love), but all of my pictures are still on my old computer so I have no pics for this post. Right now our life is filled with school, church and other Christmas happenings. I have been way busier than I like and away from home a bunch, which I absolutely hate. I love being at home, so times like this make me a little crazy. I am looking forward to next week having the kids home and no place to go. We may even have a pajama day. (in fact I can almost promise it!) I am really trying to pray my way through this busyness and keep the gift of the sweet baby Jesus at the forefront of my thoughts as I go through my days. I know it sounds trite, but I am really trying to keep the "Christ" in Christmas. If you have any ideas of how you do this, or suggestions for us moms, please post them below! I love hearing things like that. We can all do better at this I think!

So thankful

Yesterday I got an email from our Women's Enrichment Director at church and it had a quote in it that said,

If all you had today were the things you thanked God for yesterday, what would you have today?

Whoa, that is heavy, isn't it? It really made me think. I am an overall pretty grateful person. It's something my mom and dad really stressed when I was growing up, and I am pretty aware of my blessings. Sometimes though, life gets crazy and I can complain. And you know what? I really don't have anything to complain about! Broken dishwasher? Well, I have dishes to wash and food that we ate on the dishes, as well as hot water to wash them in. A husband or kids that don't do exactly what I want them to when I want them to? Well, I have a healthy, great husband and children. So, I'm going to try not to complain as much as possible. If I do, I'm going to try to turn it into a thanks to God for whatever is getting on my nerves. Because all in all, nothing should get on my nerves.

I hope you all have a wonderful and full of thanks Thanksgiving! I'm thankful to be spending it with the cute Indian and pretty Turkey above!

new things

I have always been a person who gets excited about things pretty easily. D. teases me that I have too many "favorites", and he's probably right. But, here are a few new things that are making me happy today.

These two books came in the mail yesterday! I love books, and I can't wait to make things from both of these books.

This is a seasonal flavor which only comes out around Christmas. I had this in my coffee this morning. It's so good, and definitely a fave.

And last, but certainly not least, here are my new creations! I finished my first two knitted hats! I am so proud of them even though they are just little things. I'm now on to bigger and harder knitting! (yeah, right) I also finally got a free hour to scrap and got to do a layout for the Scrap Whispers challenge. I love how it turned out, but I can't share it till the layouts are shown on the site.

So none of these things are very big things, but they are bringing me happiness right now! What's making your day brighter right now?

the rear view

So much of the time as a mom I feel like I'm looking in the rear view mirror of life. Thinking about the kids when they were younger, and missing those days sometimes. At times I'm scared to look ahead because the future is uncertain and the world is so scary. I can only wonder what it will be like when my children are in middle school and high school. I am constantly reminding myself to live in the moment. But, I also look in the rear view mirror of my car way more than I did before children. I have been known to appear as a drunk driver, swerving as I try to find Mallory a book or Aubrey a car. I have absolutely loved listening to them jabber as babies in the back seat, Aubrey's running commentary about every truck on the road, and now Mallory's talking about whatever comes to her mind - most notably baby deer. Here are two pictures I have seen when I've looked in the rear view mirror in the past two weeks. And for the record, I didn't put the Nerf dart on Aubrey's head. He did that himself and D. and I just laughed and laughed when he fell asleep with it on his head.

pigs are flying

Yes, swine flu, that's what's been happening at our house. Aubrey came down with it really fast on Friday, so we've been resting (well, some of us have - I won't mention who hasn't) and sanitizing everything. So far the rest of us are still healthy, but I haven't had time to update the blog. After I upload some pictures, I'll post what else we've been doing. Just didn't want you all to think I've fallen off the face of the earth. I'm still keeping up with my October album, so I'll post pics probably tomorrow.

RIP Red

Yesterday we said goodbye to a member of our family who most of you never even knew as a member of a family. On Thursdsay when we were at Wal-Mart, Aubrey asked me if he could get a Betta fish. I said sure because we already had a fishbowl and fish are easy pets I think. When we got in the car I told Aubrey he had to name the fish and he said, "I already did! His name is Red!" Of course! What else would he name a red fish? (He also helped name his class gerbils lighter and darker. Yes, because they are lighter and darker.)

We got home and put the fish in Aubrey's room. I told him that he could not play in the water because he was putting his fingers in it. I thought (mistakenly) that would be the end of it. I caught him a couple of times after that on Thursday and Friday playing in the water. I finally told him on Saturday morning that if I saw it again, the fish would come live in the kitchen area where I could keep a better eye on him.

Aubrey's cousin and partner in crime, Hayden, came over to play on Saturday. They play so well together and have a blast. I was doing things around the house and was going to put some towels away in Aubrey's bathroom. To get to the bathroom you have to go into Aubrey's room, but when I tried to open the door it was locked. I knocked and Aubrey opened the door. I walked in and said, "What are you guys doing?" They just kind of looked around and said, "Nothing." (you know the word that means I'm doing something I'm not supposed to be) I looked over at the fishbowl and there were water droplets . I said, "Aubrey, what are you doing with the fish?" He said, "I just wanted to pet it!" I said, "What did you do?" He told me that he picked the fish out of the bowl by his fin. So, I reminded him that now I had to take Red into the kitchen to live. When I got Red to the kitchen, I noticed that he was at the bottom of the bowl! I couldn't believe it. So, to finish this long story, Red ended up (after about a half hour of suffering) going to the great fishbowl in the sky. Aubrey was devastated, crying and saying that it was all his fault. Of course I couldn't argue with that, but reminded him that this was a hard lesson in obedience-that we have rules for a reason.

One final note - While we were having Red's funeral in the bathroom, I said, "Goodbye, Red, you were a good fish." Aubrey was crying and said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you I changed his name to "Black/Purple/Red"." Well, he's consistent if nothing else. And there went a member of our family as quickly as he joined us.

the latest

I haven't kept up with my October pics on here, but I have been taking them every day. I've been kind of bummed though because my good camera is broken so I'm just using my point and shoot. However, I keep reminding myself that the quality of the pictures isn't as important as the memories I'm recording. Here are a few of our latest activities.

My October album

Aubrey and Mallory have been dancing before bed to Aubrey's Veggie Tales "Boyz in the Sink" CD. It is hilarious, and usually wears them out. Aubrey has quite the moves I must say.

At the park on one of the rare sunny days this week. Check out Gus' sunglasses. He is one cool dude!

We met Jill, Jameson, Leah, Jay, Les, and my mom and dad at our usual place, Chick-Fil-A. This picture cracks me up because of the way Jay is looking at my dad. Like, "What is this crazy man doing?" They are both such characters!I am doing this Bible study right not and oh boy has it been good for me. I can't wait to meet Queen Esther in heaven and get all the scoop from her. What a woman!

This was the view from our backyard the other morning when I got home from Jazzercise. The sun was just coming up, and since we are up so high we were above the fog. With the fall colors it was just amazing.

More pumpkin!

Yesterday I decided I would use up the rest of the fresh pumpkin I had left. I saw a recipe on one of my very favorite blogs so I thought I would try it. Sherelle Christensen has such a great blog. She is a wife, mom, and lover of crafty, vintage things and just has wonderful taste. I lover her postings about her children and their farm life. She recently posted a recipe for iced chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. I wasn't sure I'd like chocolate chips and pumpkin together, but thought the recipe looked good so I gave it a go. Let me tell you, it is a new fave. They are absolutely delicious. Sherelle says to double the recipe on her blog, so I did. It made 5, yes 5, dozen cookies. And I didn't make them small. I used my Pampered Chef scoop and it still made that many. I made 1 dozen without chocolate chips so Mallory could eat them. The icing is so good I wanted to eat it with a spoon. Try it, you will not be disappointed. And go give Sherelle some love for them too. I asked her if I could link the recipe here and she was very gracious and said, "Sure!"

Here is a pic of the kids helping to clean up after our cookie making. You know the best kind of clean up! Sorry it's not a good pic. I had my camera on a funky setting and didn't realize it. Oh, and by the way, I still have about 3 cups of fresh pumpkin left so I will be baking more today or tomorrow. (what hasn't been decided yet)

I will post more October pics soon, but I just had to share this recipe first. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Bread

The other day I was talking with my friends Erin and Laura about making pumpkin bread. I told them I used fresh pumpkins and they told me I needed to post pictures of how I bake them to use. I am passing on knowledge that my sweet friend Jill taught me. So, here we go.

First, buy pie pumpkins. I got one at the grocery store because Aubrey had to have a pumpkin so I let him get one I could use. But, I usually like to get them at the local market.

Pre-heat the oven at 350 degrees. Place the pumpkins in the oven. (Tough stuff here I tell ya.)

Bake the pumpkins for about an hour. They will get a little brown.

Take them out and let them cool. The one from the grocery store got a little mushy, but the ones from the market felt crispy.

You will be able to crack the rind and it will just come off. Peel it off and scoop out the seeds and "guts". (I strained the seeds and roasted them also.)

You can then mash your pumpkin and use it however you want! I got about 7 cups of pumpkin from the 3 pie pumpkins. I made 4 mini loaves, 3 big loaves and 24 muffins and still have at least 3 cups of pumpkin left over. I will be baking more this weekend.

That is my contribution to the cooking knowledge of my sweet friends. If you would like the recipe to the pumpkin bread I make, just make a sweet comment and I'll send it to you. It's actually my mom's recipe, but I found the same, exact one in Paula Deen's new Holiday Baking magazine out this week. Cool, huh? Must be good if Paula likes it.

I will post my October album and pics this weekend. Have a great Friday!

Four days!

Well, I didn't make it back to post my pic for the first two days, but here are the pics for the first four days of October.

I had to get Mallory a new fall jacket because she didn't have one for cool but not cold weather. I found this one and while I was there found this shirt. I couldn't pass it up. A corduroy owl with button eyes is just impossible to pass up.

Here are Aubrey and Mallory with our sweet friend (and babysitter) Kaitlin. She was on the Homecoming Court as a Senior Representative. We have known Kaitlin since before Aubrey was born, and she is a beautiful girl inside and out.

Here's Aubrey at the Big Red Apple Festival. He had a blast holding all of the snakes at a certain vendor. I would never have believed he would like this if I hadn't seen it myself. I have a bunch more pics of the Festival, but this one was so funny to me.

Here is Aubrey today after lunch. He got this mustache in the gumball machine at lunch today. Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen?

I've been crafty this weekend, scrapping and knitting. I'll post pics when the album is finished and the hat I'm knitting is done also. I just love when it's cool outside because it makes me want to be crafty and bake a lot. It's been a fun weekend.

October!

I know many of you probably saw the December Daily album I did last year of our happenings during the month of December. I took a picture each day and made an album with each day being a layout. My sweet friend Jill gave me the album decorated for a present and I did the layouts. Well I have decided to do an October Daily album this year. This is my absolute, hands-down favorite time of the year. We always have so much going on in October and so many fun happenings, plus the great weather, beautiful foliage, etc. I could go on and on. So, I will be posting my October pics on my blog. Then I will show you my album when it is finished. I got recycled binders really cheap at Office Depot a couple of months ago. They are made with Kraft paper, so I think it will be great with all the fall colors in it. I meant to take a picture this morning at 5:45 AM! when I went to Jazzercise, but of course forgot. (who could blame me that early in the morning though) I'll try to post daily, but I'm pretty sure I won't make it so we may have posts with several pics in one post. You know, that's just how I roll. I'll be back tomorrow though. at least that's the plan ;)

A month

It has been a month since I've posted on my blog. I don't really know why. I'd like to say it's because I've been so incredible busy, which would be partially true, but not really any more than normal. I really have just taken a break. I have been wondering if anyone reads it, and what I say that's really important. So, I just took a break. I've had so many prayers and praises in this past month. God is so good and gives us what we need when we need it. I read it on another blog today and it made me shake my head that "What we think we want is not always what we need." Isn't it amazing that we can put our hearts and lives in God's hands and let Him give us what we need. That's the hard part for me - putting it in His hands. He's teaching me and molding me though every day, and this season of my life it seems to be more so than usual, or maybe I'm just more aware of it.

Anyway, there are a few things I have been loving lately, so I thought I would share them with you. One is I'm an Organizing Junkie I have been using the Menu Plan and I have never enjoyed cooking or making dinner so much. I now have all of my ingredients ahead of time and we have been eating at home a ton! (even on a Friday night!!! That is huuuuuuge for us.) So check it out. There are all kinds of organization tips and downloads on there.

I have also been loving the beginning of fall. It's my favorite season of all. (That rhymes!) Anyway, I'm getting into my crafts more, baking more and loving the weather and of course, football. You know the Gators have been getting my blood pumping!

One last thing - I have learned how to knit! Now I'm not an expert by any stretch, after all I'm only working on my first two hats, but I went to a class with my sweet friend Erin last week and I am hooked (yes, hooked, I crack myself up). Anyway, I am loving, loving it, and might even go to Open Knitting by myself next week! So don't be surprised if you start getting scarves or hats as presents from me! :)

Have a wonderful week. I have some funny kid stories and pics, so I'll share them soon. Well, within a month at least. Hugs to you!

by the numbers

I'm not a big numbers person, but so much has happened this week I thought numbering them would be the easiest way to post about them.

0 - The number of stitches Aubrey had to have after splitting his head open at school (in the library!) I got a call from the school while I was in the Eddie Bauer dressing room saying that Aubrey was leaning backwards in his chair in the library and fell, hitting his head on the bottom shelf. Misty said he was bleeding pretty bad and she thought I should come get him. I told her I would get right on the road, but it would be at least 30 minutes. I then called D. He was at the office and got to the school in about 5 minutes. All afternoon we debated taking him to the dr., but after his bath when his head was still bleeding we called our friends the Garretts. Josh was on call in the ER, and Laura told him what was going on. He said we should come in, so we did. Dr. Josh was able to use glue for Aubrey's head instead of having to stitch or staple it. Something we were very thankful for. I might add that zero is also the amount of normal people (besides us) in the ER late at night.

1 - Day this week I was able to spend in Aubrey's class helping his teacher and being with Aubrey. It was so much fun. It was almost fun enough to make me miss teaching. I so love those sweet kinder kids. They are so funny, and it was great to be able to put faces with the names Aubrey talks about.


2- Days a week my sweet girl is going to pre-school now. I have felt guilt about sending her, but in order to work in Aubrey's class, I needed to. Mallory is also a big mama's girl, so it is good for her to be away from me also. I love our church pre-school, and she has the same teacher Aubrey did last year, so everything is good.



3 - Days I worked at the Jazzercise center and did a class. I love it, and am seriously considering trying to be an instructor. We'll see what happens. Three is the number of deer Mallory and I spent time watching on Thursday - a mama and two babies. She loves "baby deer" and calls for them every time we drive down our driveway. Three is also the number of times Aubrey has cut his own hair in the past year. We discovered the third time in the ER while examining his head. Happened at school when some girls told him too. Yeah, great.


4 - Number of kids consistently at our house yesterday. My sister Leah and her 2 came over and played, which is such a neat treat. We are all loving them being so close now. I got to see her 3 times this week. After they left, our neighbor kids came over and played till 8:30pm. Lots of outside fun.


5 - Number of days I think it has rained this week. This is not good for D.'s job site. While we love the rain, we are looking forward to some drier days next week.


6 - Number of loaves of banana bread I baked this morning. I love my mom's recipe. I will give some away, but first I had to try it, and it is still good.


As you can tell, it has been a busy week for us. This is only part of our crazy week, but you get the idea. I also want to ask you to pray for our sweet cousin Baby Les (Leah's baby). He is having surgery on Monday to repair his cleft lip and give him a nose. Be in prayer for Leah and Chris and baby Les. The day will be hard for all of them. We are so thankful for the lessons we are all learning through baby Les' journey. He is a blessing.


Oh, I almost forgot -
2 weeks from today - The Gators begin their run at their next BCS Championship title! Woo Hoo! Can you tell I can't wait?

Kindergarten musings

So the first full week of kindergarten is over and we have had a great week. Aubrey has loved school, but frequently tells me the funnest part of his day is "coming home". You know I love this, but I know he is having a blast at school too.

He has had some funny things this week starting on Tuesday on our way to school. He said, "I don't like going to school every day. Being five is hard." And as much as I wanted to empathize, I bit my tongue because I think being 34 is pretty tough at times. That afternoon when I picked him up from school, the principal put him in the car and said, "You know you have a talker here." I laughed and told her I did know that. (though I have no idea where he gets it from!)

The next morning on Wednesday, Aubrey looked out the window and it was raining. He came into the kitchen and said, "I guess we don't have school today." I said, "Why?" He said, "Because it's raining!" I explained to him that we don't usually go to school if it snows or is icy, but we do go if it's just raining. I stopped the principal that morning and asked her if her remark the previous afternoon was a polite way of telling me that my son needed to stop talking so much. She said, "No, he's hilarious! We talked to the kindergarten classes about expectations, and Aubrey had a remark for everything we said. But, they were all relevant, and very funny. I love talking to him!" That made me feel better. Of course, it didn't last for long when he came home and told me he had to move his clip for playing in the bathroom. I knew he would move his clip eventually - he is a 5 year old boy, but I thought we would make it past the first week!!! Anyway, his teacher told me not to worry about it - that he wasn't being bad, just a boy. He had already told me, "Mom, it's just yellow!" (which is just a warning on their new behavior system and was word for word what his teacher told him) So, I'm learning not to freak out, and he didn't move it again - yet. He has already forgotten his backpack, only eaten Cheetos for lunch and gotten spit on by a little boy waiting for me to pick him up. You know - all the normal kindergarten travails.

Mallory starts 2 day a week pre-school on Tuesday. I almost backed out of it last week when I really thought about leaving her. But she needs some time away from me. She's a momma's girl, and clings to me way too much. This will be good for both of us, as I'm going to help out in Aubrey's class each Tuesday, and she will learn to be on her own a little. We're all learning this year.

adjusting

I am sure many of you are wondering how the first day of school went in the Higgins house. Well, I am very pleased to say that it went way better than I had anticipated. I truly believed I was going to dissolve into a puddle outside of Aubrey's classroom, but amazingly enough I didn't. I was in and out of his class in about 3 minutes. I didn't even look at any of the other children there. D. asked me questions about the other children and I couldn't answer him because I was so worried about getting out of there without crying. I quickly told him I loved him, hoped he had a great day and I was out of there. I got choked up in the car, but I prayed and told God that I knew He loves Aubrey even more than I do, so please take care of him today. God always comes through. I also wanted to keep it together because my friend Nancy and I hosted a brunch for kindergarten mommas at my house that morning. We thought it would be a fun way to keep our minds off of our missing children, and it was. There were a few tears, but much more laughter. It was a good thing for all of us I think. Aubrey told me his day was "Great!". The assistant principal told me at the end of the day that Aubrey was the most enthusiastic student she and the principal encountered when visiting the classrooms. That made me feel better. You know I thought I was going to be in agony all day long, but my mantra was, "Be thankful, not sad." and it really worked. I am so thankful I have a happy little boy who is healthy and smart enough to start kindergarten. That isn't to say I haven't had any tears, but they are much fewer and far between than anticipated. Thanks for all of your prayers. Now our family is adjusting to earlier bedtimes and waking times, a new schedule for me and the kiddos, and having an elementary student. Mallory will start 2 days of pre-school next week so that will be another adjustment. But, life is still good, and so is God.

new stuff

Just a quick post to put some new layouts on here. I am being featured on the Scrap Whispers blog this week, so I wanted to have some things for those friends to look at. I had hoped to have Aubrey's teacher gifts on here, but they aren't quite finished yet. I'm also working on a clipboard for Aubrey's chore chart. As soon as I finish them I will post them. Here are a few layouts I got done at the lake a couple of weeks ago.

This is the one I did for the challenge at Scrap Whispers to use different fonts in my title.

Mallory and her crazy bed hair.

Mallory as our sweet owl last Halloween.

How I feel about Aubrey.

On another note, I have been having some health issues and after bloodwork and other exams, the dr. feels that it is fibromyalgia. I am praying that it is not, but right now we are treating it as such. Please pray for me that God's will is done with this and I listen to Him for all the answers. Thanks, friends. Oh, also pray for me on Friday when Aubrey starts kindergarten. My heart is aching over this even though I know it is a very good thing and the way things should be. Being a mom is tough. Sigh.

Since I've been gone!

Well, the summer is almost over for us and we have been so busy. The blog has been neglected lately because we:

Spent a week at the lake

Spent a week at soccer camp (Aubrey)

Spent a week helping with Camp Agape at church. (all of us - even Mallory)

Have been blueberry picking (um, so good)

Had cousin Jay stay with us while Chris and Leah moved (so, so excited about this!)

Went to see GForce (Aubrey's still quoting lines)

Have been busy getting PTO stuff going

Went to our Back to School Fair

Have been working on Pastor Search Committee stuff

Had a Chez Ami children's clothing party

Have been hanging with cousins and friends quite a bit

And have just been busy with life. I have scrapped quite a bit, but will post pics later when I have a few more minutes. Once we get in our school routine I'm sure I'll be back to my regular posting schedule.

overheard

Last night when we were waiting for our dinner (a very, very long time at an unnamed establishment) I got a snippet of conversation between Aubrey and Hayden. I'm not sure what preceded this comment, but Aubrey said, "I'm going to marry someone who is pretty." Whew! Another thing to check off my worry list! Now I have to start telling Aubrey, "Pretty is as pretty does." and "Beauty is only skin deep." Boy, this kid keeps me on my toes! Fortunately we have a few years to let these words of wisdom sink in.

mornings

I am not a morning person. However, I do love lazy mornings when we don't have to do anything but hang out. I have been so fortunate that up until now in our lives we have had many mornings like that due to the fact that Aubrey has only been in pre-school 2-3 days a week. On mornings he didn't have pre-school, we usually end up in either his bed or our big bed and watch cartoons, snuggle or read together. The other morning, Mallory and I went into Aubrey's room when he woke up. We were laying there together talking and giggling, and I thought, "We aren't going to have many more mornings like this together because Aubrey is almost in kindergarten." I know that may sound overly dramatic, but I feel like our life together as a mom and children is about to have a major shift. Each morning we will be up early, getting Aubrey off to school. And as excited as I am about him starting school, I am a little melancholy about missing our lazy mornings together. I mean, just look at these sweet pajama babies!

two

Two years ago at this time I was in labor with my sweet little girl. She has been such a sweet addition to our family. When I used to think about having children, I only wanted little girls because that's what I had grown up with. Then I had Aubrey, and I didn't care if all I had was little boys because he was so much fun and so sweet. When I found out Mallory was a girl I was of course so excited, and now I can't imagine not having a little girl in our house. I think it's made all of us sweeter. She is such a little prissy thing, loving purses and babies. She has stayed so tiny, but she's so full of personality. She makes us laugh every single day. My prayer has been that we can help reign in her strong will without tempering her sassy personality. I know that God has a plan for her life, and I can't wait to see what that will be. Until then, I will be content and thrilled with being her mommy and love her more than I thought possible.

passing the baton

I have really been thinking lately about my role as a mom and what this entails. One of the biggest parts of my job as a mom for me is to be a protector of my family. While I do try to protect them as much as possible physically, I feel that protecting their hearts, minds and spirits is my most important job. Aubrey often gets aggravated at me because I won't let him watch certain shows, or wear certain clothing, but what we bring into our own homes is something that we can control. I'm not the best at it, but it is really on my heart to be on guard against things that do not promote the values and godliness I pray we have as a family. I also feel that protecting our family time is a major issue, and one that we as a society do not do a good job with. We are all so busy that our family life can really suffer.

I have been reading a book called Engraved by Grace, Creating a Legacy of Faith for Your Children, by Esther Burroughs. I had the privilege of meeting and hearing Esther speak at a WMU conference this past spring. I went to the conference on Saturday morning because I was asked to sing the special music, but left so encouraged and excited because of her message. I am loving her book because it is about how we can pass the baton of faith down to our children, and their children, and so on. It is filled with Scripture and stories, but also practical ways we can use to teach our children about Jesus and our faith in Him. This morning I was reading the book and it had this Psalm from The Message translation of the Bible. It was so neat, I wanted to share it.

Psalm 78:1-8

"Listen, dear friends, to God's truth,

bend your ears to what I tell you.

I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb;

I'll let you in on the sweet old truths,

Stories we heard from our fathers,

counsel we learned at our mothers' knee.

We're not keeping this to ourselves,

we're passing it along (the baton) to the next generation-

God's fame and fortune,

the marvelous things he has done.

He planted a witness in Jacob,

set his Word firmly in Israel,

Then commanded our parents

to teach it to their children

So the next generation would know,

and all generations to come-

Know the truth and tell the stories

so their children can trust in God,

Never forget the works of God

but keep his commands to the letter.

Heaven forbid they should be like their parents,

bullheaded and bad,

A fickle and faithless bunch

who never stayed true to God."

Whoa, huh? Esther reminds us in the book that we need to be teaching our faith stories to our children and teaching them to be looking for what God is doing in our families daily. It's a bit overwhelming, but I'm praying that God will help me do that with my children. When this is what they look like on a day to day basis, how can I let it slip by without teaching them?

This is a peek into the day to day of what our summer is like. Miss Mallory walking around with a purse (just like her Aunt Leah used to do) and Aubrey with some sort of tool and mud. For the record, as soon as I finished taking the pictures I made him put the hoe away. (I know some of you are aghast right now that he's holding that thing)

Oh deer

I used to like deer. We have them in our yard all the time, and I used to just love to watch them walk or run through, or even stay and graze in our backyard. Now I strongly dislike them. I would say hate, but hate is a word I try to stay away from. Our garden has been doing so well until the past week when the deer visited. Our beans have been decimated, our tomatoes have not fared much better, and our okra is halfway gone. It just kills me! I have been so excited about our garden and all we were producing and then those animals just came and wiped out all that work. D. didn't want to put a fence up even though I strongly suggested we do so. (you wives know how that goes) So, go ahead and get the animal rights activists after me. I don't care. I no longer want any deer in my yard.

P.S. - The good news is that the yellow squash, turnips and cantaloupes are growing like crazy. We had squash and turnip greens last night for dinner and it was delicious.

P.P.S. - I have strong reason to believe the deer may be getting some help from the local rabbits. They are all in cahoots, I tell ya.

Exhibit A - my decimated green beans.

My beautiful squash plant!

My turnip greens which are overflowing!

Tassels on our corn!

These boys

These boys are the sweetest, funniest boys I know. They are having so much fun playing together this week. Jay came to stay with BonBon and Bompie this week and has been spending lots of time with us as well. This afternoon they had a blast riding Aubrey's four-wheeler. Jay was pushing the gas pedal and Aubrey was steering, which made for a hilarious combination. Aubrey would yell, "Stop, Jay, Stop!" and Jay would just laugh. Aubrey finally had enough and said, "That was crazy riding." Boys and their toys. So much fun.

aaah

Last week was such a flurry of busyness. It was great - VBS and a visit from Aunt Beth, but it was really busy and we had 2 very tired little ones by the end of the week. Friday night we went out to dinner and before our food could get to the table, Aubrey was sound asleep sitting up. We couldn't wake him up to eat. It was so cute.

So we are really going to enjoy this week of doing nothing but whatever we want. Sleeping in, enjoying the pool and working in the garden are the only things on our list. (I do have to do laundry so we have clean clothes.) Other than that, our schedule is clear. Just the thing to make me say, "Aaaahh."

Back from the beach!

We made it home safe and sound from our beach trip. It was wonderful and consisted of lots of things.

Lots of riding in the car to get there.

Lots of luggage.
Lots of visits from Aqua Man. (Aubrey loves, loves his goggles)

Lots of putt putt. (Aubrey had never played before, but quickly became hooked)

Lots and lots of swimming.

Lots of playing in the sand.

Lots of kite flying and walking on the beach.

Lots of looking for sand crabs. (He's right at the end of the stick. Totally camouflaged. Isn't God's creation amazing?)

Lots of duck feeding. Both children loved watching and feeding them.

Lots of cute looks from our bathing beauty.

Although I didn't take any pictures, there was lots of lounging in the lazy river pool for me. I need one of those in. my. backyard. It was truly the life for me. I also got 4, yes 4 books read while we were there. My favorite way to spend time at the beach or the pool.

There was also lots of seafood eaten by me and D., and avoided by the children. Having children who are allergic to fish and shellfish is a challenge when dining out at the beach, but we didn't have any problems, thank God.

Now we're back and in the midst of Vacation Bible School. We're also anticipating the arrival of Aunt Beth today! Yippee! We haven't seen her since last July and it's just awful. We are going to have a great rest of the week. Please be in prayer for Chris and Leah as they try to sell their house, buy a new house and manage as a family while Chris is working away from home at his new job most of the week.