Happy Birthday to our silly boy!

"Grampy, you taught me to do this!" said Teddy as he licked the last crumbs from his requested chocolate chip ice cream birthday cake.  Happy 8th Birthday!

"I'm like a crumb compared to Daddy!" said Teddy as he looked at this picture that is kept in Grammy's Bible.

He is his father's son through and through! 

There is something about seeing all the flags about town...

You're a Grand Old Flag

by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.



You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

I'm sitting here...at my Dad's desk...

watching the birds dart from feeder to feeder, watching my children frollick through the field, waiting to use the hair-dryer (Mom's finally quit today...our timing is perfect!), and watching Ted and Dad ready a pile of brush for the biggest bonfire of the century!  I am poised with my camera in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other!

"She's doing it again!"

Ted walked in the door after being out and about today and could hear me barking orders.  I have no idea what the expressions were on the faces of the children he questioned, "Are you making your mother cranky?  Are you having a rough time?"  I continued to give instructions for picking stuff up and directions for what was to come next, not knowing Dad had walked through the door.  

"No, she's doing it all by herself." was their response. 

I came through the door with my hair in my eyes and an aggravated look on my face.  "Are you ok?" he chuckled as he asked. "Um...no...not really! We seem to have a problem remembering we DON'T THROW PAPER TOWELS IN THE TOILET!  I appreciate the help...the windows and mirrors are clean! But we can't seem to remember how to DO OUR CHORES today!" I explained.  "Maybe you should take a break now and run to the store, I can hold down things here.  Go!" he instructed.

I do it every time we have a special trip planned....house must be clean and laundry caught up...before I can think clearly to pack a bag.  I took the gentle prodding and walked away for awhile.  

There was no time restriction...

so I walked around the thrift store, made the grocery stop, and tried the new frozen lemonade at McDs. 

I was in a better frame of mind to finish the required jobs, and the kids seemed to figure out what they needed to do.  Thanks to our Daddy!

Enjoying the day using all my senses!

Morning cup of coffee on the front step of our home...

while viewing the lovely things growing and blooming all around our neighborhood...

listening to the chirping and singing of the birds...

feeling the warmth of my sweatshirt and sun on this cool, sunny day...

smelling the fresh cut grass and damp earth...

"This is the day that the Lord hath made...I will rejoice and be glad!"

This is a yummy, refreshing summer treat!

1 can pineapple, 1 can mandarin oranges, 1 can peaches, frozen strawberries, 6 oz. orange juice concentrate

Mix and freeze till slushie!  If frozen solid, allow to thaw slightly. 

This is wonderfully refreshing!  I forgot to ask about using the juice and light syrup from the canned fruit...so I added it...and I am glad I did!  Thanks, Paula!

"This is the color of summer!" I stated.

"Fruit is not dessert.  Fruit is not a season." he replied.

"What happens at Grandma-Great's, stays at Grandma-Great's!"

We took a picnic supper down to Grandma-Great yesterday afternoon/evening.  We sat on the patio.  The kids watched a movie and played UNO with Grandma-Great between treks to the playground.

Teddy fussed at me about "pictures, pictures, always more pictures."  I told him that I will continue to take pictures, especially on days like this, "so just get used to it!"  We never know how much time we are given with those we love and who love us...we must keep these memories!

 

Ted and Grandma are so funny!  She told Ted, "Teddy, you put a zipper in it.  You don't have to tell everything I do or don't do when you are here."  We talked and laughed...and we realize once again...Grandmas are special people who need to be smothered with love!  They don't always have to be the ones doing the smothering!  "Oh, you kids..." Grandma said to us several times...and we know she enjoyed the time we spent with her.

Friday Night in our backyard

Roasting hot dogs on the campfire..."It's too hot. Can you do it for me, Dad?"  It was a little warm when we started, but it cooled off nicely.  We did decide...we are losing the cage and adding more brick for a bigger more user friendly firepit!  The kids were saving room for dessert...what will it be tonight?

Dad had an idea to make pudgie pies.  A blast from his past...

made to everyone's liking.

Wow!  Hot, crispy, and rich! 

We worked off the sugar with a game of HORSE or PIG, not sure which...anyway...we, girls, lost. 

Next competition...lawn darts.  Only these are not the old fashioned metal-tipped kind.  The set we have are weighted plastic jobbers...that have a mind of their own.  Ted paid good money for this "reinvented game" so children and adults don't inadvertantly puncture each other or their own feet by a poorly launched jart.  Ted and I had a good laugh at how different our children's lawn toys are from what we were allowed to play with...at our grandparent's houses too!  What ever happened to...bocce balls, croquet with wooden mallets and wire hoops you had to stab into the ground, badmitten rackets for whacking each other instead of little plastic birdies...don't forget the wiffle ball and fat bat...and our list went on...

We have learned we can entertain ourselves quite nicely in our own backyard...

especially when there is fire and chocolate involved!

"Well, I guess if we want to eat tonight, we have to go to the store." he said.

Mom had plans.  Then Dad and Ashlynn made plans.  Tacos for supper followed by dessert!  When I got home, I was served fresh baked chocolate muffins and a scoop of ice cream.  Ashlynn chose well!  The chocolate muffins were definitely chocolatey!

"We always have more fun with Dad!" said Alisa.  Chocolate smudge-faced Teddy agreed.  Dad and Ashlynn decided that they were tired after all the time in the kitchen!  It is nice to walk away for an evening...and hear that some people appreciate that you came back!

Another fun thing for kids...

This year's summer mid-week program for children at our church is based on the material from Ken Ham.  Last night, we started with the dvd series for children.  We are convinced more than ever that we must be teaching our children what God's Word says.  We must allow God's Word to show us how to think biblically in all areas of our life.  Lately, we have been asked some very pointed questions about what is true and why do believe it...by children and adults alike.  When you ask God for opportunities...He gives them!

I was able to talk with our new neighbor and answer a few questions.  One of which was,

"What is this kid's program that my kids keep asking about?"  Our children have been talking and inviting kids in our neighborhood to come to the kid's programs at our church.  All the more reason for us to be prepared...for our ministry opportunities and opportunities in our neighborhood to open our mouth!

Last night's reminder...God created us in His image! 

He has designed each part of His creation to do exactly what He designed it to do!  We did not evolve out of goo. We were made to bring glory to God! 

Goo Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Kid's Cookbook

1 cup all-purpose white glue

1 cup water divided

food coloring

1 tablespoon Borax

Blend glue and 3/4 cup water till smooth.  Add food coloring to desired color. Set aside.

In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon Borax.  Mix well.  Add this mixture to the glue mixture, stir until goo begins to form.  Remove from bowl.  Store in plastic Ziploc bag.

**Our initial recipe said you could take the leftover liquid and then add more water/Borax to make more goo...we did that today and it does not work!  You also have to be sure to add the food coloring to the glue mixture...it doesn't work so well adding it to the Borax mixture!**

Two times a charm!

8:30 AM! 
Two days in a row...I have enjoyed seeing that time hit the clock...from my pillow!  We've spent time outside working, planning, reading, snacking, cooking, sitting, playing, and grilling.  We call the kiddos in at 8:00 or 8:30pm for showers and they collapse in bed.  No schedules.  Random naps.  Projects to do...or not.  I am going to have to take care of laundry at some point...but we just started "summer vacation" so I'll pace myself.
The kiddos told their grandparents that their "Mom stays in bed till 10:00am on Saturdays and sits around all day doing nothing."   I figure...this summer that could be a realistic goal!  The shock value may have subsided by now...so I may just try to live up to their description and see how it will affect them! 
I kind of like it...so far...doing nothing!

We once said,"Stay out of the street!"

Now...I say, "Be careful and listen for cars!"  And then I sit out on the front stoop and take pictures of him playing in the street!

It is more fun to jump the curbs and ends of driveways!

And when the gutters have water in them...all the more fun for making tracks all over the street.  It is safer to do mid-afternoon before people get off work...and when little neighborhood friends are still down for naps!

Celebrating the beginning of our summer...

with fresh strawberry pie!

Hard at work!

The yard is getting bigger again!  The brush has been stacked for burning for campfires.

The logs have been stacked for Papa.  Both piles are providing good cover for a couple snakes that have been observed.

"Teddy, go get the ice-chopper!  I think I see it!" said the brave girl.

"Oh, honey, your plants are in big trouble right about now!" observed Ted.

Meet Teddy...otherwise known as...

a dog toy!  We may consider renting him out!

I don't know how Cooper slept last night...but Teddy konked out on the way home!

Thank you, Uncle James, Aunt Lindsey, and Paula!  Congratulations, Aunt Lindsey!  I'm sorry, I didn't get any pictures of the girl who worked so hard for her degree!

We've had trees on the mind lately...

so it made for a fun gift idea for a special someone...

who just got her teaching degree!

Award Night for Kid's Club

Kid's Club came to an end for the year.  The children recited a few verses and sang "I'm On the Winning Side" for parents, grandparents, and many others.  Many children learned verses, brought their Bibles and dues, and were faithful to come each week. Several visitors were brought.  Each child had the same opportunity to earn points each week with several "Mr. Ted added points" for classroom games and wearing club shirts.  The one thing the children learned...you never know what Mr. Ted has up his sleeve!  All children were honored.  Eleven children received special awards for giving extra time and effort to earn points.  Parents, our children will rise to any expectation we put in front of them!  What kind of expectations do you have for and of your children?  They love to be challenged!  They want to learn and know about many things.  They love competition.  They play hard. 

This year in Kid's Club, many of us, as adults, were put to shame by the effort that these children put into memorizing God's Word!  We are to be hiding God's Word in our heart.  It is not an option for God's people...young or old!

So...how high are your expections for your children? 

For yourself?

Do they match God's expectations?

We will be rewarded accordingly! 

It doesn't matter if you agree with it or not.  God tells it is so!

Revelation 20 and 21

Revelation 22:11-19

May I introduce you to...

"Huh!?!"

That is how our big, little love has been answering me...us...lately. 

I think I have caught on...finally.  It is her alter-ego for this new stage of life we are quickly approaching.

Nice to meet you, Miss Huh! 

Is there anything I can help you with?  I will do my best to make your trip comfortable.  I will laugh with you and cry with you.  I will correct and disciple you.  My name is Mom and I will be your personal attendant during this ride. Dad and I signed up for this special assignment the moment you were conceived.  I promised God  that I would hold you tight, help you, and love you as I rocked you and sang to you that first night in the hospital.  That moment is very vivid to me still..."Precious jewels...His loved and His own..."  God gave us this responsibility and we trust Him for wisdom and direction.  I may not request a seat change at this time.  I will be prepared for moderate turbulence at any time....and I will endure with humor...and hope!  And Dad will be there to catch us when we stumble.

"Please stow any loose, personal articles at this time.  Return your seats to the upright and locked position.  Put on your helmet and secure tightly.  There are no emergency exits available.  Fasten your seatbelt. 

Enjoy your trip!"

Wisdom from our new third grader...

"Accidents happen.  Purpose happens too!" explained Teddy
to us this morning.  He was slightly aggravated because of the "on purpose" action of one of his sisters.
The more I thought about...he couldn't have said it better!
WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART...WILL COME OUT IN YOUR ACTIONS...SOONER OR LATER!
Perhaps there are some verses in Proverbs that need to be revisited here.  Anybody else have to take a trip?
 

Meanwhile...back at the ranch...

work was being created for us! 

Five dead trees needed to come down!

It was a family affair today...and will be for the next few days. 

Two men with chainsaws...

and a helper...

who is learning how to work from his Daddy and Papa!

My top secret mission this morning...

ordering next year's school curriculum...for a fifth grader, a fourth grader, and a third grader!  Our rep said, "Well, you are committed for another year!"  I smiled, "Yes, we are!  Each year we learn a little bit more, tweak a little bit more, and we are beginning to feel like we know what we are doing."

Our school year will come to a close this week.

"Made with our own hands...and Grandma's too!"

This was a Mother's Day gift from my children and mother-in-law.  I love it!  A rug made using tshirts on a hoola-hoop as the frame.  I love it that Grandma looked for a special craft to do with the kids.  I love it that they worked together in secret.  I am not going to put it on the floor though...it is too neat to mess it up with dirty shoes or stinky feet!

What would you do?

"You may have one scoop of puppychow as your dessert," was the instruction from the kitchen sink.  Dad's ears perked up to that "Mom line" and he shifted his gaze toward the table to watch the response. 

One scoop...quick glance to see if Mom was watching...working on another scoop...

"Stop!  Your Mom told you what you could have.  You are done, you may be excused from the table." 

The discipling that took place as a result of this choice was a wonderful lesson for child and adult alike! 

"Oh sweetie, you believed Satan's lie!  He tricked you into believing that one scoop wasn't good enough.  You took two scoops when your Mom told you to take one scoop.  What do you have now?" 

"Nothing.  But, Dad, that spoon wasn't very big." was the response.

   "It could have been a smaller spoon!  This was the biggest spoon we had and Satan used his tricks to make you believe what you had wasn't good enough. That is what will always happen!  Satan got Eve to believe that lie in the garden of Eden too.  He got her to doubt what God had said she could have.  She wasn't content.  She took what she didn't have permission to take...and she ended up with nothing!" continued Dad.  Forgiveness was requested and granted.  Fellowship restored.  

These parents sat back and marveled at such a clear picture of how Satan works in the every day life of our children.  He siezes every opportunity he can to attack.  What our daughter didn't know...was that Daddy was watching.

What we often forget...is that our Heavenly Father is watching...always!