November 24, 2009

I had another leisurely cleaning day, while Dave and Eli ran errands and went hunting. I couldn't believe it when the boys came in with a deer. I thought the chances of that were slim to none. (Eli can't sit still and he's not exactly the most quiet of children.)

While the boys were picking up some last minute groceries in town, Dave's folks arrived.


His mom had made these cute little aprons for the kids, since the kids like to "help" grandma make biscuits.

And Eli pestered grandpa to death!

The day ended with a beautiful sunset, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, and lots of good conversation.

I stayed up late, catching up on emails and photos, and enjoyed that little bit of peace after the kids went to bed.

November 23, 2009

I spent a crazy morning bouncing around from one household task to another. The house is really a mess and Dave's folks will be here . . . TOMORROW.

I'm glad Dave kept the small one occupied today, so I could do some leisurely cleaning. I've decided no matter how messy the house is, I'm not going to let it bother me. I want this holiday season to be more "real life" , "in the moment". So instead of killing myself with my usual lofty expectations of a spotless home, and a smoothly orchestrated dinner . . . I'm letting it go. Here's to enjoying each and every moment!

*And I WILL be taking more pictures this year, instead of doing ALL the work and clean-up. I believe I've earned the right to delegate this time around.

November 22, 2009

Today was a busy Sunday . . . along with my regular teaching of the kid's Sunday School class, I was asked to do a "Call to Worship" directly before the church service began. I chose Psalm 63. I was terribly nervous getting up in front of everyone, and I hope I didn't butcher it too badly.


Right after church we had a Deacon's meeting, and then a fellowship meal. Busy, busy, busy. We all got home around 2:00.




Later in the evening, Dave and the kids made pasta. I think Bayleigh has a new "fun" thing to do with daddy. I'm glad he's getting to spend a little more time with the kids this week. Next week it will be back to the regular work schedule, but I think he only has a few more days of clinicals left, and this semester will be over with soon. One more to go! I think we'll make it.

November 21, 2009

Last day of the basketball tournament. In this photo, my little girl had just made her first goal of the tournament.


And she was like a bloodhound after that basketball. Where the ball was, SHE was.




I'm so proud of my little basketball player.

After we got home, I did some more cleaning up . . . and mom showed up around 2:00 p.m. with all these goodies she'd picked up at a garage sale. A tote full of stamps, a big rolley organizer on wheels and a little pink three drawer storage container. All under $10. Thanks mom. You're the best!

It's been cloudy and overcast for a few days and I was really needing some sunshine. The good Lord granted my wish, and I had about 15 minutes of wonderful sunshine, before it dipped down off the horizon. The weather is getting cooler, but the garden is still blooming . . .

and producing.

I was so thankful for this little glimpse of sunshine. Sometimes it's the best cure for the blahs.

November 20, 2009

My little girl's first basketball game was this evening. She was literally on the edge of her seat with excitement.


I wasn't really sure what I expected to see out of her . . .



but she truly surprised me with her hustle, grit and determination.

I mean . . . what happened to my easy going, mild mannered, quiet kid?

She wasn't in attendance tonight! Wherever that ball was, she was all over it like a hobo on a ham sandwich. I hadn't realized it until tonight . . . but I do believe she's got a little bit of her momma's determination and stubbornness. I couldn't be more proud.

November 19, 2009

Oh my goodness! Could it possibly be?! Oh yeah . . . sunshine breaking through the fog. It's amazing what a little sun can do for a girl's mood.




And just when I thought it couldn't get any better . . . I received a package in the mail. Claudia takes some AWESOME photographs, and now I have an 8x12 to hang on the wall of my retreat. Life is SWEET! (You can find Claudia's blog, by clicking on Eternal Rewards over to your right.)




It was recently brought to my attention that I hadn't posted any new profile pictures in quite some time and as I was looking through my photos to rectify that, I noticed that I hadn't taken any self portraits since March.


I'd MUCH rather be behind the camera than in front of it. I'm not one of those people who ever take a "good" picture. Hence the reason I don't have any new pictures to post of myself.




And now that I'm on the back side of thirty, I can find even more reasons to stick BEHIND my camera, instead of jumping in front of it.



So . . . for those of you who wished for new photos. Here they are. I think I'm kind of partial to this last one. Soaking up the warmth of the sun . . . a bit over exposed, and enjoying God's beautiful gift of sunlight. The real deal . . . no make-up, mussed, wrinkled and at peace with myself.

November 18, 2009

Dave had clinicals today, so I was on my own. In an effort to focus on "giving" this holiday season, I sent Bayleigh off to school with some canned goods for their school food drive.



Then Eli and I rushed around to get ready for his three year check up at the pediatricians. I decided to stop by the school and pick Bayleigh up, since she needed a check up too . . . so I took off in the rainy weather for a day of running.




The kids managed to embarrass the crud out of me at the pediatrician's office, and I had to have broken the land speed record, racing through Wal-Mart picking up groceries. I didn't want to risk getting arrested for my children's bad behavior. After we made it out of the grocery store, and headed back home, I decided to stop and take a few photos . . . even if it WAS raining. (Sometimes a mom just needs a moment or two to get her wits back.)



I thought this cornfield looked inviting . . .



and I liked the character shown in this gate latch. I'm beginning to think I might not mind being locked up for a while myself.