home-ec patience

Lydia's first dream is to own a horse ranch-- second dream is to design fashion dresses. Quite a variety :)

And so begins the sewing lessons... Thank goodness for the new world of the Internet! For sewing-challenged mom's like me, we found this great booklet with a accompanying devotional, called Catch the Sewing Bug. In it are little projects and beginning step-by-step skills~

Not sure when the next lesson will be, but I know someone will be waiting patiently :)

refreshing spa water

After recent visit to a relaxing spa, Mark and I were surprised how yummy simple things can quench your thirst. Served at the spa was this refreshing water with a hint of mint and cucumber~

You can easily make this yourself for a relaxing time-out at home. Simply fill a pretty pitcher with water, add some cucumber slices, lemon slices, and mint leaves~ allow to sit for a few hours, and suddenly water doesn't sound so boring~

Breath deep and relax!

finally

Summer-time fun continues.

The only reason Jacob wants to grow up is so 'he can ride the wittle quad' like his brother.

All too soon, his wish is granted.

Even if Daddy set it so he could only go a few mph-- little steps are huge in a tiny guy's eyes :)

almost...

OK Mom and Tony-- (and Lauri, too) these are for you---

Updated house pictures. It's coming along. We've now concluded this really is an Extreme Home Makeover-- in SS..LLL..OOO...WWW motion. Like 3 years slow :)

We are building shutters-- wood is painted and ready to be put together--

the bottom half of the house is ready for stone to be added.

Notice how Mark's hole in the upper window really stands out, adding some extra character?? :)

I'll keep ya posted...

strawberry days

How is our summer being spent? Along with many other activities, enjoying the yummy fruit of the season~

Thanks grandma for the yummy goodies~ and for the jelly that Lydia informs me about- "Mom, you'll never be able to make that. Grandma's is the best in the world!" She has a point :) What were the boys doing while the ladies were in the kitchen?

Boys will be boys :)

on the prairie

These picts remind me of Little House on the Prairie Days :)

It's because of them...

we can celebrate today. Thank you!

best friends

The Big 1-0 !

I can't believe it-- our baby boy turned 10 yesterday! For all the mothers out there who can't see beyond sleepless baby nights and dirty diapers-- time really DOES FLY! Enjoy every minute!

Yes-- that's a handy dandy new pocket knife- sometimes a mom just has to look the other way. And say a prayer. Or two. What's that on the plate? A birthday breakfast french toast dinosaur-- created by big bad Dad! The red stuff is the little dinosaur he's eating. Yum. ;)

Happy Birthday Elisha!