The key...

After 20+ years of taking photos with my kiddo's -

I finally found what worked to get a photo

of everyone looking at the camera!!! 

I promised them a trip to the neighborhood pool,

if everyone smiled nicely!!!

And it worked!! 

Can't wait for our newest family member to be in the photo!!

Incredibly blessed am I!!!

Momma's morning pampering

Jailyn decided to pamper momma this morning!

Am I the luckiest mom e.v.e.r.

or what? 

Mom's Night Out!

A much needed Mom's Night Out 

was just what the Dr. ordered! 

An evening with my good friend,

a glass of wine,

and a paint brush at 

Painting with a Twist! 

What great therapy!

I did N.O.T!

I did NOT sit in the waiting room
for 20 minutes with one child,

(while the rest of my kids were in school)

waiting for his name to be called -

only to have the nurse call out brothers name.
(the brother who was at school.)

*****

I did NOT get one child out of school early to
go to an orthodontist appointment,

only to find out when we arrived that 

we were 24 hours late.

*****

I did NOT serve my children popcorn
 for dinner the other night,

just because I was too lazy to bring them all inside
 from the beautiful weather and fun,
non-argumentative time we were having outside!

*****

I did NOT serve dessert first -
just to keep the littles settled at the table while I
finished making dinner.



'cause you see -
I have IT all together!

One day at a time

Sometimes it's one moment at a time.

There are times that I feel like I am soaring high above

the congestion.

And sometimes I feel like I'm in the middle of 

the congestion.

And there are times when I feel 

like I've run off the road 

and just want to sit there for a bit.

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint.

Sunday snapshot: Lost Bet!

This summer, for 8 weeks,

Brady is  serving at a Christian camp in Colorado,

this last week he was on Program Staff.

And to encourage and challenge 

the campers,

~

he made a bet with them.

And guess what?

 Brady lost!

Each week the campers are challenged to 

memorize Bible verses

and participate in positive events 

during the week,

and in turn they earn patches.

This week there were 68 campers

 Brady challenged them -

"If 55 campers earned patches he would get a mohawk"

And now they have God's word memorized

 in their hearts!

And my son 

has the campers names written on his head!

(in Sharpie!)

This week Brady will be counseling Grade School boys,

praying that he doesn't scare them!

Ohhh that's funny!

There are times when things happen 

at the most inopportune time.

This would be one of those times...

and sometimes one just has to laugh!!

Of course, I wasn't laughing too much before 

I got the cast and I was wondering how I would pack for Ethiopia 

when I couldn't even fold the laundry.

Amazing that I wanted so badly to be able to fold laundry!

Note to self:

when at a 17 year old boys soccer game,

and the ball come towards the parents

R.U.N.

 don't try to stop the ball.

Cause these boys kick hard!

One of those days...

Ever have one of those days?

Weeks?

I'm having it now.

Just trying to stay a float.

Can't wait to finish up this

school year,

and enjoy the summer,

and start a new

in the Fall. 

But, today,

I just want to go back to bed.

But, 

I can't.

Sorry, I usually try to be positive here,

but some times

I just gotta be me.

Every ugly part!

Hope you are having a great day!

Queen Mother!

I truly felt like a queen today!
My hubby and kids spoiled me.

After a long weekend working on our garage sale

they let me sleep in a bit!

And let me take a nap after church 

as they did chores and fixed 

brunch!

Yummy!

They presented me with

homemade cards...

that made me cry!

(I love those kinds of cards!)

And now have allowed me to go back

to rest my tired self again! 

As I listen to all of them playing

in the little girls room! 

I love that sound! 

And then off to Kenzie's soccer game,
and dinner with my favorite people!

I feel like a very special mommy today!
and can you believe it-
I am so exhausted I forgot to take
any photos!

I loved my day!

"Please, take your time."

Last week, I was in a Dr.'s office.

All by myself!

I was even left in the room,

on the examination table,

in my gown,

with a blanket...

it was quiet.

so

beautiful!

When the technician left I suggested that she 

take her time - 

that I may just fall asleep.

She giggled,
and left.


Only to return within a few minutes...

Really?

The one time I get immediate service!

Why couldn't they have given me the 

15 - 20 minute cat nap?


ohhhh 

a nap sounded good! 

One down...

and it's not good when Mom

is the one down.

With Jailyn's surgery and recovery

I forgot to go in 

to get my B-12 shot last week...

and now I am paying for it. 

But, I am so thankful 

to my helpful family!

Each in their own way finds a way to

help mom...

Brady - makes sure I have quiet.

Kenzie - cleaned her room and encourages

the others to do their chores.

Conner - holds me and plays with my hair

until I fall asleep.

Jorja - takes over for Conner - 

but I end up with pony tails all over my head.

Jailyn - makes sure I have enough to drink.

Bryan - empties the dishwasher 

and makes sure the kids are fed! 

Thanks guys!!