A NIGHT OUT!..

Yesterday Cory and I got to go out for the evening...without kids! We had been invited to a wedding and enjoyed ourselves immensely! He had just gotten back from the University the night before...so it was such a delight to be together for such an extended period of time. The reception did not start right after the wedding, so we had a couple of hours to kill, and it was just so very nice...Thanks to my inlaws for taking care of 5 littles for us while we enjoy ourselves!

GONE...

I am missing my husband...who has left me for the week. He is fulfilling his obligations at Liberty University. Every year he has to take what is called an "intensive class" . Normally classes are about 8 weeks long...but during the intensive it is an 8 week class shoved into one week...classes are 8-4:30 every day...with lots of work to do after class for the next day. He is feeling tired despite having no "little distractions" to deal with this week. I am proud of him and thankful that he is willing to pour himself out so selflessly.


Meanwhile....I am feeling tired, but am thankful that Thurs I will get a little break compliments of Corys Mom and Dad! I am also thankful that Isaac has really stepped up and started doing tasks that Cory would normally take care of...and without being asked! Just noticing that the trash needed taking out...and doing it! We talk a lot about showing initiative, and it feels like it is paying off! I was telling Cory just this morning how much I missed him, his company...my best friend. I also was telling him that I didnt enjoy being a single parent much, that life is so much easier when you are working alongside the person God designed you to be with...


Despite him being gone...we will continue to have a good time and work together to accomplish lifes daily tasks...And if anyone is interested in joining us..we are free on Friday...Come play with us!

GROWING UP.... QUICKLY.

This is Gayles new look. Her hair was really quite long, and now it is really quite short. I like it. So does she.

Esther got a perm. She needed a look that could be sporty and dressy depending on what was going on. She likes it a lot...and so do I!

Our little garden....growing quickly...lettuces, royal burgandy beans, watermelon, pumpkins, tomatoes, basil..we used to have sugar snap peas...Esther weeded the garden and now we dont...hehe. My peppers did horrible...Mom said to use Epsom salt...I never did, because the pumpkins grew over top of them......My tomatoes are not large plants, but plenty of flowers are appearing...that is what matters :-)

A NEW LOOK...

Yesterday I took the girls to get their hair done at the salon. This was a huge treat for them and me! I love girly stuff, and love my girls...so this was a delight! Scroll below to see the before pics of the girls....and soon I will post the after shots...I think they look so cute :-)

Also...I was behind on some posting....so Ive included some other things including our 4th of July/Happy Birthday to Mom celebration pics. I hope your 4th was as nice as ours. We slept in a tent for the 1st time as a family....it was not quite like I envisioned it. I was not prepared for the middle of the night soon to be 2 yr old standing up and singing Elmos World to all who would listen...over and over again. Not a whole lot of sleeping...but it *was* good practice for preparing them for camping...and me too :-( (Didnt I just say I was a girly girl?... perhaps I could at least get a small air mattress...?)

BEFORE.....

Gayle...Wow...her hair is really long. Prepare for the new do!

Esther....her hair is getting quite long too...no more cutting her own hair...she learned her lesson I think. Prepare for her new do!

4TH OF JULY HOOPLAH....

Asher...growing so big....so fast!

Gayle....just having fun!

FAMILY SHOTS....

BOATING FUN!.....

Off for a canoe ride....

....or a paddle boat ride perhaps?

THE LAST OF THE FUN....

Pre fireworks for kiddos....compliments of Uncle Cliff!

A sleepy Asher...and Mama.

Beautiful Esther!

5th GRADE GRADUATION....

Well...I would have had these up sooner had some child not blessed my keyboard with some of their beverage :-( Anyhow... this was Isaacs big day...5th grade graduation.

We are very proud of our boy...Well done Isaac!

ESTHER PLAYING ONE OF HER RECITAL SONGS...

Is it wrong to be jealous of an 8 year old? I think if I had the chance to "do anything" that I wanted...it would be take piano lessons. I have always wanted them...and maybe someday will have them. Esther said she is willing to teach me... For now...I am happy that Esther is able to learn this art. I am very proud of her for working so diligently. Again...I asked her on the way to the recital if she was nervous...she looked at me strange and replied "no"...as if I might have been crazy or something. She was totally at ease...and took it all in stride. She has to get that part from her Dad...I would have been shaking and my fingers would have locked up...it would have been a disaster! I look forward to when she plays harder pieces. Do you ever read books where sometimes after the characters eat supper they retire to the music room and listen to someone play the piano? Why don't we do that anymore? I love to just sit and listen to her play. I told her my goal is that someday she will have to play me the Canon in D....I simply love that piece! I think that is fair...I pay for lessons...she plays me the songs I like....hehehe. Isaac does not take lessons anymore. He did not practice as much as we would like...therefore...we don't want to waste our money on something that is not valued. He must value it some though...sometimes he gets his music out and plays it...which makes me happy. Gayle is next on the schedule. She starts lessons in the Fall. 2nd grade is when our teacher likes to start the kids, so that they have a good handle on reading. I honestly don't have any idea how Gayle will do...she likes music, and spends time on things that are important to her...we shall see how it goes.

PIANO RECITAL....ESTHER

I am amazed at how far she has come in 2 years. She is doing such a good job, and I am so proud of her!

The best is that she truly loves playing...that makes a big difference I think.

Mrs. Fabrizi....and Esther. Teacher and Student....both proud.

Well done Esther!

CARNIVAL DAY....AT PRESCHOOL!

No carnival is complete without cotton candy!

...or perhaps a big pool filled with foam...

....or a water gun to shoot balloons...

CARNIVAL DAY CONT'D....

these had to be his favorite.....GOATS!

Asher plays Plinko....

....Slushees are a good treat...

This is a bass on his face...