Sunday Morning

My Birthday Party

We had my birthday party on Friday night. The girls didn't get back until Thursday, so we wanted to wait until they were home. It was a very nice, very noisy party!

Sam gave me a singing card. Not sure who liked it more, me or him!

Angela made me two beautiful and delicious cakes! One of my favorite cakes is red velvet, which she had never heard of. She went online, got a recipe and made one of the best red velvet cakes I've ever had!! I received many nice presents, some money (always nice) and a new laptop from my hubby. Zack and David, with Paul's help, converted half of the basement room into a sewing room for me! I have always wanted a place to sew where I was able to leave all my stuff out. Well, now I have it!! The girls and I are so excited to get started. I didn't take any pics yet, but I will. They did a terrific job on the room.

The party after the party! My mom had got some balloons and blowers and the kids loved them, as did Paul and my Dad.

He finally got the hang of it.

The Trash Man

Ben the Tool Man

Reflections on my 43rd Year

• God is good, all the time. I can trust in His goodness, even when I don't understand His plan.
• My children are growing up way too fast.
• My husband is the greatest gift I have ever received. I always wondered, when I was growing up, if I would marry. I really had my doubts, but thank God, I was wrong! Paul has been my anchor, my biggest fan and my safe place.
• I enjoy being a "housewife". I grew up in a time when that word was almost a derogatory word, something to be ashamed of. But it is not! I enjoy taking care of my family, making meals and keeping a clean house. (or at least trying to!)
• I always wanted 6 children and God has given me the desire of my heart. I now almost wish I had wanted more...
• It's amazing how relevant the Bible is to 2009.
• Facebook has reconnected me with so many in my past. It has been a joy to get back in touch with "old" friends.
• God has placed several ladies in my life that I am so happy to call friend. There are three ladies in particular that I feel especially close to and feel I am able to talk to about anything.

"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy." Saint Francis of Assissi

May this be my prayer for this new year in my life.

Independence Day Picnic

and a good time was had by all.

Thursday

It has felt like Friday all day. I'm not sure why I'm off a day this week, but I am. We had a semi-busy day around here today. Paul Jr and Zack were off cutting lawns and doing other various odd jobs for people. Zack actually swam under someone's dock helping them fix a pump and Paul had a job feeding horses. I told you they were odd jobs! The little boys and I helped Paul out at the church as he started getting ready for Jr. Camp. Well, I helped a little and the boys helped even less.

Ben and I then came home so he could nap. He has transitioned to one nap a day. Sigh. I don't like when they do that. But, I figured he would at least sleep extra long since he no longer takes a morning nap. Wrong. He slept less than 2 hours. Sigh again. Not much time to get anything done. He sure doesn't sleep like Sam. Why just yesterday, Sam laid down around 2 and I woke him up around 7. Yes, 7. He napped for 5 hours!! He will normally nap at least 3 hours and be ready to go back to bed at a decent time. I, of course, expected Ben to be a sleeper like Sam, but he's not and probably never will be.

The girls sweet talked Grandpa into letting them stay an extra 4 days in Kansas. So they won't be home until Thursday. I'm ready to see them again- it's been a long time. But I know they have enjoyed every minute of it. 3 days after they get back, they leave for a week of jr. camp. They have hardly been at home at all this summer. I think they knew I was planning summer school this year....

I can't believe we're already into the month of July. You know what that means? My birthday. 43. It sure doesn't seem possible! Half of my kids won't be here to celebrate with me. Paul jr. is going to the Summit for two weeks and he leaves on my birthday. I'm sure they will make it up to me. (HINT, HINT)

Good Night.