Project 365-Week 30

Another week gone by already? I love that I have a moment from each day so far this year, because it is going by so quickly, this brain would never remember everything! Here's a look at the week.

Sunday

Today would have been my dad's 82nd birthday. He passed away almost 10 years ago. For some reason today this hit me like a ton of bricks. I got super emotional and had to leave and go here....



I haven't been to his grave site since he died. I just never felt I needed to go, because it's a stone and my memories are what matter. Today I needed to go. I miss him very much and I miss that he didn't get to know his grandchildren. Nothing like a good cry and some praying to make you feel better.

Monday

Today I took the girls on some errands. Ella needed a bang trim, so first stop was the salon. My stylist puts something very special in the girls hair whenever they are there.



Can you see all of the glitter? Oh my...they LOVE it! Let me just say it takes several washings to get it out, which I think they love even more.

While we were driving from place to place we were playing the cloud game. The sky was perfect for it today.



Tuesday

Kyla has taken a huge step over the past week or so. She can now swing all by herself! She is so very proud and we are impressed because she's 3 1/2. I finally caught a picture of her doing it. I wish you could see her face, but I like that this shows no one is pushing her.



Wednesday

A while ago the girls planted some morning glories along the fence. While they have been excited to watch it come up there had been no blooms....until now!



Everyday there have been a few more. I have noticed that then they disappear. Do these flowers bloom and then fall off or is something eating our flowers?

Thursday

Here is another huge bloom on the "mystery plant" in the front yard.



I still have no idea what it is or how it got there, but it hasn't died yet.

Friday

Today I took Ethan out on a date. We went to lunch, to get school shoes, etc. (I did this with Bryce earlier this week) Ethan wanted root beer and they only had it in the bottle. I told him he could get it this one time, but that there wouldn't be any refills.



He was very happy. And then after a few drinks....



He wiped his mouth, with the back of his hand mind you and said, "I feel like a man." Seriously? Why? Where does this boy come up with this stuff? :)

Saturday

Today was Kevin's birthday. We celebrated with a yummy breakfast, a lazy day and then to Mom and Dad's for dinner. He requested her homemade meatballs and his standard cake, cherry chip.



Happy birthday!

After cake we taught the kids how to play dominoes. We thought it would be something we could all do together. It was interesting with so many playing, but we had fun!



Always fun to see what the pattern will look like too!

I hope you have had a super week and that you enjoy your last week of July!!!

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Today is Kevin's birthday! In honor of a great husband and father, here is a little tribute.....

Happy Birthday to you....



you live in a zoo.......



I could go on, but I'll stop. You are a wonderful man and we are all so thankful that God chose us to journey with you! Happy birthday Kevin! You are so very loved today and everyday!

Project 365-Week 29

This week went by so fast. We were busy doing projects, going places, and we were short two kids for most of it. Here is a look at how we passed the time.

Sunday

This afternoon, I worked on weeding. We live in the house that I grew up in, and while we love our home, there is much work that needs to be done in updating and maintenance. Weeding and ripping things out was one of those tasks.



This was all from the South end of our house. Pulled out irises that had spread everywhere, weeds, pricker bushes, etc. Then later this week Kevin removed that bush.

Then this evening we decided to try and play Settlers of Catan. Probably not the best idea since it was late, the boys were leaving in the morning and then there are the rules. We didn't even make it past the set up, but I was productive with my pieces!



Monday

This morning Grammie and Grandpa showed up around 8:30 to pick up the boys. They were taking them to the Wisconsin Dells all week!



Right before they got in the car.



Heading out. See you Friday!

Then this afternoon I got to meet with a special group of ladies for lunch. We were all meeting to visit with Sara, who was here visiting in Indiana. For those of you who participate in Project 365, you may recognize a couple of faces here.



Tuesday

Today I took Reese over to Lori's house to meet her dog Casey. We have wanted to get them together for a while. The meeting went ok, but let's just say that Reese is a 9 month old, hyper puppy and Casey, well he's not. Casey was very tolerant but just didn't want to play. You know, kind of like making a kindergartner play with a 3rd grader, they just don't have much use for each other! :)



We will try again in the future.

Wednesday

Today was a very fun day! Kevin and I took the girls to Brookfield Zoo. We figured since the boys were doing something special, the girls needed to also!

We saw a kangaroo with a HUGE pouch!



A very interesting giraffe.



(You actually looked through this giraffe to see the real ones. Then you walked around to see them up close)

Marveled at the size of the polar bear.



Wathced the bears swim right in front of us. This was one of the highlights for all of us!



The grizzly.



The polar bear. Notice the polar bear's head. Then look for it's body under the water. It looks like they are not attached! The way the sun was shining and the reflection of the water made it look like he was decapitated. Kevin and I got a huge kick out of this.

A papa caring for his young.



And so much more! After we left we grabbed a bite to eat and then headed home. Within 15 minutes this is what I saw.



I would say it was a great day!

Thursday

Do you remember when malls used to have Glamour Shots? The studios where they gave you a big makeover, dressed you up and then did a little photo shoot? I never had it done, but was given the opportunity today.

Here was the makeup kit.



After they used that, did my hair and accessorized me, I had a picture taken. Here is the result.



I don't know that it would be a good everyday look. Kind of reminds me of "Mimi" from "The Drew Carey Show". Oh well, it was free and I was honored to have two young aspiring makeup artists chose me!

Friday

While we are on the subject of makeup, the girls wanted to do their own for play today. I got everything out and then had to go to an appointment. Kevin was home with them, what could go wrong?



I'm not sure who got the worse end of the deal, me yesterday or them today. At least they are consistent!

The boys arrived home safely and talking a mile a minute about everything they did and all the fun they had!! The noise level in our home has returned to a much higher decibel level!





Just a couple of the many things they did while gone!

Saturday

When I was in middle school, while waiting in the lunch line,my friends and I would play poker with our lunch money. We would look at the serial numbers and see who had pairs, full houses, flush, etc. (we didn't actually do this for money, but to pass the time) Well, my small brain still does this when waiting in lines, etc. Today I had three one dollar bills and was looking at "my hand". Do you see what I saw?



The serial numbers are consecutive. I was amazed! (I know, I need to get out more.) I had to take a picture to show Kevin, and subsequently, you. So sorry!

I hope you have had a great week, perhaps had a makeover with better results or even won at a game of poker!

Project 365-Week 28

Why is is that summer days and weeks all just blend together? Here we are halfway through summer (as my 10 year old keeps reminding me). School supplies are already out in the stores, crazy! We had a fun week...here's a peek.

Sunday

4th of July! We had Mom & Dad come over to cookout, campfire style. We made these.



We call them "pudgy pies". I have made these since I was a young girl at Girl Scout camp.



Here's a pizza one being put together.



Ella is making a lemon pie here.

Monday

Do your kids get a kick out of flatulence? Oh, mine do! This stuff is something that brings Kyla much joy.



Noise Putty! It's slimy and when you push your fingers in it, well, it makes "that" noise.



She got to giggling so much, it was contagious!

Tuesday

Today we went bowling. We have a local alley that does a "Kids Bowl Free" program during the summer and some gracious friends got a pass for Kevin and I to bowl too. This is how Ella dressed to go.



Since socks are required for bowling, and we all know how she LOVES socks (NOT!), I didn't care what she had on!

After bowling we went to visit Kevin's grandma. She is turning 90 next week and is one of the most gracious, energetic and fun ladies! Here are the kids with Great Grandma Miller.



Wednesday

Today Ella had A spend the night. We decided to head to the pool after dinner to wear everyone out! We also had our friends the Lyons meet us there.



The girls!



Ethan in action!

Thursday

This came today...



I hope it lives up to all the hype Sara has given it! I just want to draw your attention to the rule book, with Almanac. Are you serious? This game might be too much for me!

Friday

We have a mystery plant growing in the front yard.



We discovered it with a huge bloom. It now has some more. Could it be pumpkin? Ethan said he threw some pumpkin seeds out there last year, but not sure. What a fun surprise!

Saturday

I went and picked Bryce up from a sleep over and we were going to run to Meijer to grab a few things. When we walked in there was a sign about Dan LeFevour being there from 2:00-3:00 for an autograph session. For those of you who don't know who he is, Dan LeFevour was the Chicago Bears quarterback pick. Bryce is a HUGE Bears fan! He begged me to stay. I called home and let Kevin know and we waited almost 2 hours, second in line, for this.



The coveted autograph on the hat, and then....



Oh. My. Stars! I had the happiest boy ever!! Here's hoping Dan LeFevour has a great career with the Chicago Bears!

Hope you have had a great week too!!

Project 365-Week 27

Happy 4th of July!! I hope that you are able to find some time to relax, have fun and celebrate your freedom!
We had a good week...here's a look.

Sunday

Small group tonight. I love our small group! Tonight the kids were doing things that I found picture worthy.



Cupcakes with blue icing were an invitation for A to put it all over his face! What better way to enjoy a cupcake?! And then this treat was found....



This is Reese's water bowl. S thought he would make a special treat for him. One tennis ball, kibble and lots of rocks. YUM!

Monday

Today Ethan had his playoff game for Coach Pitch. Unfortunately his team lost, so his season is over now. Here is Ethan and his buddy M, with their medals.



Everyone is done with ball now, so we say goodbye to Gatorade, concession stands and funky ball park tans.



The shoes are comfy, but they leave a funny tan line!

Tuesday

Today the girls helped me make cinnamon rolls. We gave many pans away! Then tonight we had a campfire. Guess what we made....



Daddy helping them get it "just right"!



This is the way they like them.









(Notice Reese trying to "see" Kyla's!)

This is the way I like my S'more.



The blacker, the better!! I actually took this back to the fire and burnt it more. I have done this ever since I was a young girl. Not sure why, but I love it!!

After all the work at the fire Daddy was worn out. Luckily some lovely maidens came to his rescue.



Wednesday

I am not a green thumb at all. A friend asked if I wanted some tomato plants, so I said sure. Thought it would be fun for the kids. She also gave me a couple of "mystery" plants. It is blooming, but I have no idea what it is. Maybe cucumber or zucchini? Does anyone know?



Thursday

Started a new Bible study this morning.



I did this one a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. We are also going through Psalms on Sunday mornings, so this will be perfect!

Friday

Took the dog on a car ride today. He is doing better with it, but still gets way too excited!



He's watching for the boys to come get in.

When we were at home, I found this in his crate.



We were playing hide and seek. Good hiding Kyla!!

Saturday

Spent the day cleaning today. Reese still can't stand the vacuum. He grabbed it many times and tried to tug it and his barking goes to a really high pitch when it comes out.



Kevin was changing the bag for me when I shot this. Crazy puppy!

Have a super week!!