Our Special Visitors

One of our camping days was very special. We were all in the campsite at the same time, which was a rarity because the kids were given bikes to ride from the owner and were enjoying their new found freedom.

Out of nowhere these to beautiful butterflies appeared. And stayed! And dare I say, they played with us. They landed on all of us tickling us and fluttering around us. Flying circles around our heads and landing ever so gently on our out stretched hands.

I've never seen butterflies behave this way. I mean I'm no expert bit I've been around when butterflies have been released and they hang around for a few minutes, but then they're gone. Even at butterfly farms they are not this eager to stay so close.

They even landed on the baby's playpen, which made me a little nervous. I could see the curiosity in her eyes and she doesn't have a gentle touch. But they seemed to know that and stayed a safe distance away.



Olivia's hand







Andrew





After it was apparent they were in no rush to leave, Peter and I got a strange feeling. Could these sweet gentle creatures be a visit from to loves that we are missing. We decided to believe that Carly and Kristen did indeed come for a visit.




It was an incredible experience and one we will hold in our hearts. Two gentle butterflies who came to play. I can use no other words to describe their behavior. They were playful. They were flying around us like two children. Never too far from each other.

I'm not saying anyone has to agree with the way we feel. I just wanted to share this. I can't put into words the feeling that accompanied these two butterflies, but it was out of the ordinary. And very special.

22 On The Twenty Second, And A Thanful Sunday

Miss Em is 22 months old, and I am Thankful for every single wonderful second.


She was covered in chocolate. This job was way to big for a wipe!

I'm Thankful to be able to wish my nephew Andrew a very happy birthday( yesterday), but we always run a little late around here. Love you Andrew!!!


I'm Thankful we were able to get away this summer and enjoy such a beautiful vacation.

Thankful that God has been by our side these past few years. I've mentioned a few times that our finances were in a state of ...well, disaster. They still are but , there is light at the end of this very long tunnel we have been in and God has graciously let us see that.

Thankful my Morning Glories are beginning to bloom, FINALLY! They say you should talk to your plants, so I threatened to set them on fire if they didn't do something.

Thankful my summer doesn't have to end when the kids go back to school. Emmie and I can still enjoy a warm, beautiful September.

And Thankful it's almost apple picking time!!! PIES!!

Happy Sunday!

A Post Inspired By A Dear Friend

I just got home from having dinner with one of my oldest and dearest friends. We met when we were just a couple of single chicks, with our whole lives ahead of us.

We worked together and hung out together, shared secrets and had more laughs than I could possibly count.

Well we're not such young chicks anymore and we are married and raising our families. Life has gotten busy and we see each other about once a year. That we have got to change.

Anyway, while at dinner tonight I was asked a question by my friend. She asked how I handle it all. How do I manage with all the kids and Miss Em and her needs. She said everything looks so put together on the blog.

HMMMMM, well ,it's not all put together, that was my answer. Things are crazy and disorganized.

The one thing I didn't want my blog to be was something I'm not. I wanted to keep it real.

Everyday is not a picnic, my kids are not like the kids in the Sound of Music. I tried ... trust me.

The kids fight like there's no tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes and they get to continue! LOL
I'm not singing through the house as I dust with a feather duster. Some days I need a bulldozer to clear a path.

At any given moment you can find someone crying about something, someone arguing about something. If you don't watch where you're walking something will grab you. Most likely a train. There are baby dolls and stuffed bears everywhere.

My need for a clean organized house is becoming something I am giving up on.

Cereal has been served for supper.

Andrew thinks I'm mean. Actually the meanest mother ever..

And my stress level has caused strange heart palpitations.

BUT

I didn't nickname our family Ringling Brothers for nothing!

It is a circus at times. Some days I just want to sit and have a good cry. Sometimes it helps.

BUT

Most days are good. When I see Em do something new. Or the kids just get along. When we laugh so hard we cry. When I look at them sleeping. When my oldest still kisses me goodnight. When Bella tells me I'm pretty.

It's all worth it.

The good the bad and the ugly all makes up my family, which is beautiful because they're mine.

SO

All those happy smiling faces that I post are truly that, just not everyday...

Except Miss Em, she pretty much is that happy every day. We could all take a few pointers from her. Myself included.

Camping Pictures!

Just arrived and setting up.

Ready to go swimming! What a pose.

Always ready to laugh.

Brushing teeth.

A dip in the pool.

Time for a snack!

Whale's Tale Waterpark! That's Bella and Olivia.

Em being very cautious, and Sophia in the back getting soaked by falling water. The design here is a pirate ship and every few minutes a huge bucket of water falls.

Grilling some ribs.
Night life.

We stayed at the Goose Hollow camp sight. I recommend it to anyone in the area. It was the most beautiful site we have ever been to. The owner was fabulous and the place is spotless! And get this, we barely used any bug spray. I thought it was because they had the site sprayed but, no! It's because they have a large amount of frogs and bats, who clean up all the mosquito's! No chemicals needed.

And we never saw a bat, if you were wondering.

It was a wonderful trip. and we are already counting the days until we can go back.

And I'm glad to report the trip started and ended without any turbulence. No mishaps. Well, just one. Our computer died. The motherboard and hard drive. Peter was busy driving around trying to fix things before we left. The owner knew someone who fixed computers, but there was no hope for ours. We were forced to buy a new one. most of the stuff on our hard drive was able to be saved. Thank God!! All my pictures and videos are there. But other than that it was clear sailing!

Whew!!!

We're back in town! It was a great trip. Will post more later.

Read all your comments about the pie! Too funny! And , YES! You bet I made the pie! I wasn't leaving without it!

Missed you all! Time to catch up.

Thankful Sunday

Well, we're off. We have somehow packed the house into the back of the Suburban! LOL! Now where to put the kids, hehe. So much effort. We still have to clean up the house because I refuse to come home to a disaster.

So, with Ringling Brothers hitting the road today(that's what I call or family) I am Thankful for a sunny day.

Thankful that we have the chance to take off for a while.

Thankful for the last batch of blueberries Bella and I picked yesterday. I will be making a pie to take with us for tonight. Yes I intend on making a pie before we leave. It's 7:30 as I type this , church is at 9:30 and we are supposed to leave shortly after that. I'm not leaving without the pie!

Thankful that there was no room in the car to pack any stress, anxiety, worry, or fighting. They will just have to stay behind.

And I am hopeful that we will have good times and clear skies!!

Don't know what the Internet access will be like. Will post and update when I can.

Have a blessed and wonderful Sunday!

A Conversation With A Blueberry... Emmie Style

I don't know what this little blueberry did, but Miss Em sure had something to tell it! Notice she doesn't care about the strawberry just has got it in for that blueberry.

Countdown to Camping... Again

Here we go again. We're dusting off the tent, checking the air mattresses, looking for the right outfits, making lists, and saying some prayers. Why? Because it's camping time!

And if you're wondering about the prayers? Well, we need them that's why we say them. Adventures likes to follow us, as much as I try to ditch them. If you didn't know us last year, here is the heart stopping storm that struck our campsite. I'm really not looking for any excitement this time.


Just a leisurely camping trip. Nothing more.

But I guess with five kids and two adults and one tent you're pretty much asking for it.

Miss Em is a year older and has changed quite a bit from her last camping trip. She's walking now, that should add to the challenge. Keeping her in OUR campsite is already painting an impossible picture in my mind, and the phrase, "where's the baby!" is already screaming in my head... repeatedly.


Of course on the bright side, the White Mountains will be very safe for other campers while we are there. There is guaranteed to be No bear or moose sightings, as they will all be running for THEIR lives at the sound of my children's screeches.. I mean happy, laughing voices!


And there will be stars and crickets and fireflies. Peaceful sunrises and sleepy exhausted children. Yummy cooking, and marshmallows. Scary stories by the fire, and the best, the very best thing... cuddling in the tent.

We're crazy enough to do this every year. We must love it!

* all photos are from last years trip.

Emilia Faith Signing????

This week Miss Em decided that signing may be kind of fun. I even managed to capture her showing off.

Here she is signing book, ball, hat, and if you look closely you'll see Daddy. You can look until your eyes cross and you will not see mama!!! Of course not!! The one who cooks and cleans and feeds, changes, teaches, wipes noses, plays, hugs, and keeps it all together doesn't need a sign!!

I have a slight issue about this, but I know Miss Em won't let me down!!! She's just waiting for the right time to spring it on me. Maybe she'll sign it and say it at the same time! When she does you ALL will know. Meanwhile I am overjoyed with her progress

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I Love My Brother

Andrew passed out early the other night. Still in his swimsuit! Miss Em took the opportunity to sneak in some lovin'. She loves her brother so much.

One Lazy Day

Ask me , did I vacuum yesterday? Did I do laundry, or hang up clothes or clean the bathroom? Did I do any household chores?
NO! No I did not!


Sunday's are supposed to be a day of rest, so that's what we did.

It was a picture perfect day and we just enjoyed the yard and pool. Well I didn't go near the pool, it's freezing!! I just followed the sun around the yard. Just like our old cat, LOL


Miss Em practicing on the boogie board

She said she's ready for the big waves now.

And she's always ready to snuggle.

Thankful Sunday

My brain is not accepting that another week has literally flown by! The calendar is insisting that it's August first! Can't be!!!

So this week I am really thankful that we still have another month of summer vacation! I am reading posts of kids going back to school already!! That's crazy!

Of course I'm thankful for meeting my first bloggy friend, Lori and Miss Anna and the adorable Paige and Charlie.

I am so, so thankful for my new dining room table and chairs! YAY!!! We were starting to look a little silly here. I had thrown out four of our six chairs because I couldn't stand looking at them anymore. They were broken and the seats were ripped from our cat, (whose been dead for three years), so we were down to two. Which meant we brought out the folding chairs... that looked really cute. Well, we finally went out looking for just chairs to add to the table, but couldn't find any. So that's how we ended up with a new set. It was very reasonable and it's not high end by any means. With five kids using it all the time we would be crazy to have anything of extreme value ! LOL And it was delivered while Lori was here, just in time for dessert! Even the delivery men scored some Chocolate Trifle.

Thankful for a relaxing day in the park, yesterday. It's good not to have to watch the clock once in a while.


I love this picture. Chips are so good!


They were playing a game of attack where flip flops were the weapon of choice.

Oh, and I forgot to mention last week. I got some info on the Mad River we are going camping on. It's not Mad at all. I heard from my friend that it's just lovely. Probably just named by someone who was in a bad mood at the time! LOL

And, although Kelly and Landon were sick and couldn't make it on Friday, I'm thankful they are so close that we can still get together.

And I'm thankful for the beautiful rose bush I scored for five bucks!!! Now all I have to do is, NOT kill it!

I am so thankful for the emails of concern that were sent my way! Thanks!!! I was slacking due to great weather and summer laziness!! If some thing were wrong you all would be the first to know!

Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!!

My Special Guests!!

Who is that pretty girl with Emmie? Why it's Miss Anna , from Banana Pants!!! Yes! I have finally met a bloggy friend! Lori and her family were in my neck of the woods and stopped by. We had a great afternoon together. Miss Anna is the most delightful dumpling ever!!! I'm even more in love! She is so gentle and sweet. And what a hugger!!! Unlike Miss Em who made a, how should I put it... not so great first impression. Seems the overwhelming urge to get her little hands into a brand new head of blond hair got the best of her today. Miss Em does have a thing for hair and Anna's locks were just too much for her. She went in with the two fisted grab at least four times. She made Anna CRY!!!! Not nice EMMIE!


But there were moments when Em behaved and they shared a book.

And Peter was so lucky. He scored the first hug from Anna. And a double cuddle.


A little walking with Sophia.

Bella and Paige, having lunch on the deck. Paige is a laugh a minute. What a little firecracker. An absolute delight.Charlie busied himself with Andrew's trains. So sweet.

Andrew was beside himself today. He was so excited to meet Anna.

Anna catching up on some reading.


The moms. Lori is even more beautiful in person.

All the kids!

Thanks for visiting us Lori! Hope you all had a good time. Our small home was bursting at the seams and it was wonderful. Peter commented later that hugs from Anna felt just like hugs from Em. I felt the same way, when Anna wrapped her arms around me.

Our visit wasn't complete. We were missing Kelly and Landon. Both were sick and had to cancel! That was such a huge disappointment. Kelly we really missed you and Landon. We will have to make up for it very soon!!! Feel better!!

Prayers Needed

There is a new Dumpling in Blogland. Her name is Verity, and I am totally smitten with her. She is getting her heart fixed tomorrow. She just couldn't wait any longer.

Please stop by and offer her beautiful family some support and prayers.

Wordless Wednesday

YUMMY!

I'm Thankful!!

It's not Sunday but I'm still Thankful! Our weather has been so great I couldn't pull myself away from my garden. Even now as I type this I am longing to run outside, but the indoor chores are on the list for today. Maybe if I hurry through them I can still go outside and play, (hehe)


This Friday and Saturday our friends Melinda and Rich (Em's Godparents) invited us down to their beach house. It's so beautiful there and all the kids just run wild! Miss Em loves the beach and sitting in the water. And of course all the attention she gets from everyone. I'm so thankful for their generosity.



Thankful for some special guests who are coming on Friday!!! I'm not saying who... you'll just have to wait!

Thankful our house didn't go up in smoke last Friday night! After we got home from the beach, we all went to sleep. Peter fell asleep watching TV. He said he awoke to some big, loud sound, followed by a really strange burning smell. He said he almost went back to sleep thinking he was dreaming, but the smell was too bad to ignore. Well he looked down at the front door and the outlet was all burned and smoking. We really have no idea what happened. Peter thought it might have been lightening but there is really no sign of that.

And I'm thankful that MOST of the troops pitched in on Sunday and helped with some much needed weeding and yard work. And all were rewarded with ice cream at night.

Enjoy the rest of the week!!!

21 Months!

Stretching like a sleepy bear cub.


Twenty- one months went by in the blink of an eye. May your life always be this peaceful...

Kristen's Our Rockstar

Kristen will always be a rockstar! And now she is a healthy, happy , laughing, rockstar in heaven. Singing with the angels.

Thank you Polly for letting us love your daughter so much.

Thank you for letting us share this journey with you.

Thank you for letting us laugh and cry with you.

Rock on K!!!!

Pow Wow

We went to a pow wow over the weekend. Peter and I are slightly obsessed with Native American culture. It's healthy obsession! haha. We just love the traditions and music, the unity, everything. I would love to go back in time when the Native Americans lived how they used to before we screwed it up.

Anyway, the kids, well two of them joined in the fun. The other two were happy with a steak and cheese sandwich! I tell ya!

Emmie was greeted by a lovely women, who said we would be blessed by Emmie and that she had a pure spirit. All I can say is, good people know good people!





Here Bella and Andrew joined in the Tiny Tots Dance! Too cute.




And here's how the pros do it!