Peaches & Kitty-Cats

Simple Joys of Life....

Enjoying days on the farm!  Ella has taken quite a liking to the "Kitty-Cats"...If Mommy weren't allergic I am sure she would be asking to bring one or more of them home.  The girls have been picking many peaches, nectarines, and the apples will be "ready for picking soon!"  We are so thankful, everyday!, for the special, simple joys, that the girls are able to share in!

Healthy Joys....

Happy Days.....We have been enjoying the healthy harvest of this time of the year, sweet corn, potatoes, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, .... Tessa said, "healthy foods are so fun to eat, that is why people grow them! They make us healthy and strong!" We have been enjoying the blessing of local gardens, Lorene sharing her harvest!!, we are looking forward to our garden next year, the list of items is long.....the girls say they are going to me my big helpers! 

"Rock Around the Clock"

 When I think about the decades and the fashion trends that represent them, the 50's certainly come to mind.  Kevin had a work dinner at an RV Rally this week and the theme was a Sock Hop.  Thanks to some poodle skirts that our friends let us borrow, we were able to dress from the times! I have often joked with my friend that I really think I could have been in my 30's in the 50's ....a housewife, in heels and a dress, apron, "Honey, how was your day, dinner will be ready soon!"

It was fun to "play dress up" and join the others that dressed in the white shirts, jeans, or skirts and scarfs.
The girls found it fun and funny that I was dressing up for the occasion and going out in public like that.  They also wanted to know why I was wearing Daddy's school ring on a chain? 

Look What "SHE" Found....

 Was it a case of innovation, creativity, or was she just being sneaky? Kevin called me to come quick, and was smiling, I knew that one of the girls must have been up to something ....funny!?!?  Ella found a way to get to the cinnamon rolls that were on the very back of the counter.  While, Yes, she is innovative and usually finds a way to face an obstacle, this one is at the top of the list.  It was quiet and she was in the kitchen, we should have know!  One of those parent moments when there is nothing else you can do but smile and laugh, then give her a hug!  Now the real question is who did she learn this from????

Having a Good Time! Where is the rest of her outfit?

Sundays

 I happened to have my camera in my car, and I was thankful.  It was irresistible.  The Daddy and his Girls running around in the church yard running off some energy before going out for lunch with friends....

A Good Day, So Thankful!

Ella's Perspective....

 This photo of a recent dress up time says it all, "Sister Love!"
It has certainly been a week of adjustment as we are back to school.  Overall, it has gone really well, it might start to feel like normal in a week or two.  Tessa has had great things to say about school including big smiles.  However, it took Ella some time to adjust.....

Day One: 
The scene is Ella and I in my car going down the driveway in the morning.
"Where are we going?"
"To Lorene's"
"Why is Tessa with Daddy"
"He is taking her to school, remember we talked about her going to school some days and being with you on the others"
-Lip Pucker
-Thinking look in her eye.....pause.....and now, we are in melt down mode!
"Go back Mommy" (pointing back toward the house)
"Now, Puleezz", I want to go in Daddy's Car, Right Now, I want my Sissster", major tears flowing ....feet are kicking....Can't you Puleeze go and get her for me-s" Don't unbuckle me I want to go back!" Puleeeze....

It broke my heart, we both had tears, she FINALLY calmed down and ended up having a good day, but was sure to run to her big sister! 

The sister bond is strong.....

VERY First Day!

 It was a major milestone in our lives....we had been preparing for it and the VERY first day of school arrived!  Tessa had fun the night before packing all of her school supplies in her new backpack, she woke up happy for the day! 

Once all ready to go we headed for her school, I could feel the emotions coming on.  I took Ella to Lorene's house (more on that later)..... I met Kevin and Tessa at her school, there were balloons and high school students to welcome us.  She held tight to our hands and we did the same.  My prayers were for her to feel safe and comforted.  We walked her down the hall and saw her teacher's smiling face, there was the comfort for all of us. 

 She turned into the rarely seen timid Tessa as we gave her well wishes, reassurance, hugs, kisses and I Love Yous. She stood by the door and took it all in, and I memorized that moment, our Baby Girl, Peanut,...taking a step into a new excited World. My heart was emotional, and I had to be strong and hold back some Mommy tears, they were there, just not to the extreme that they could have been, I held it together, (until I reached the car) and  I held Kevin's hand as we walked out of the school.   There is comfort in the school she is at, and it will be a daily adjustment with many conversations, prayers and learning.  We are so proud of her!

Tessa was all smiles this afternoon and she told us all about it.

Best of all she was smiling, prayers answered!

Special Times!

 It was a true joy to have a cookout with some friends that have been very special to us over the past five years!  Lorene had us over for a end of summer cookout and the celebrate the times that these girls have shared!  As time marches on and school begins, these girls won't be sharing their days as a group as much. Those have been precious years of their growing up, and we will certainly cherish the fun and memories that they have had.  We also hope for wonderful school years ahead, and being able to get together to see them! 

Look at those sweet girls! 

So Much Fun!

 I am so thankful to have daughters!  Kevin and I truly enjoy them! They are so much fun to be around.  Each day I learn more from them, and they amaze me!  They are growing up so quickly that I just want to memorize the moments, and even the day to day joys that they bring.  There are times that they have me laughing hysterically, or we are all belly laughing together.  They have a special give of "simplicity" they keep it all "real" and in perspective.  One of the many joys of being a Mother is seeing the innocence and simple joys in life as you enjoy you little ones! 

Truly thankful.....Everyday! 

Happy Anniversary

Jerry & Marilyn 1968

My parents just celebrated their 43rd Anniversary.  Tessa asked me "does that mean they have been married a long time?".... Yes, I told her, and it has been a blessing to all of us.  There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for my parents.  They are fabulous parents and so kind!  I know that their marriage has been an inspiration and a blessing! Kevin and I, both coming from parents who have been married for 40 plus years, truly value the strength and longevity of marriage. 

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  We love you!

Scenic in Sedona!

 What did we enjoy in Sedona and Scottsdale? Scenery, shopping, ddelicious food, and enjoyable times with our friends!  The times were wonderful and they flew by, we are so thankful for the getaway and fun times! 

Go Diamondbacks!

We loved our seats on the "porch" at the "D-Backs" game this weekend.  It was a perfect setup for the six of us, good view of the field, tasty food and drinks, and a good ballgame. There was some certain laughs and fun memories with fab friends! 

Our day started out at "Cooperstown" Alice Coppers bar near the ballpark. Very interesting atmosphere..."dark but fun!" Then we headed to the game, it was a fun time had by all!  Wish we could spend more days with them, but was appreciate our fun weekend trips with our Vegas buddies!

Little Getaway....

Fabulous Fun In Phoenix!  

Kevin planned at little getaway for us to Phoenix with our friends. A little K&K, plus some fun friends before I go back to school.  We arrived on Saturday and did some relaxing, and went to Lush Burgers,...great burgers and atmosphere. We sat outside, the misters made it possible, and it is a "dry heat" out west! 

Catching up with Rich and Michelle is always enjoyable, and we really enjoyed meeting Helen and Artie. They are so kind to have us at their home. We are having a fabulous time and most of all relaxing!

Sunshine of Summer

We LOVE Summer! 

Their smiles say it all!  Dear friends, refreshing water, sunshine, picnic lunches, and SMILES!  Precious moments of Fantastic Summertime! 

Happy 40th Jen!

 Happy 40th to Jen! 

Mike invited us to join them in her surprise Birthday Celebration!  It was a fun evening with some friends!  We were discussing how quickly time flies....it seems like we all just got married.  It is a fun journey. Here's to many joys of the journey ahead for all! 

 The Limo was a great way to get around...but it got a flat tire on the way home.... so they had to send out the back up limo, we made the most of every moment, and what else can you do but laugh!! 

Dancing with Popsey

Look at our girls....8:00 am while we were visiting with Gramma and Popsey....None other than our girls can get you up and moving!  They wanted to hear the "crazy music" as Gramma calls it. (50's Music).... They asked Popsey to dance and away they went!  It was a special moment of pure fun!  I am so thankful that they girls have fabulous grandparents that are involved in their lives.  Kevin and I get a kick out of seeing our parents in the grandparent role.  Moments the girls....and we savor and won't forget. Credits to Popsey and the fact that he got his workout before heading off to the gym.... Then he took them to the barbershop to visit "Bud the Barber", what a fun day!