After tons of fun and tons of kids around, the summer is over and I am still standing.
This morning met with mixed emotions from the kids, while I calmly anticipated the silence.
James was bummed…too early to wake up, not wanting to eat yet, picking a shirt to reflect this…but a slight pick up of his mood when he thought of seeing friends.
Kate was dutiful and happy. Careful to pick out her clothes and jewelry. Adjusting her Safety Patrol belt and practicing the pledge.
Alexander was excited and full of energy–playing outside, riding his bike, and still–ready to leave over an hour early!
The dogs and I had a nice walk this morning and have been enjoying the quiet all day.
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…the parents will play!
After a slow morning with coffee and pups in bed, we went to lunch @ Gordon Beirch. Yumm O!
Then to a winery in VA this afternoon. Casanel. It was so relaxing. The breeze on the patio. The guitar duet. The Cabernet.
We played a few hands of Rummy–Rich claimed “how do you play?” and then totally creamed me!
We enjoyed the early evening there before driving home for a walk with the dogs and grilled portebello mushrooms!
My tummy is happy!
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Kate’s now 10. She had a sleepover party. One friend didn’t stay overnight, and in the AM we added one.
They had tons of fun:
ate pizza, pink lemonade, and fudge cake on china
learned to make God’s eyes with sticks and yarn
jumped on the trampoline
watched a movie
stayed up screaming til 12:45
woke up after about 7 hours 
ate fruit and cinnamon buns
packed up sleeping bags
designed t-shirts
Can I get a nap?
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I seem to remember that around this time last year I had no posts… Summer is a strange time for me.
My dear friend reminded me that she checks in to see what I have posted and there has been nothing new. This does NOT mean there is nothing new in my corner of the world!
I will link all of these bullets to the dates that I took the pix. When the print is color instead of black, the link is done. I will try to crank them out for you! Click on the link if you want to see or read more.
A few bullets:
The end of the school year brought many activities.
James’ soccer team finished their season–champions!
Kate had her instrumental music concert.
Alexander turned 8.
They both were recognized for achievements in school at an assembly.
I started a shop for my creativity. It’s called Simple and Green. I hope to have new things to post there soon too. Crafting can take a lot of time… but I love it!
Rich went on tour with Joyful Noise through PA and OH. He got to see the music hall of fame–the highlight of the trip for him. Followed by the “homecoming concert” that finished this year of “noise”.
James and Kate went to R-Camp for a week. They always have a fantastic time making new friends and seeing old ones, learning some independence and growing in spiritual principles.
Coco is growing. Fast. Her personality is strong. She is vocal about everything. She is “on” and going non-stop, or “off” and sleeping deeply. We wonder about her lineage. Many comment that she looks like Akita. We were told Sheltie mix… We’ll see.
The 4th of July found us at a friend’s annual bash. Pool. Drinks. Food. Fireworks. Fun.
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These are the pictures that we fell in love with of Coco before we got her.
Then the first pix of her arrival home.
(for more, go here)
And now. Long legged, but still pink paws.
Any bets on how big she’s gonna get? What breed mix?
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“Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble.… They aren’t above using pious sweet talk to dupe unsuspecting innocents.”
Romans 16:17-18 Message
What’s up with people? Why are we so deceitful? Why does it take a huge misstep to come clean? The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” is so much more than that. Ever wonder about the people who seem to have it all? Seem is the key word. What happens behind closed doors? What happens when they are left alone? Sin.
It is so disturbing to think that so many are cheating and lying for self gratification!
Of course, I am not without fault.
“For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us.” Romans 3: 23 Message
I have been naïve. Thinking that trying to do the right thing is common. Normal. Expected. It’s still shocking. It’s rare. Guess that’s the point of learning of someone else’s misstep; to be shocked into reality and humility. Examine my own life.
God has given me a gift. Today. Hope I make him glad he went to the trouble!
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Kate finished her year of clarinet in school with a concert. She gave it a good effort, but really decided that clarinet is not for her.
The band did a great job and was followed by the chorus.
The boys were hot and miserable… so this is what they looked like.
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Alexander’s Birthday fell on Memorial Day this year. So we had a small family gathering that included uncle Bert and cousin Thomas and “Buddy” Rey. Thomas’ bday is right around the corner, so it was a double celebration of sorts. Gifts included the bean bag chair that was tossed around, Legos, and a gift card to Game Stop. Thomas got a book and bucks to spend on more books.
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James’ soccer team has been on yet another amazing run. They have quite the team. This season found them claiming the championship early with still 2 games yet to play! Even if they lost those games, they were high in the ranks. One of the games was a forfeit, and the other was a win. Way to go Eagles!
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This is Coco.
We adopted her from a rescue.
She is reported to be a Sheltie mix and is about 3 months old.
Last night was complete with puppy crying through the night, but she has been very successful with potty training and seems to be very smart.
Shadow is not happy. She doesn’t realize yet that she has a playmate. She sees this young whipper snapper as a trespasser!
Coco is Kate’s dog. Happy Birthday early! Kate has been pleading her case for a puppy for several months. She wore me down. Petfinder.com is how we found Shadow so that’s where we started this time. I expected the process to take a while, but our application was approved quickly. We found out on Friday that we could pick her up on Saturday! Suddenly our Zoo is one larger and the Zookeeper is loving it.
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