Pasta Night

    Once a week we have pasta.  If the kids had it their way it would be every evening.  Red sauce, white sauce, butter and garlic, penne noodles, ravioli? They they could care less.  Just give them pasta and they'll wolf it down.  Though the menu isn't always the same there are some basic guidelines.

Pasta Night Rules 

#1 Eli is NOT to wear a shirt

#2 Serve with a green veggie and bread

#3 Make ALOT

Eli packed away two helpings this night.

Grace eating her "trees."

Sunshine, Swimming, and The Measles

July Started of pretty good.

Evening ice shared with favorite neighbors.

Playing at the Shelby Fair.

(Oh and if you can see them Grace has on the cutest bows ever, made by a friend at church =])

Swimming.

Lots of watermelon.

Holding hands.

Reading our favorite book before bed each night.

We even had a baby robin visit us.

    Then, Eli got the Measles.  For four days he would barely eat a thing and had a slight fever pretty consistently.  The next 3 days he was covered in red bumps. After that he was back to himself but still contagious so we kept him inside for another few days.   He is finally back to himself but now we're just waiting for Grace to get it.  I suppose it's just a matter of time but now I know what I dealing with when/ if she does start to show symptoms.

Farmers Market

     Every Saturday, after naps are over, we go down to the farmers market in town.  People sell jelly, maple syrup, baked goods, and all sort of handmade things.  The kids usual get to split a cookie while I look around and compare prices.  Being in walking distance is another bonus.

All of this was only $18!  Most of it is even organic.

My "Carrot Guys" informed me the reason most carrots are orange is because Dutch farmers decided to grow only orange carrots as a tribute to William the Orange, a leader who gave independence to the Dutch.  Political carrots, who knew?

                                     

Weekly Finds

1 pint Blueberries

1 pint Strawberries

1 Green Tomato

1 Bunch Lettuce

1 Bunch Carrots

1 Onion

3 Cucumbers

3 Summer Squash

3 Zucchini

Nap Time Coloring

    Well yesterday Grace decided she wasn't tired and did not need a nap.  She sneakily got out of bed and went to mine and James' room.  She helped herself to the winter books that I have been meaning to pack away and then she found a crayon.  It was quite the shock.  The wall had a a lot more before I took these pictures.  Yes, I made her clean it all up.  Yes, she cried. Yes, she begged me to help.  No, I did not help.  Most importantly, no, I don't think she will do it again.

Life Lately

Eli being silly.

When I was getting ready to leave the house one day this is how I found her.  She had a purse, money in her pocket, sunglasses, necklace, bracelet, AND ring.  Talk about accessorizing!

 Enjoying a special treat at our favorite ice cream place, Paul's Drive In. 

  

Plotting their escape to the neighbors yard. 

Wanting me to read to him.  How could anyone say no to that smile!

Creek Days

   When we moved  into town last spring we had many things in short walking distance that aren't available so easily when living in the country.  There are two parks, a pool, and lots of safe places to takes walks and let Grace ride her bike.  About twice a week we past the Black Fork Mohican River on our way to the park.  We recently realized it is the perfect place to explore, splash, and cool off in.  There are tons of rocks so we are so very careful.  It's nice to be able to enjoy so much nature right in our own back yard.

Grace was not content just sitting there for long.  

She wanted her feet in the water like Mama

Throwing pebbles.

The little boy who hates swimming loved getting his feet wet.

Moping after getting out. 

The flower crown didn't even cheer her up, but I think

 we will be returning once a week when it's warm out.

Protection Through the Storm

    Last night there was a tornado warning going on and sirens were going off.  We had our emergency kit ready to go and are prepared.  I couldn't help but to remember a memory from when I was about 7 years old.  My family and I were all in the basement while the tornado sirens were sounding.  I remember being scared and crying.  My dad sat down next to me on the stairs and ask why I was crying.  I told him I didn't want to die, between sobs.  That's when he explained to me that God is in control.  When we follow Him and His ways there is nothing of this world to fear.  I accepted Christ as my savior shortly after this talk.  When ever there is a storm I am reminded of God's protection over me.

Pictures once things started to calm down:

 Popcorn while listening to the storm.