It's HERE.

Well, who knew it'd be SILVER? Okay. After the initial shock wore off, I examined it. You know, silver is cool. I'd pick a silver SUV over a black one, why not keep my newest member of the family? I don't base family based on color. This one will do. Just FINE.

I had to drive to Paducah to pick it up at the FedEx store. Felt like a dork, but apparantly, they wouldn't leave it at my home, unless I was there AT HOME to sign for it. So. . . off to Paducah I went. Wouldn't you go if you knew THIS was waiting for you? Aww, come on. You know you would!

We're going camping this weekend, so I'll probably have some pictures to post.

Ya THINK!?

Is it too late to want this, too? I'm just gettin' my wish list ready for Christmas:

Waiting. . . .

For this. Oh yes, my friends. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi is heading to my house. And I'm trembling with anticipation.

I've wanted this camera for almost two years now. I've entertained the idea, gawked at it's ungodly price, then finally saved up enough money here and there and, with a little (okay a LOT of) help from my sweet, sweet, hubby, it's heading in my direction.

Oh, this will be a great day. A day that I can FINALLY take pictures like a real person!!! YAAAAAAAYYY!!!!!

It's been a tough week

There's never an easy way to say goodbye to anyone. But this week, our community has had a difficult time saying goodbye to an amazing guy, Derek. Derek was tragically killed in a farming accident. His death sent a shock throughout his family and friends, and for such a good kid with high hopes and aspirations. . . it's so hard to say goodbye. I can't imagine the pain his sister, his mom, his dad, his grandfather, and the rest of his family have been through. I was honored enough to be asked to sing "Goodbye For Now" by Kathy Troccoli at his funeral. Man, I never know what to say or do in a situation like this. But I was so honored to play a part in the funeral services, and to be given something to do by the family. Oh Derek, we will miss you.

Be in prayer for any mother who has ever tragically lost a child. I can't imagine the void in your heart, the pain - both mental and physical - that you must feel. I pray also for the fathers out there that have lost sons. I'll never know that kind of hurt. I pray for the siblings who've lost siblings. Sometimes we grieve so much, we overlook your pain. I pray for the grandparents who have lost grandchildren. The shock must be overbearing at times. I lift you all up in prayer, and I know God will heal the most impossible pains. He is the only One.

He is the Only One.

He IS the Only One.

First Day. . . for Peyton

Well, my little girl is headed back to school. She's such a champ. We had to all but hold her down from the excitement of school these last few days. She's so happy about her teacher and her school. She'd really felt left out when bubby started school. Now, she's headed back to Preschool.


It's also time for ANOTHER little girl's FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Peyton's cousin, Miss Carson, went to preschool, too. Peyton and Carson's rooms are right across the hall from each other.


Here we are - heading up to school. The kids have are carrying the CUTEST little things! Nana fixed them a Bath & Body Works "apple" handsoap to take to the teacher. The close-up of this delightful gift is up top with Peyton. She tied the cutest ribbon on them, and attached a cute note card that said, "An 'Apple' for the teacher!" How cute is that!? I have such a talented family!!


This is Miss Carson's teacher, and her first day at school. I think she'll be okay, don't you?


Peyton went in, and never looked back. Emily, her friend from last year, wasn't having such a good morning, though. Emily was VERY upset. Peyton kneeled down beside her, and took her little hands away from her weepy face, and grinned the SWEETEST little grin. . . it just lit up the whole room! Emily stopped crying, and started grinning with Peyton. They're the bestest of friends, and I would suppose kinda missed each other over the summer. What a cute moment!

Well, the only one left to go to school would be yours truly. Why can't I have nap time in Finance Class!? That's what I want to know. . .

Whimsical Dinnerware

So, I'm at home now for the SECOND day in a row. It seems my children LOVE to share their hurling skills. Gross. The good news - they're arguing with each other, and running around the house, a little at a time. We're almost close to being normal again.

Anyways, I have to share this GREAT set of melamine dishes from Jeanette. She has fantastic decorating ideas, and I always check out her site to see what kind of new stuff she's managed to purchase each week. This week, it was melamine dinnerware. Now, if you're into melamine, you'll love these dishes. I remember melamine from my kid years, sporting a little Winnie the Pooh scene on top. Well, these ain't yo' Mamma's melamine. These are kickin' with phenomenal patterns, and it all is wrapped up at a great little store I'd never heard of. CS Post & Co. How fab! Enjoy drooling!

I'm gonna TRY to get started on my portfolio. I've had all the pieces together for quite some time, but I have a hard time starting. I'm always afraid I'll make a mistake. Whatever. If I've learned ANYTHING about scrapbooking, it's that it is the one hobby you can celebrate in the mistakes!

Try to stay out of this 105 degree heat!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Okay. The pics you've been waiting for. Brendan survived his first day of school!

And this is how I felt. No tears this year! Brendan was never upset. He went in like a champ!

I forgot to take my camera when I picked him up (I picked him up, because Miss Peyton was at home sick - BOO!), and Brendan was exhausted! I asked him how his day was. "I'm just tired, Mommy" was all I could get out of him. We got home, he marched up to the house, put down his backpack, and went straight to bed. For two hours.

Ahhh - - School! The best way to knock your children down a couple of knotches!

The Saving Grace of Sprinklers

Before I post the first day of school, I want to share what the kids and I did on their LAST official day of summer:



See the rainbow? The coolest things in life are little surprises like this. And, the fact that I got a descent bathing suit shot. YAY!!






Boy, did THIS ever feel good! You talk about WONDERFUL! Not only do you water your lawn, but it's $2 worth of entertainment at the same time. Thank you Fred's! We also bought the $1 jumprope, but it didn't last 30 seconds before the handle busted, and the water came spewing out. Oh well. We got our money out of the sprinkler, that's for sure.

Ahh. . . Summer. I'll miss you.

Here's to Fall! And Back to School!

The Last Day of Summer

Oh, it's the last day of summer for my little ones. Brendan starts school tomorrow. I'd been so worried he would not be ready to go back. I had a tough time with him the last three months of kindergarten. He didn't want to go. I had to force him out of bed. But right now, he's so excited! That makes me so happy. I hope the excitement of new school supplies and seeing old friends (ha! Old! He's in first grade, people!)

We spent last weekend catching up with some of our family. Gosh, how I miss these people. I haven't seen Greg or Karen in years, and now, we're taking pictures of children that are the same age I remember being when we all got together. Ahh. . . time is flying by! Wow - I'm getting old. That's such an old woman statement. Anyway, here's some footage of good times:



I need to work on a tag to put on Brendan's backpack, so he'll remember which one we bought him. I don't want him to pick up the wrong backpack!

School Days. . . they're here again!