Shall We Gather at the River

Saturday afternoon we met friends at the river. It was so hot and we needed to cool off. The kids just bobbed and the adults got to catch up.



Unfortunately, our friends had a little problem with their boat. After deciding to do a little tubing, Glenn could hear a belt making a lot of noise on the engine. He tried to tighten up the belt that was squeeking and making all the racket. He saw that it was going to need to be changed...soon. After a quick examination by the men , they decided they could definitely take care of that easily the next week. We took off, not worrying about it, all kids in tow tubing down the river. We didn't get too far before he came to a quick stop. We knew by the look on his face that the belt had broken. Don't worry...just a belt.

We had a "nice" slow ride back the dock with their boat in tow. It was like letting all the air out of a balloon...sad faces everywhere.


Tonya made the best of it saying "ROCK ON" with a smile on her face.

While they were loading their boat on the trailer, we took their daughter to jump from the swing rope. She was determined and ready. The boys had already been talking to her about jumping. Of course, they were so excited to show off for her. I wonder if they thought she wouldn't jump???


Anyway, they climbed the steep bank to the stoop by the rope. Jackson went first very confidently to show her how to do it.



Next it was her turn. We threw her the rope. Suddenly the river seemed much further away to her. Back and forth she hesitated..."yes, I am going to jump, no I'm not going to jump". She was battling herself.


Okay, her decision was final..."NO...I am not going to do it". She steps back, hands the rope to Jordan, he takes off, does a beautiful swing and drops into the water. He made it look so easy and fun. "Okay, I should have done that".

She was trying again to muster up the courage to do it. I had my camera ready for the jump... ready and waiting...ready... yes...wanting to get her in the air... waiting.... okay, I am ready. Turn the camera back on and ready again. I looked away for only a moment, but that moment was long enough for her to leave the rock. Oh no...snap....

I only caught the splash. But SHE DID IT!!! She was so excited. How fun for her. All I got was the splash on the camera, but she got the satisfaction of knowing she had the courage to do something beyond her comfort zone.

Six People...Bigger boat...still Big Fun

We bit the bullet and bought a boat. (How's that for alliteration) Here is her maiden voyage on the Cumberland River. This a such a wonderful time our family spends together. I see lots of smiles from all my kids when we are on a river ride.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?!?!?!

Years ago Staples had a very funny back to school commercial with a background song playing"It's the most wonderful time of the year".  It showed a mom and dad joyfully dancing (kind of like ballet moves) and pushing a shopping cart full of school supplies through the store.  This time of year brings about a bittersweet feeling for me.  While I love the smell of a fresh pad of paper, the look of a sharp pencil, the feel of a new pen and the promise of the new curriculum for my kiddos that I have researched over the past few months, the bitter part ... it sort of marks the end of summer.  And oh how I love summer!!!!  That, to me, is the "most wonderful time of the year".  I love shorts, t-shirts, sandals, warm, long days, ice cream, cantaloupe, fresh corn and okra, summer reads, boating, camping, a nice color to my skin, running, swinging on my screened-in back porch, and the hum of the air conditioner!!!            

Six People...Little Boat...Big Fun!!!

We went to the river Thursday evening to cool off and relax. We wanted to give the kids an opportunity to ski or hydroslide.

There was a rope hanging from a tree near the boat ramp.

The momma in me was a nervous wreck but the kid in me was excited for them to do it. They had a ball.

Later, the kids skiied. We were so happy for Jackson. He finally was able to get up on the water and ski for a while without falling. He had many attempts and finally made it.

Isn't he cute!!!!

"Jo" cool

Ya Hoo!!!! He made it.

18 DOZEN = 216 EARS!!!!!!

That's right...18 dozen ears of corn. 216. That's how many ears we shucked, silked, cut, cooked, bagged and froze. WHEW!!!

My cousin, Tara, her daughter, Hope, Karis, Lane and I headed out about 10 am to KY to the Amish and Mennonite community in Scottsville, KY. We had so much fun. We bought corn, peppers, squash, okra, tomatoes, and zucchini .... and oh yeah ... peanut butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered peanuts and hershey bar. We also found a store that sold fresh herbs and spices. I bought some cocoa for $1. YIPPEE. More chocolate creations.W!!!!

Everyone pitched in to help shuck the ears.

YUM!!!!

Karis said it looked like a flower.

Happy Birthday America!!!!

This 4th of July we had a little family get-together at my house. The family included Chris' parents, my parents, my sister and her friend, Lisa and all the Weaver kiddos. Dart, unfortunately, was out of town. We had the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and dip, homemade ice cream and of course, watermelon. We also celebrated with a cake with sparklers on it.











After we filled our bellies, most everyone headed home. We loaded up and headed to Hartsville to see the fireworks. It was a nice show of fireworks.

We got home to then put on our own show. The kids love to do this every year. It is one of our family traditions.

It was a great 4th!!!

Happy 90th birthday, Grandmother!!!

My grandmother turned 90 this year. She is so dear to me. Not only is she my grandmother but she is and has been my neighbor for 18 years. She is the best neighbor EVER. I just love her so much. I pray she will have many more happy birthdays. She is a blessing in my life.

First Fruits

We planted a garden this year. It is a very small garden. It is a raised-bed. We took 2 x 6's and made a square of them. We then added a load of dirt and planted our veggies. We planted okra, beans, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. All the plants have fruit on them but today I got to pick some ripe tomatoes and two beans. Thank you, God for our food!!! My first fruits were given to my grandmother.