Unique Bridal Bouquet

This is the bridal bouquet from a wedding this past Saturday! All the bridesmaids carried fresh floral bouquets as seen in the background. However, the bride made this unique bouquet with over 100 broaches from family and friends - many who have died! It was gorgeous and such a great idea for her something borrowed and old! There were pieces of jewelry from grandparents, great grandparents, and wonderful family friends! I was so impressed!

School on Friday?

6:30 a.m. conversation with Chase:

Chase: What's today?
Me: Friday
Chase: Do I have school today?
Me: Yes, Honey.
Chase: But, don't we get two days off?
Me: Yes, but you have to go to school on Fridays first.

Afterwards, I realized that I might have forgotten to tell him that Fridays is usually a school day. For the last year, Friday has been his "daddy day" since Ray C. has the day off and he only went to preschool Monday thru Thursday! I guess I just assumed he knew that!

Kindergarten...Again

UPDATE: Everyone made it home safely on the bus and had an AWESOME day! Thomas has a kid in his class that lives 4 doors down from us that we haven't met before! That's exciting! Chase was surprised that he saw LOTS of his baseball and football friends throughout the day, and Mary Frances just loved the whole thing! Looks like it will be another great year!



I just took my BABY to kindergarten! I didn't think I would be emotional, but I couldn't help myself after he cried on the way because his best friend doesn't go the same school!

Sigh....we took Chase in first, and he went straight to his seat. He agreed to a picture with me but wasn't overly excited about anything. He happily sat down and did his thing. So, we left!



Next, we went right across the hall to Thomas who was already sitting in his seat and wanted NOTHING to do with us! When I asked him if he was okay, he said," just go, please!" He wouldn't even take a picture with me...we were actually embarrassing him!

So, off to Mary Frances' class! She gladly took pictures and talked to me. Thank goodness for my one girl to help me feel better.

I didn't think I would make it outside without bursting into tears, and to top it off, everyone kept saying the usual, "Hey! How are you?" Thankfully, Ray C. was there to answer. I just gave a polite smile and kept walking with the door in mind!

Now, I'm at home all alone, missing all my babies! It was a great summer with lots of fun packed in! I am really excited about the school year and especially the routine, but right now I just can't believe ALL three of my children are in elementary school!

Sigh...

Armpits

Thomas just asked why his armpits are so sweaty! He said, "my shirt is getting wet. They're like upside-down bath tubs."... And I've been giggling ever since!

Disney World Vacation

Here's a little view of our Disney World vacation! Uncle Glen came along and brought two of the cousins - Abigail and Finley! We were excited they were able to share the fun with us!

Because Finley was too small to ride some rides, we were able to truly benefit from the FunPass system and their "buddy pass" to ride our favorite rides several times with no wait time!!
The Swiss Family Robinson tree was really cool. I tried to convince the kids to read the book. Maybe they'll read it if I just get it for them anyway!
Everyone was excited about the Incredibles, and the "Crew Members" helping organize the pictures loved me! :) I overheard them saying that I should be doing their job...which could have meant I was too bossy....but I told them that I'm a wedding planner which means organizing quick pictures is a must!
Couldn't resist a picture in front of the fake city scape in Hollywood Studios!
Everyone's favorite...After Thomas poked his eye, the monster chased the kids! It was hysterical!
We did everything we could stand in two days! It was a great trip to Disney World! Too bad we have to downsize our house now...just kidding!

Homemade Ice Cream

Mary Frances has been begging to make ice cream. So, we decided we'd make it yesterday and invite the kids in the neighborhood as a "farewell to summer". Because it is still summer, we started our day at the pool...enjoying the outrageously HOT sun for a little while. We met a new family who just moved to Houston 2 weeks ago, and one of the girls is Mary Frances' age. So, at Mary Frances' suggestion, we invited them to our ice cream party.

About 10 neighborhood kids showed up along with the two new girls and their mother! We were so excited they were able to come, and they were so excited to play with some other kids!

We made my great-grandmother's vanilla ice cream in the electric churn and CHOWED down. All of the kids loved it! But before serving it, I asked everyone if I could pray for our new school year. So, we all bowed our heads and thanked God for a safe and fun summer and asked Him to bless our year in school. It was a great experience! I am so thankful that God has sent us to this place to be His light! (AND, I'm thankful for Mama Taylor's Recipe!!)

Here it is if you'd like to try it. I have adjusted the amounts to fit in a modern churn!

Mama Taylor's Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
1/2 gallon whole milk
1/2 can Borden's Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar

Just mix it all together and follow the directions on your churn! Be sure to have a bag of ice and Ice Cream Salt, as well!

Ah....Summer

Okay..sorry for those of you regulars who keep checking to find nothing! It has been an amazing summer, but I just haven't shown it on the blog! I promise that I will sit down on Monday (the first day of school) and begin recording everything for your enjoyment!

Here are some things to look forward to:

1. Disney World
2. Visiting Community of Hope (the first church in which we served)
3. the Sr. High Mission Trip to Atlanta
4. Visiting with family
5. SOMEBODY IN OUR FAMILY IS MOVING TO TEXAS!!!
6. a new patio
7. There's an APP for that...
8. and more...

Talk to you soon!