Visit with cousins

It's been over a week now, but we got to spend some time with my sister and her kids. I always leave feeling like we should do that more often. We only live 30 minutes apart! But we have different friends that take us in different directions. It's always good to hang out though! We dove into Josie's collection of hair pretties! Here are some examples!

We also had a trip to TN this past weekend. Lilian just does not ride well. She's good for 2 hours when she naps, but the rest of the trip she's rather fussy. Will she ever outgrow it? Will her parents break down and buy a DVD player for the car? Who knows. Her latest tricks include throwing whatever is in her hand and hitting herself when she gets mad. (which is happening more often these days) She's getting much better at communicating and can even say "paw-paw". This drive grandma crazy. But it's fun. She's best at the dog's names...molly (babysitter's dog) and tiny (nana's dog) We are up to 10 teeth, I think. I'm not overly brave about sticking my fingers in there. They get bit! I was a bit overwhelmed sitting in Wendy's the other day and here is my baby girl beside me downing her chicken nuggets and french fries! What a big girl!

"MOOOOOO"

Not that I'm biased, but Lilian is the smartest girl in the world. She knows several animal sounds including: dog, sheep, monkey, cow, and pig. Here's a picture of her saying "moooo". I love it!

Blessed Beyond Belief

It's been a long time since I've posted. I really don't intend to fall that far behind, but who does?

The start to the school year has been a little overwhelming. Here we are 1 month into it and I'm just now feeling under control and planned. So, I'm certainly glad for that.

This week has been a long one, but we've been able to stay home most nights this week. We really like that! Aunt Stacy has given Lilian some books and toys that she has enjoyed.

I've been following the birth of Madeleine and Emilie in France. They are doing great but their mom gave everyone more than a little scare. All's well though, thanks only to the One true God and his grace and blessings. It's really a faith booster to see prayers answered the way you want. Not that God is obligated to give us our way but it sure is nice when He does. :)

Well, I'll end here with a cute Lilian story and some pics... We were out at the garden to pick whatever was left out there. There was a tomato that needed just another day or so, but Lilian felt otherwise. (She loves tomatoes) She couldn't pick it off the vine so she just bent down and took a huge bite out of it right where it was! Funny stuff! She took a few more bites before she managed to get it pulled off the vine. It was a happy little walk back to the house munching on her tomato. :)

Mean face
one cool girl

Back to School

Very mixed feelings today with a good bit of tired thrown in! Ever since I was allowed to start an orchestra in my school district, I've had a new passion and zeal for my work. It has been a long time dream come true. It's also been the most work I've ever done! Now on the flip side, Lilian has changed my life completely! She's the most beautiful, sweetest little girl I've ever known. And I can hardly believe she's my daughter! We've had a good summer playing together. Often I feel like I've failed at keeping her home as much as I'd like, but we've had a good time. I'm a little nervous to be dropping her off with someone else for 8+ hours a day, but I do feel like we have high quality people watching her. 2 days each week she gets to hang out with Ms. Sara and Emma, 3. She loves them and cries when I don't let her stay with Sara at church! The other 3 days each week, we are going to someone new, Ms. Laura just had a baby this summer and isn't returning to work. I hope Lilian likes her too! We'll see soon enough. I just comfort myself with the fact that LOTS of people do this and the kids turn out just fine. Lilian is a terrific girl and I'm sure I'm the one having the hardest time. Here's some pics...
These first 3 are by Maria for Lilian's 1st year pics! Gorgeous! Great job and many thanks Maria!

Playing with cousin Josie!

This was just too funny, daddy likes to play with Lilian during bath time!

5 Wonderful Years

I can hardly believe it's been 5 years! It sure doesn't feel like it. It's been a terrific ride. This summer reminds me of that summer 5 years ago when it was way cooler than normal for July. Our lives were fairly boring for the first 2 years, in hindsight. During year 3 we built our house, during year 4 we had our sweet baby girl. What will year 5 hold? Who knows. One thing is certain, that God has blessed us above and beyond our wildest expectations! Looking forward to the next 45+years! I love you Jeffrey!

First Trip to the Zoo!

It was a gorgeous day in St. Louis last Friday. And since Jeff's off every Friday in the summer, we decided to take a trip to the Zoo. We packed a picnic lunch and headed out. We were planning on paying to park, but even that lot was full...all's well, we ended up parking on the street for free only a short distance from the entrance. :) Like I said, it was a nice day for a stroll. Lilian noticed the animals, but not as much as the people. She kinda pulls the shy act when she's in a new surrounding, but it doesn't take long for her to come out of it. She soon was making noises and pounding on the glass at the monkeys. I didn't get too many good pics, but it was a fun family day. Life is good, we are blessed beyond measure, thanks God!

How does my garden grow? yup, still growing

I'm already WAY behind on posting garden pics. It felt like it was moving along very slowly but now it seems to be exploding. The corn is tasseling and the ears are starting. The beans that did come up are in full bloom, I might get one good mess out of them. The tomatoes are coming along. I have a few tomatoes started and lots of blooms. Same for the peppers. I have a couple good sized peppers now and several blooms. My favorite part is the watermelon. There are 7-10 blooms and now 1 little watermelon about the size of a milk dud. I sure hope it grows! :) Here's a couple pics.

Some grape tomatoes coming on!
Growing garden