A Kid's Best Friend

The other day, Sweet Scotty said, "A dog is a man's best friend."

Andrew quickly interjected, "No dad. A dog is a kid's best friend!"

4 1/2

-boots

-fashionable

-funny

-sweet

-helpful

-compassionate

I love you so very much my sweet Oli!

Happy 4 1/2!

Saddle Ridge Ranch

Last week, we participated in Bible school at Concord Baptist Church.

Thursday was family night.

All the students (with the exception of Andrew) performed the week's songs.

Olivia won a blow-up coyote.

We were then invited to watch a horse whisperer break a beautiful colt named Cocoa.

It was life-changing as I found myself relating to this powerful creature.

It was a great (EXHAUSTING!) week, and the perfect excuse to wear cowgirl boots everyday.

Andrew, Dad was given a handful of garden hose accessories at a garage sale.

I knew that you would be entertained for hours.

Yep...you were entertained!

Grandpa called one evening last week and declared today "Grandpa Day".

We had lunch at Bandana's, skimmed a few thrift stores, discussed our trip to Six Flags (in detail), and played a competitive game of Battleship.

We love time with Pa.

Weekend in Review

On Saturday, dad and I were invited to sit and watch the Red Birds play in a luxury suite.

The two of you spent the evening with Grandma and Grandpa H.

You worked on the "farm", and grandma took you to the movies. On Sunday, we celebrated dad's birthday and Olivia's half birthday at Six Flags. Andrew finished reading his 100 books on Friday. A thunderstorm rolled through on Sunday morning which helped the temperature and crowd. We managed to ride/experience EVERYTHING at least twice. I am pretty sure that Six Flags is Andrew's favorite place on earth. He rode Evil Knievel and the Ninja for the first time.

Thumbs down for the Ninja.

It was a fabulous day.

Happy Birthday Sweet Scotty!

This year's list:

(Every year I make a list of 10 reasons why I love him. It is one of the easiest tasks, and every year it is incredibly different.)

1.) This has been an extremely difficult year for me. I have questioned just about everything. Yet, you never even became noticeably impatient.

2.) You operate Daddy's Nail Salon.

3.) You are passionate about raising a modern day knight.

4.) You realize that cooking, cleaning, and laundry will wait, but our children will not.

5.) You are an amazing provider, financially and emotionally.

6.) You are a man of integrity!

7.) You cried while watching Toy Story III, and you didn't even offer excuses.

8.) You helped teach Hannah how to drive.

9.) You are dedicated to staying healthy.

10.) You always go along with my crazy plans. (Gardening, camping, ABCs of summer, etc)

Dearest Heavenly Father,

I am so very thankful for the gift of my sweet Scotty. I pray that you will continually help him grow in wisdom, love, and knowledge of You.

The Umbrella

Olivia, this is the personalized, hot pink umbrella that you purchased at Disney World.

Today seemed like the perfect day to "see how good it works".

I even put down the camera to join in the puddle jumping.

It worked perfectly. Thanks for playing in the rain with me!

The Snow Cone

When your mother is bound and determine to experience financial freedom, you suffer.

Snow cones=luxury

Grant's Farm was offering a special deal, and the snow cones were $1.00.

I splurged, and each one of you chose an ice-cold grape treat.

Minutes after this first photo was taken, Olivia's snow cone completely spilled onto the pavement.

Big brother quickly came to the rescue and offered to share. Minutes after this second photo was taken, Andrew's snow cone completely spilled onto the pavement. Heart-breaking for all 3 of us, and a lesson was learned. Andrew and Olivia, You will experience heart-breaking, unfair events in your lives. However, the true test is in your response. Love to You and A Snow Cone Promise, Mom

Grant's Farm

Last week we visited Grant's Farm, one of my favorite attractions in St. Louis.

Andrew, I am convinced that you were born to be a goat farmer.

You have a real affection towards this breed of animals which is evident in the these photos.

All the other children were weary and afraid while you were giggling and buying for their attention.

Only God

can heal all your fears and anxiety.

God,

I am confident that you have great plans for this precious child...plans that don't include fear and anxiety.

I have tried everything, and I am at a loss.

You are the only answer.

He is yours God.

Please increase his faith and belief in Your unfailing love.

The Weekend in Review

On Saturday, grandpa and grandma took you to visit Uncle Michael and Aunt Brooke while daddy and I painted Andrew's room blue.

Today, we visited St. Francis State Park. Our visit was cut short due to a thunderstorm, but we did manage to wade in the muddy water, skip rocks, hunt for shells, and construct a dam.

We have now visited 3 state parks this summer...33 more to go!

Skipper, the Guard Dog

One of the pros to owning a large dog-protection.

This is something that Scott repeated over and over for years (12 of them to be exact).Well...here is the revised list of what our large dog, Skipper, sees as potential threats to our family.

1.) Poo...yes poo

2.) Feathers

Yesterday, the neighbor knocked on the door. She proceeded to tell me that she was incredibly concerned about Skipper. He had found something in the back yard, and was quite intense. They saw it move and were worried that it was a snake due to his stressed state.

Skipper met me at the door, and I heard laughter.

The gentleman proceeded to say,

"No need to worry! It was just a feather!" I feel so protected!

Thanks buddy!

Make-Shift Swimming Pool

Last year, I posted these photos.

Here is this year's "thrifty" pool/s.

It even has a diving board (bucket).Now, it is a dunk tank. Silver Dollar City's Toboggan Ride...

I asked you to pull up your shorts, and this is what resulted...

Yep...I love saving money.

Who needs to spend $15 at the city pool when you have storage containers?

Hawn State Park

A beautiful humid summer day of hiking, crawdad hunting, creek wading, bike riding, sand castle building, swinging, and reading

(Olivia..you fell in the creek seconds after arriving. I was so thankful that I had visited the thrift store before heading to the park. This dress was two sizes too big, but dry.)

The decision has been made We will be buying a camper before next spring!

I can't wait to explore even more state parks with you!