Sharing Ice Cream

A rare siting of siblings sitting next to each other. 

By choice. 

Without fighting. 

 And dad manipulating his daughter into sharing her self-paid-for ice cream. 

 Elizabeth's chocolate cherry cake that she made at Phillip's request.

West Texas

We spent a couple of days with some friends at their ranch near Sabinal, TX. It's dusty and sweaty and absolutely wonderful. 

 Mrs. Alisa had pity on Harrison on our walk and carried him for a bit.

 These two. 

 Harrison and Emily are a couple months apart. They get along really well, especially for how reclusive Harrison can be. One time they were at our home for supper and Harrison dropped all his food off of his plate onto the floor. He stood there shocked, mouth hanging open, just staring at the food. Emily hears his gasp and comes running. She quickly begins to pick up all the food, put it back on his plate and throw it away. It was just. So. Perfect! That is typical of their relationship right now.

Tuesday morning we went to Garner State Park. The river was a perfect depth for splashing and playing and paddle boating. It started spitting rain and rumbling thunder toward lunch time. While we were packing up, I saw a kid coming up from the river to his mom. He was mumbling to her - I'm guessing about how they had to get out of the water because of thunder and lightening. She started up from her chair and in the best Southern Preacher imitation she orated, "The Lawd sends the rain! And He knows what's best! And you kids better stop thinking everything's about ya'll constantly!" She had me under conviction before it was all over. 

Dinner together. 

Peanuts, A New River and A New Dessert

We were given a bag of peanuts in the raw. Soak in salt water for 5 hours. Dry in the sun for a couple of days. Bake at 350 for 20 or so minutes. Crack and separate shells from nuts. And we have lovely peanuts to snack on during the school day.

We found another river area in which to play. This one our neighbors call The Falls. 

 Our unique anniversary dessert that Elizabeth created for us. All homemade: chocolate wafers layered with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and cherries and a chocolate garnish.

Double Digits

Jonathan is 10 today.

Bedhead children eating breakfast while Elizabeth ices the camouflage cupcakes.

 We were able to have several friends over (some we hadn't seen in a while ~ so glad they could make it). The boys had a Nerf gun fight, ate pizza, and hung out. Nice and simple ~ the way I like it. There's been a great debate going on over the past year about whether or not the girls would be allowed to stay for the party. They ended up staying (so they could serve the boys, Jonathan said!) and there was very little fighting amongst them. That's a win.

Thankful for Time

..... time to

- plan the upcoming school year and co-op day.

- look through old letters and writings and cards.

- stay at home and allow the kids to get themselves past boredom on their own: Lego building, Hogwarts robe sewn, The Little Princess listened to on Librivox, games played with Mom.

- spend time with neighbor kids.

- lie next to Phillip and chat. Or look at Facebook. Or read a book. Or discuss deep theological issues.

- think.

- relax and not add another thing to my list just because I have time to relax.

Oldest and Youngest

Fishing and Faces

Aupa bought the boys fishing rods and taught the kids how to bait their own hooks. So I don't mind taking them fishing now. I don't believe I've ever baited my own hook ~ at least not with a worm ~ but these kids took to it pretty well.

It was pouring down rain on the way to the fishing spot and I thought about turning around. But once we got to Boerne, it was only sprinkling, and I heard that the storm had headed to San Antonio. 

Phoebe made a pet out of this worm. I believe it's still in our fridge.

Phoebe is putting on her necklace from Nana with a ring from Momo. 

She's so goofy sometimes!

Elizabeth held a bake sale today and made a little money. She is really good at making yummy treats: Apple pie tarts, peanut butter fudge and meringues.

My two left-handers hard at work. They've been making Minecraft movie storyboards and movie posters.

Harrison spent some of his money on the neighbors garage sale. Like he needs more toys.....

Louisiana or Bust

My parents and brother and his wife were all in Crowley for the 4th of July, so we headed over to see them. This really should be the last trip we make to Louisiana this year. It feels like we've gone every other month! 

So Uncle Mike has been dubbed "Uncle Weird" by Phoebe. He and Phoebe dish out sarcastic comments to each other. She told him about his Hawaiian shirt: "You really should be embarrassed to wear that."

Downtown Crowley. Love the flag.

Grandpa Black and Mrs. Ethel. We had another good visit with them. My mom has been able to spend quite a bit of time with them over the past months. A blessing indeed.

Aupa took the kids fishing at the pond on Uncle Gib's farm during the family reunion. It used to be a swamp. As a matter of fact, we were there 4 or 5 years ago and it was still very swampy. They've done a lot of work to clean it up.

A little slip and slide for the younger kids to enjoy.

This is the traditional 4th of July meal: Jambalaya cooked in a big black pot over an open flame. And that's the biggest spoon I've ever seen! It was like a paddle.

My cousin and her sister held a little facial Mary Kay party for the girls. 

Jayda and the kids hanging out on the swing at Momo's.

This was Harrison's meal on the way over. Two bites of chicken, maybe one french fry?, and ketchup. Mostly ketchup.