Summer Time Update

Hello there, everyone!! I thought I'd pop in this (very hot) afternoon and share a little of what's going on around here.

We're really enjoying country living, as you can see. This is Amy and Emily with our milk goat, Annabelle. Ain't she a purty lil' goat?? She won Grand Prize at the Texas State Fair a few years ago. And she gives good, sweet milk. Yes, she is a family pet.

This little guy is growing (and out-growing) like crazy. He LOVES to eat!!!






Here is me and my little pumpkins on Mother's Day...






My grandparents came to visit earlier this month... here are "MeMe" and "PaPa" with three of their 15 great-grandchildren. This was only the second time they had seen Keith since his birth... they were thrilled with all the cuddle time!!





My grandma and me enjoying a day at the Texas State Aquarium with our family (Keith is in the background to the left).




Keith and Ryan, my brother's little boy, were mesmerized by the dolphin tank! I just love this picture of them.





My hard-working man taking a break with Keith.




Little Emily celebrated her 3rd birthday this month...




My friend Bobbie created this sweet confection for her party...






It was delicious!!


Hope your summer is speeding along sweetly!! Enjoy the watermelon, lemonade, fire works, homemade ice cream, fresh veggies, and yes, the heat!!

Here is a challenging clip from Collin and Nancy Campbell. Both the Campbells are authors and speakers on behalf of the family, and Nancy is the editor of Above Rubies magazine. (You can freely subscribe here.)

Stellan's Story

For several months now, I've been following the amazing story of a baby boy named Stellan... I just wanted you to check out this recent story by Fox news ... then be sure to swing by Jennifer's blog and "meet" Stellan's amazing mama.

I've prayed, laughed and cried over the weeks as I've followed Stellan's story... be sure you keep your Kleenex box handy as you watch and read.

[Oh, and there is a happy ending.]

No Internet... whaaaaa!!

Okay, I'm really not a crybaby. Truly.



But I WAS SO tempted to burst into a tantrum tears when Jeremy told me this week that it is going to cost us $350 to get our Internet hooked up.



Now, 350 buckaroos may not sound like much to you. But when you've watched hundred dollar bills flying by at record speed (leaving, not coming), then 350 more dollars might as well be a thousand. It's amazing that I used to take for granted things like electrical poles, plumbing, a driveway, and DSL.



Moving to the country is not for poor folks, folks.



Anyway, that was the long way of saying, this blog is about to get really quiet.



We are in the process of cleaning out our "old" house to sell, and once it's gone, I say goodbye to Internet connection. For a while, at least.



Why don't we just pay for the Internet pole or tower or whatever it is, once we sell our "old" house? Well, we just might do that. But, then again, we still need gravel for our driveway, a gate, a storage building, a "yard" (grass would be nice), more stuff to build fences and pens for the animals...



SO.



I may completely fall off the blogging wagon for who knows how long a while., but rest assured that I will be busy (and I do mean busy!) enjoying my (disorganized) little cottage in the country... and loving these little munchkins to pieces... with or without the internet.

My Baby Big Boy's Day

Keith turned a big ONE yesterday (May 6). We threw a party for him at a local park and ended up having over thirty people attend, kids and "big people" included. My little man is quite a popular guy, I'd say!

Here are some shots of his big day.

... the little Birthday Boy and his John Deere "tractor"

... my friend Bobbie made Keith's cake... isn't it cute??

... Amy and her friend Jonathan enjoying themselves

... Keith and Grandma Howard

... BIG blue eyes

... Our little family

... opening presents at home... Daddy's camcorder was much more interesting than the gifts...

... and here is our little ham (aka Emily) doing hand-stands while Keith opened presents

... the BEST fun of all was a wagon ride from Daddy...