The Cucumber and the Chicken Wire

Someday I'll have time to write a parable about 'The Cucumber and The Chicken Wire".  There are so many applications and possibilities ... It's unfortunate encounter with a chicken wire trellis - which was actually built and put in place to provide support, but somehow didn't help this particular cucumber as much as it could have ... someday I'll write about adversity and the ability to grow even amidst difficulty and the fruit that comes from perseverance (because this cucumber tasted great once it was cut from the fence).  But, not today, because this cucumber is a direct symbol of my life right now and time is fleeting ... my children are growing and I need to make dinner!

 Aug. 1st and school has started!  Jr. High for Master S.  I think he jumped out of bed when his alarm went off this morning.  I did not ... he catches the bus way too early for my 'still want to be on summer schedule body'!

 Kindergarten and 3rd grade ... so I am officially without children after these two get on the bus.  Where did the time go? 

 Miss Lilly got a haircut with bangs for school this year ... she is currently in love with it.  We will see how long that lasts, as actually doing her hair will be become a daily requirement with bangs.  It is cute - kinda weird to look at her and feel like I'm looking in a mirror, one that reflects a much younger me with lots of memories of elementary school flooding back.

This guy, was so excited he could hardly contain himself.  Not a worried bone in his whole body!  He Could. Not. Wait. to get on the bus!  I had to go for a run once they got on the bus - had to do something to work out those emotions bubbling up.  Counting the hours 'till they get home and I can ask about every-little-detail!

July

 Master S loves fishing.  I think he would spend all his summer at the pond if he could.  This is a recent catch ... the biggest one so far.  Both he and is friend that he likes to fish with were pretty excited about this one.

The 4th of July was celebrated in true Brownsburg, IN style this year.  We hit the Brownsburg High School's Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser for a treat and then headed to the town parade.  We were blessed to have J.D.'s mom here with us this year, and got to introduce her to the small town parade of tractors, cool cars and horses.  Big D is sporting his favorite 'tye dye' shirt that just happens to be red, white and blue.

 We also recently spent an evening at McCloud park, going on a hike, skipping some rocks and attending an astronomy presentation, which was followed by some night sky viewing through some telescopes set up outside the nature center.  It was AWESOME!  We got to see Saturn (even the rings), a nebula, twin stars, craters on the moon -- the kids loved it and there is potentially some great viewing of a comet this winter that we just might have to keep the kids up late for again.  I tried to get a picture of the fireflies in the meadow next to where we were stargazing ... no such luck.  Trust me, they were awesome!

 This is a DIY project I've been wanting to do for awhile.  Just a little spray paint and elbow grease and I think they turned out amazing!  Totally updated the house for just a few dollars.

July has been a interesting month, as J.D. was in an accident that totaled our little Toyota Corolla at the end of June, which left us with just one car.  J.D.'s mom has so graciously let us use her little car until we can get a new one - thank you!  But, in the meantime it also has meant that I'm working full time hours.  I'm learning to focus on the moment, rather than the week --- when working full time with children the moment is what's important not all the potentials out there!  I'm also learning quickly what really matters and what really doesn't.  Life certainly keeps us on our toes, and we count our blessings daily.

Summer Days ...

 Big D had his last t-ball game this last Saturday ...

 He has loved every minute of it ... even though it felt like 'soup' outside with humidity at 90% and the temp. hovering around 90 too.  I think we'll be playing some baseball in the next few years ...

 Master S also completed his first week of Dan Beard - a day camp for 11 year old Boy Scouts.  He has such a great group of boys to hang with ... love this picture. 

He also got to attend a Boy Scout Encampment with Dad this last weekend at the Grissom Air Force base just north of Kokomo, IN.  It was an experience that made lots of memories.  We got his initial packet of info. to register for Jr. High last week too.  AHHHH!  It is becoming too real - trying to reign in my terror and just be excited for him :)

Flora Family Reunion

Summertime means ... well, it means lots of things, but usually there is a family gathering of some sort and to celebrate J.D.'s parent's anniversary of 40 years we decided to gather for a week!  Yea!  J.D.'s job kind got in the way of original plans to 'gather' at the beach, but we made do and gathered in Indiana instead.  Here are all the cousins ... love it!

 

 We did lots of great things ... like going to the IMA and the hundred acres,

 Miss Lilly trying out the swings that hang from a giant tree trunk.

 Master S posing next to a sign that labels him appropriately ... 11 year old boys definitely could be considered an invasive species at times, exotic - maybe not, but invasive yes!

It actually worked out well to have the Flora's here, as the Flora family held a graveside service for J.D.'s Grandmother that passed away a year and a half ago.  It was a beautiful day and we got to visit the Flora Family Farm, in Flora, IN.  The original farmhouse and barn are still there.  It was super cool for my children to see where they came from and to see J.D.'s extended family.

 Here are the boys in front of the barn.

 We played some badminton and volleyball.  J.D. is showing off his 'mad' racket skills.

 We of course had to go to Connor Prairie,

 Play some checkers with Grandpa,

and we also went monster mini-golfing, played some good arcade games, went swimming, shopping, golfing, played 'wits and wagers' and 'tenzi', talked, laughed, watched a few movies and had a great time making memories.  So glad we had the chance to be together!

Michigan

A little over a year ago we had some very dear friends move.  They were neighbors of ours, that lived right across the street.  They moved 'back home' to Michigan and from the moment they told us they were moving asked us to come and visit them.  So, for Memorial day weekend we loaded up the car and made the drive.  Oh, and I am so glad we did!

 They live outside of Detroit, in Canton which is close to Ford company's headquarters.  So, as part of our visit, we went to see 'Greenfield Village' which is similar to our 'Connor Prairie' just huge and even more amazing and centered around Henry Ford (and Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers, since they were apparently all friends?!  Who knew?!).

 While we were there, there was a Civil War re-enactment.  People from all over the U.S. come and 'camp' in period costume and with supplies and equipment all accurate to what they would have used at the time of the Civil War.  It was awesome!  The boys signed up for the Union army and had to be seen by the 'Doctor' and then went through training ...

 There were all kinds of homes, typical of early America - this was in front of a working windmill.

 There was also a steam engine train that went around the park - a big hit with Big D.

 This is me with Renee and Miss Lilly - had to get a picture in front of the beautiful lilacs!

 Here are a couple pictures of the camps/tents set up.

 I loved this one of the big hoop dress ...

 There were rides in old Model T's, horse carriage rides and a carousel.

 This is Miss Lilly using Mike's cane to pose ... silly girl!

 We also go to go to a botanical garden just outside of Ann Arbor and a hike around it. 

 This tree is called a 'monkey puzzle tree' - had to get a picture because I thought it was such a funny name!

We had such a wonderful time with Mike and Renee.  I think Michigan may be added to the 'favorite places to visit' list.

Preschool Graduate

 It's official - all the children of the Flora Family have graduated from preschool!  Yea!  Big D got to celebrate with a short program with his class, passing out 'diplomas' with a little reception following.

 Here he is with his fabulous teachers and his dad.

We made some 'graduation hats' for treats. Thank you pinterest for making that possible.  Super cute and super easy to make! As their certificates were handed out, Big D's teacher asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up.  Big D wants to be an 'artist' when he grows up because ' he likes to paint'.  In think J.D. and I better keep working on our own retirement :)