Simplifying

I saw this on another blog and wanted to share it.

(Make sure to mute the music on the sidebar before playing the video.)

 

My New Look

Okay, so I've had several lately.  I've been going through an identity crisis of sorts since changing the name of my blog.  I have recently acquired PhotoShop, and it is so much fun!  I wanted our blog to look fun and happy and well, representative of our family.  So yesterday afternoon I made this:

Cute, right?  But I am a PhotoShop novice, and DeeDee, well, she is good.  She made my current blog header, and as much as I like mine, hers has a polished look.  And if you think the one that she made for my blog looks good, you should check out the one she made for herself.  It is awesome.  She made this cool flower background from a picture of a single flower.  

We got so many of the same genes, and while I am blessed with the desire to create, DeeDee is the one with the ability to do so.  So, thanks DeeDee, I think my identity crisis is over.  I love the new look of my blog and plan to keep it for quite a while.  

First S'mores of the Summer

We have a chimney pot that Mom and Dad gave us a few years ago.  Since building our patio we have used the chimney pot many, many times--almost always to make s'mores.   One day last week Emma and I picked up sticks, broke them into the proper size and got them ready for the chimney pot.  Last night Tim decided it was time to put them to use.  

Tim and Annie like to lightly toast their marshmallows so that they are lightly brown on the outside, but gooey on the inside.  I like mine black and crispy on the outside.  Emma will toast them to order for others, but her s'mores are sans marshmallows.  She'll take half a Hershey bar sandwiched between two graham crackers thank you very much.  I'm guessing the first, but not only, problem with the marshmallows is that they are just too messy for Miss Emma Kate.  

The sun was going down as we roasted our marshmallows, and the temperature was a bit cool, but those fifteen minutes were a perfect ending to our day.  We are so excited that our summer break is almost here.  We are truly happiest in each others' company.  We are making an effort to simplify our lives, and there is much fun to be had around a small fire--especially when there is chocolate involved!Every once in a while, I do hand the camera over to Tim and let him take a few pictures.  But, really, can you tell why it isn't very often?  ;)

Adventures with Daddy

Annie and Emma wanted to see what it is like under the house today, so Tim took them on a little adventure.  Annie said it was "so cool!"  

Church after-school program

KIC had their end of the year bash a couple of weeks ago.  They sang songs, and we had a meal.  It is hard to believe that next year Emma will be big enough to participate too.

Field Trip!!!

Emma had a field trip week before last to Chaney's Dairy Barn and then to a park not too far away.  She had a blast, as she always does, but even more so because her Daddy accompanied her.  He was supposed to leave that day to go the the state A.D. conference.  They were having a golf tournament and some time to just relax.  Instead he decided to go with Emma.  He is a wonderful daddy along with being a wonderful A.D.  While he did not win the A.D. award, he wins best Daddy award as far as I'm concerned.  He always puts others before himself, and the A.D. who introduced him (and nominated him as well) mentioned this in his introduction.  

Emma has such fun with her class.  She may not talk to her friends, but that doesn't stop her from running, laughing and having lots of fun.  The fact that she doesn't talk to her friends seems to be a non-issue for them, and she communicates very well nonverbally. But I'll post more about that later.  I'm planning on an end-of-school update soon. 

While on the field trip, they took a hay ride, learned about cows and where milk comes from, got to pet a cow and calf, had lunch, ice cream, and went to play at the park. It was a fun day, and Emma was exhausted later.  She slept very well that night!

Basketball Banquet

The girls' basketball team had their banquet a couple of weeks ago.  It was particularly special considering the great success they had this year.  The fact that my children were able to participate in the state finals with them in such a memorable way still amazes me.  I never blogged about that experience, but it was just a wonderful thing for Annie and Emma.  Coach Lindsey further recognized them at the banquet and gave each of them a plaque that has their names, a team picture, which they are a part of, and a list of the team successes.  They stood at the front with Hallie Anna as Coach Lindsey talked about the important role of water girls.  He told the story of our game at WEHS where they provided only 12 cups, so Annie went to the rest room and washed them before reusing them so that no one would get sick.  I love that Emma and Hallie Anna are holding hands in the picture!

Animal Fair

Friday was the annual FFA animal fair held at the high school.  Annie and Emma were each bussed over for a visit.  At one point all four of us were out there together--shivering as we looked at the various animals.  Yes, shivering.  It was quite cold. I brought a jacket down to Annie, and she was so grateful.  We have two days of school left, and it has still been cold enough to need jackets and the heat in the car.  Brrr.  We are ready for warm weather, sunshine, and summer!

The jacket helped, but it was still chilly!

Emma Kate

I Just had to share Emma's outfit of choice for school this morning.  (Notice the sleeveless shirt.)  She also wore a low ponytail and with this scarf/headband thing on.  And I still don't know why my pictures show up sideways.  Ugh.