My Helpers

It did not take me long in this new season we are in to figure out how very, very capable my trio is!

Between lots of time at home and every one else at work, I realized that it was time to train up the youngest three to be my BIG helpers.

It really was no surprise to me how much Tate and Eliza would love helping with more important things – like cooking and baking.

Lane loved to learn to cook and bake a few years ago when I taught him too!

I watched the two little ones closely with a sharp knife a couple of times and then set them loose!

They literally can make meals now at eight years old!

They are great at making snack food too.

And helping with clean up, of course!

Tate made this banana cake almost completely by himself one afternoon, and then we had it for bed time snack!

Not only are Lane, Tate, and Eliza helpful in the kitchen – but they help with every thing.

Mowing, gardening, cleaning, organizing, putting away grocery….they are an awesome crew!

It has been such a blessing training up these three!

Trusting them with more responsibility has built such confidence in them!

I am SO thankful for their help and for how much fun we have working together!!

We are embracing these days of me and my trio – and enjoying them!

Here’s to many more, Lord willing!!

The Grands

I have some precious photos for you!

Photos of our grand babies!

Lane told me recently I cannot call them the grand babies much longer.

Clyde and Ellie will be FIVE this fall!

They are still SO precious, adorable, fun, smiley, enthusiastic, and MY GRAND BABIES!!

I will let you see for yourself!

They are literally the love of our lives!

Their parents are too, of course!

They are growing up fast – and I am hanging on tight!

The new grand baby will be here before we know it!

We should find out the gender in ONE WEEK!

Any guesses?

We are SO excited!

Stay tuned to hear the news!

I LOVE YOU, MY SWEET GRAND BABIES!!

NaiNai is so thankful for each one of you!!

June Stuff

I have a few more memories from June to keep!

The memories that I love – those random moments throughout the day – those moments that fill our days!

Fridays are all about cleaning our home, getting grocery and DATE NIGHT!

Traditions are important, you all.

I am the grocery runner these days, and I go very early in the morning.

This particular day, the lady in line in front of me told me my cart was a work of art, ha, ha!

When you can only push one, you get resourceful!

Sometimes date night involves errands, sometimes it is just all about coffee and ice cream!

Chad got his first car at the end of June!

A 2005 Chevrolet Equinox.

I know that because I asked so I could tell you.

We have named his car Larry.

The front of our home looks like a used car lot now!

This photo will always remind that my children like to spend time with me, and that we have two dogs who need to be taught not to beg.

I caught the mowing and weed eating crew cooling off after that big job one night!

The pool is still a HIT – especially for the youngest three and I, as we are home a lot and are super glad for something to do that has us outside and exercising a bit!

We love Chunky Monkey smoothies.

And I love this kiddos freckles!

And eye lashes!

And smile!

Blake worked from home for a few days in June and I could get used to that SUPER DUPER quick.

It was wonderful!!

This was at the end of his day – snack break with the swimmers.

Even though we are home so much these days, there is still a need for rest sometimes!

Even furry puppies need a daily nap!

Surprise!

We still eat!

Which I am sure you already knew, based on the fullness of that grocery cart above and all.

All this beautiful kale from our garden makes yummy things!!

Another surprise!

We still love to play games.

It’s actually a great way to stay connected to each other!

We still love books too!!

We have found a few things to watch here and there, but the list of ok things to watch ran out very quick.

I sprinkled some school days throughout June, and it was good to do so!

It filled the day with purpose, and they love school, so why not?!

We had Tate wear a mask one day during school to practice for an upcoming doctor’s appointment.

Chores happen every day – winter, spring, summer and fall!

It was me and my trio most days (and still is) and we are working hard to settle in to this new season!

June, you are a distant memory already (how is it August?!), but I am so thankful to have your memories kept here!

These days are sweet!

A wonderful season of life!

It is busy!

But I know I will miss it SO much someday, so I am holding on TIGHT!!

Happy NINTH Birthday, Tater Tot!!

Our Tate turned nine years old on Monday, August 3rd!!

We celebrated his birthday on Sunday evening with our favorite people!

Tate chose fish tacos for dinner – a GREAT choice!

*I used my “big” camera for these photos, and it is not working well! The coloring and lighting is terrible! I am glad to have these memories anyway.

After we all ate that amazing meal, it was time for gifts!

Lane told me his favorite thing is choosing, wrapping, and giving his siblings a birthday gift!

I agree!!

They jumped right in to playing four person chess!!

A gift that was a HIT!

Addie Mae made an amazing cake and I added some homemade vanilla chocolate chip ice cream to the menu!

Tate was so excited about his cake and ice cream, but honestly he does not like sweets!

He only ate about one third of his dessert before he asked “Mom, can I be full?”

TOO CUTE.

Mr. Tate, we could not be happier that you were born!!

We are SO thankful we get to celebrate you!!

As we waited to get you home from China, we imagined days like this one!!

Happy, happy ninth birthday, Tater B!!!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!