At the Beach!

Alaina and I went to the beach today with two of the other moms in the building.  I had a great time watching the other kids play, and Alaina -surprise- slept! I had a hat on her for a while even though we were under a big umbrella, but as you can see, it was a bit large:)

 

Guess What!?

I signed up for another 10k today. It is the "Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo" on September 7th. My goals this time are (1) to finish (2) to beat my time from the May run!

Happy first month Alaina!

Alaina turns one month old!

Today Alaina had a big day.  Pete, Alaina, and I had brunch with our friend Herm to start our very special day.  Then, Pete gave her a bath and changed her into a new dress for church.  It was a blessing to be able to take her to her first worship service one month after we were so blessed with her!  

Thinking of you all!  Can't wait for Labor Day!!!

Emily Ann

Mama Mia!

Tonight my friend Deedee and I went to see Mama Mia! It was a great movie! I recommend it for its great music, fun cast of actors, and beautiful Grecian scenery! Have you seen it too?

Alaina meets Great Gram and Poppy

Alaina met my grandparents last weekend. We were so glad they were able to come up and visit. We can't wait for Labor Day when we'll be able to visit with the family in Ishpeming!!!

Taking Matters Into My Own Hands

Yesterday was the start of the summer heat wave in Detroit. Ugghh - I'm not a hot weather lover - but at least I don't have to work - so I manage to find places to cool off. The window air conditioners have been working well this year - but really - today was HOT! So Carrie and I decided to go to the Red Oaks Wave Pool. I love going on the Lazy river - round and round - I could go forever.

We decided to go in the afternoon and looked up the prices of the tickets: $16 a person. If we waited until 4pm they were half price: $8 a person. Afternoon it would have to be. We drove over just after 4pm and behold there was a line out the door - it was long . . . really long - and it wasn't moving - they were at capacity! What were we going to do? Well - it was time to take matters into my own hands. I drove to Meijer Thrifty Acres and bought myself a good ol' kiddie pool. Our next door neighbor Chuck hooked up his 150 psi air compressor and pumped that baby up!

We filled it up with the hose - and AHHHhhhh refreshment! All for the price of $23.99 plus water! What a deal - who needs the water park anyway?!

A Sweets Invasion

We have been experimenting with different sweeteners at my house. I am growing a plant called Stevia. It is an herb that has leaves that are 1000x sweeter than sugar. I am going to dry the leaves and crush them into powder. It's great for coffee, tea, and most beverages that require sugar. I am going to look for some recipes that use it too. Ohh - and it hardly has a calorie in it.

I also picked up some Blue Agave Sweetener from Trader Joes. MMMmmmm. It's a lot like honey but it doesn't cause a spike in a person's glycemic index. In other words, unlike other sweets, it doesn't make you more hungry.













the only problem is . . . well the recent ant invasion that I have had. Every day I am greeted by hundreds of tiny ants. I need new ant traps. Apparently they love Agave Nectar too.

Spending Time On the Cart!

Hi Everyone

Paul and I have been enjoying the summer and driving around Peachtree City with our cart. These are a few of the places we like to visit. Paul reads the paper and I paint or draw or knit. We usually take a pinic lunch and enjoy the ride. So here are some of my watercolors and pictures of sites.

Matthew 6:28 - 34

And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith! Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Alaina's first 4th

My parents, sister, and her boyfriend came to visit for the fourth of July.  We had a BBQ at my aunt's house and went to the Taste of Chicago.  Everyone had a great time spending time with Alaina- she looked adorable as usual.  

Happy Birthday Linda!

Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday dear Linda - Happy Birthday to you! I hope you have a wonderful day. I am so glad that God made you exactly the way He did! May your year be filled with unexpected joy - and experiences beyond your imagination!

Mom & Me Time

As you can see here, Emily Ann and Alaina have tons of fun together. Alaina loves to do her exercises everyday. Emily is a such a natural at taking care of Alaina. You can hear the joy in her voice!