Free

The best things in life

are things freely given...

My boys gathered sunflowers and leftover wheat stalks.

They know the way to this Mommy's heart!

6 months

We simply cannot believe that we are halfway through
our first year with James.    Where has the time gone? 

I try, everyday,  to really look at James (and now, even more,  the rest of my boys, for they are growing and changing, too, though it's just not quite as obvious!)   Even with this concious effort,  I know I must be an official mom now....I keep saying over and over the mantra of moms and grandmas everywhere...they grow up so fast!   Sometimes there is an ache when I stare into this little guy's eyes....will I remember?  Will I remember this summer of joys?   His smiles and coos?   The way we all crowd around,  trying to make him giggle?

Am I doing every thing I can to live,  truly live? 

Or am I stuck on the hamster wheel of mommy work, 

which we all know never ends anyway? 

What do you think?  Is it possible to live without regrets?

Or are regrets just a part of what it means to parent in this world of mistakes?

Grandpa Dirt

My dad has a nickname, courtesy of the lil' rascal in the red shirt:

he calls him 'Dranpa Dirt.

(aka Grampa Curt)

Somehow,  my ornery children have picked up on it,

even though they are old enough to know better!!

Here he is,  the birthday boy,  with all his grandkids. 

Back row: Briscoe 18 mos,  Madison 2 1/2,  Grandpa, Braden

Ian, Cameron 2 1/2, James,  Nathan,  Brogan 3 1/2, Blake, 2 1/2

Aunt Abigail

My sister, Abigail,  has been such a blessing in my life

and the lives of my children.

She has been more of a playmate to them

than an Aunt...but all the sudden, she's grown up!

A baby in one arm, a puppy in the other...

sweet!

Fair Time

 Our county fair is so small town,  so rural,  so po-dunk.

But we love it.

This was the first year that we entered the
"Veggie Character" Contest.

We had so much fun being creative with what we had...

Braden's guy ended up with quite the scowl...
and his purple sheen was so handsome!

Ian's Potato Snowman had a zucchini head,  and peas for buttons. 

(Later we added purple beans for arms).

James enjoyed the fair....he just loves to be outside,
anytime!

The food....always overpriced,  always delicious!!

Here's the highlight....the hair,  the moustache...the quirky personality...

and I'm still talking about the veggie dude! 

I do think he reflects quite well on his creator,  though,

don't you?

I entered quite a few garden vegetables and some flowers,

earning $23 in winnings.   I am trying to decide what to spend it on:

clothes shopping or a hydrangea bush for our front step.

Can you guess which way I'm leaning??

The Big Half

Braden spent his half birthday at work with Daddy,

so the rest of us snuck in some quick secret shopping.

Nathan bought him a Battleship game,

Ian chose some yogurt-covered pretzels,

and from Mommy and Daddy he got a clip light for reading in bed.

***

I am just bewildered how he's grown.

He has really become a young man,

quick to help,  quick to smile and laugh.