The View - 100610

We are SO blessed...to wake every day to THIS view:

Mattie

Mattie - My kitty

Random Silliness

This series of pictures were taken last Sunday evening.  They are blurry and very poor quality because of all the movement, but they make me smile.  I can't even remember what they were doing or why.  Will someone remind me?  

 

I love that Joel is supporting Becca's head!  

I feel I should also mention that on the floor, chairs, end table, and window sill you will see hundreds of wads of paper.  I was throwing them at Jon in an effort to get him to smile.  Sadly I was unsuccessful! The next morning when I opened my purse there they were...all of the wads of Kleenex.  I threw my head back and laughed and laughed.  Then later at lunch I realized he had put them in the front pockets of my purse as well.  *smile*  I love that kid!  J.

Surprise!!!

Following what was quite possibly the worst day at work I may have had since I took this particular job, and 10 minutes late, as a result of everyone's lack of cooperation, I entered Grandma Bea's house for Needle & Craft night to see Esther, and then Daphne, and just at that moment my friend Barb yelled "SURPRISE!  It's a surprise Grandma shower!!!"  I scanned the room in disbelief.  Totally caught unaware, stunned and confused..."Really?!?" I burst into shocked and amazed tears of joy!  There was a cake that said "Grandma Jeanne!" It was one of those slow motion foggy moments where it takes time for things to become clear and for understanding to descend upon you.  Sobs, exclamations, and more sobs.  Overwhelmed doesn't quite cover it.  Moved beyond words, I literally cried for 1/2 an hour.  

The gifts were amazing:  books, diapers, wipes, a sun shade, a hand made sock monkey, baby food bowls, bibs that had sayings on them like "Grandma's girl" or "Grandma let's me," adorable outfits, an apron for Eva to wear as we bake together in a few years, baby booties, adorable outfits etc.  Each gift came with a card that had the most welcoming, precious words.  It was as if I was being initiated into the club...the Grandma club.  

Surrounded by such love, and friendship...it just means so much to me.  Most of the women in attendance I've known my entire life.  They've watched me grow up, and in turn I've watched them grow older.  They are my friends, my dear sweet friends.  I love them deeply, and am so thankful for having them in my life.  They inspire and encourage me. 

 

Such joy!  Such friendship! Such love!  Thank you Lord!  J.

Family Camp - September 10-12

Our Church family went to Ft. Ebey on Whidbey Island.  I have never been to such a beautiful campsite!  We were right on the bluff overlooking the water.  We had such a great relaxing weekend!  Check out the pics below:

From our Campsite it seemed as if we were peeking straight into heaven.  The view was breathtaking! 

Taken by Esther

On Saturday we hung out, played cards, laughed, wrestled, ate great food, and enjoyed just being together. 

Joel

 

Sunday after morning worship everyone else quickly packed up and took off.  We decided to stick around and well what do WE do when left to our own devices, with no set schedule??  Have a photo shoot of course!!!  These are the result...taken by Hannah on the tripod using a timer...you can see we were having fun!

I LOVE THIS!!!

We packed up and headed to the gun battery where we had a picnic lunch.  What beautiful fun!  

The sweetness of family!

Jon and my new favorite chips - Costco!

The perfect weekend!

Women's Retreat - August 27-29

Just wanted to share a couple of pics from our August Women's retreat.  We had such a good time enjoying each other's company, studying the Word together, walking the beach, eating yummy food, listening to each other snore, laughing, riding on the church bus which is an experience let me assure you, bearing each other's burdens, talking, praying, roasting marshmallows, taking care of the "Mama's."  Great memories!  I love my girls!

Catch up Weekend!

It's been a push of a week, well actually month, well now that I think about it...we've been pushing all summer.  It's now October, and things are going to quiet down...right?  I'm hoping so. 

Today is going to be catch up day.  I thought I was going to work...but there is a problem logging in from home...and I am NOT going down to work if I can help it.  This means I am going to run through the weekend trying to accomplish everything I am behind on.  Good plan!

A:  Finally post all the blogs I've been working on!
B:  Finish the thank you notes for the Surprise Shower...to be blogged about soon
C:  Have prints made for a # of pictures
D:  Laundry
E:  Update and organize our schedules
F:  Pay bills
G:  Organize and purge our closet
H:  Plan meals for the next two weeks
I:   Make Pumpkin Ring
J:   Finish Sweater
K:  Clean the carpet
L:  Sweep the front porch
M:  Welcome my new kitty
N:  and a million other things that will come to me as the weekend unfolds. 

Have a great weekend!  J.