Who Needs Holiday World Anyway?

Sprinkler fun with the clothes on-- just like Holiday World!

Here we have the "Pool Plunge"!

Again, with clothes like some of the rides at HW.

Check this out!

Can you believe it? She's our little dare devil.

Memorial Day

Every year David has went to the cemetary to clean up his dad's stone.

This year he took along his little helpers.

They were very eager and willing to do the job.

They did a great job. And was eager to place their flowers there for Grandpa.

We miss you Grandpa!

John Robert Rafferty

1926-1988

First Wedding

Last Saturday the girls and I went to my cousins wedding. It was the first for them. They were very excited. You see, they have watched the skunks get married on "Little Bear" (a cartoon) many times. Every time we go down the flower aisle at Wa*mart Molly grabs a bouquet of flowers and hums "dum-dum-dadum" as she steps off sown the aisle. What a hoot! Anyway, they were excited until I told them they would have to be quite during the service, just like being at church. They didn't like that idea too well.

When we got there Conner was saving a seat by him. He is my cousin Linda's boy. Isn't he cute in his little suit? He is just finishing kindergarten. They had a great time together.

Here is a photo of some of my family.
Top- Matt (cousin), Brenda (bride), & Greg (cousin & groom)
Seated- Betty & Eddie (aunts & mom's sisters) & Judy (my mom)



We had a nice day. I got to spend some time with family I don't see too often. I hadn't seen Matt & Greg in nearly 15 years. The wedding was very nicely arranged and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

Thankful Thursday

Dear Lord, you give me another day of life, a treasure that I too often ignore. Give me the strength to acknowledge you infinite generosity and goodness. Show me the way this day to express my gratitude for all you have given me. Help me share this bounty with those in need. Amen.

(Living Faith-Daily Devotional)

We are so blessed with things. Big things, little things even things we aren't aware of. The big one is life. We only have this one shot at getting it right. Are you sharing the bounties of life? With friends and family? What about your neighbors, co workers or the stranger on the street? I ask God every day for guidance, to be a better person. I strive each day to do better than the day before. I challenge you to do the same.

First Dip

While the kids were at school today I got their pool put. I only put a little water in it because I thought it would be too cold for them to get in. They were so excited when they saw it when they got home.

I couldn't hardly get lunch fixed for them wanting the suits on. So soon after noon they were getting wet!

They decided pretty quick there wasn't enough water. So we filled it up.

Then at 3:00 we took a ice cream break. I went inside to clean up the kitchen. This is what I found when I went back out..................

SKINNY DIPPERS!!!!!!!!!

(I wonder what the neighbors thought)

Then they decided to make a mud hole. It has been a beautiful day. The girls played out doors all afternoon. They should sleep well. :)

(scroll down and pause the music)

Thankful Thursday

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!

I am thankful for all those who gave fabric squares and wishes for Molly & Lindy's OHGW quilts. We received squares from lots of family and friends. But also from people, like me, who are making the same kind of quilt. It is neat having fabric from all over the world.

I am also thankful for all of you who read this blog. I really like doing it. I especially like hearing from you via comments. Please let us know you are were here.


I am thankful that this first year of preschool is almost over! I will admit that this momma is ready to be lazy in the mornings. I also enjoy having my girls home with me.



I am so very thankful for my hard working husband. He has been putting in long hours at work. He never complains, even when Molly & Lindy wake him up. He is the best Daddy ever and a great provider.


And lastly I am thankful for the upcoming holiday. Memorial Day is when we honor those who have went before us. We plan taking the girls to "visit" their grandpa (David's dad) & to show them photos of him. The girls may not have met him, but we plan to make sure they know of him.

Going's On

Not much going on around here. The girls have not had school for two days. (only children going to kindergarten was going) So they have gotten to stay up later. Molly has a hard time going to bed when it is still light out. I have a full weekend coming up. We have a graduation and a wedding to go to, plus I have several cakes lined up. Have you ever checked out my cake blog? Click here.

I have Lindy's "One Hundred Wishes" quilt top complete. Molly's is started. They both had a great time "helping" me with the squares. They would choose two and I would sew them. I have choose the backing and will start on them soon. They are going to be awesome.

We had peanut butter cookies. But this time they smashed them with a fork. "really cool mom"

Jumping on the trampoline results in black feet. So.....

we are sponging off in the sink. I think the girls like this better than a real bath.

And I received my package of quilt blocks this week. I joined a block swap. I made nine orange blocks and nine yellow blocks (they are on the right). I sent them to the organizer and she distributed out all the other colors. So I received one of every color and style. I can't wait to make a top.

Pretty Pricesses

Birthday Boy

My nephew, Colin, the teenager!!

Family pizza party at one of our favorite places.

It was good.

Then back to the house for presents and dessert.

And Lindy trying to make friends with my sisters little dog, Arrow. Maybe, she is becoming a dog lover after all.

Happy Birthday Colin!

Good Bye Spot

This photo was from a few posts ago. It was taken on Mother's Day. To bring everyone up to date I have to tell you that Lindy is very afraid of animals and especially dogs. And Spot, my parents little dog, was no exception. But with each visit to Mamaw & Papaw'a Lindy was getting braver.

Molly & Lindy really liked giving Spot treats when they are there. Spot loved this because they would "treat" him bone after bone! We would have to put them out of reach most of the time. So on this day we were surprised to see Lindy hand feed Spot his bone. I snapped this photo as I am very proud of her.

The very next day we got the news that Spot had been taken to the vet. My dad found him by the house. He had been attacked by another animal. He was in bad shape. He did make it through surgery and was even feeling better on Tuesday. But his injuries were too server and he died Wednesday morning. My parents buried him next to the field on their property.

I explained it to the girls as best I could. They really did not understand so I took them down there to see where he was buried.

We took flowers and a "Spot like" figurine for his grave.

They had some questions. Like... "where's Spot" and "why did you (papaw) put Spot in the ground". They also worried he would be hungry without his treats. The more we talked about it the better they understood. They are still praying for him every night.

They will miss him and so will we.

Thankful Thursday

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

Thankful Thursday once again. The weeks fly by. It has been a wonderful week. The weather is pleasant, even though we have had rain almost every day. We have yet to turn on the air conditioner and I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for graduations. Our nephew, Ross, graduated from college this week. He is seeking employment in law enforcement. This should be a great field for him as he has many years experience with his duties in the National Guard. We are praying he finds something soon.

Also another nephew, Luke, is graduating from High School. He plans to go to the Jr college here in town and study agriculture. His family business is farming, so he will continue that for his future. We am very proud of them.

I am thankful for our new refrigerate. Our old one finally quit us a few weeks ago. I am thankful the Lord provided the funds just when we needed them most.

I am thankful for ceiling fans. They help keep the house cool.

I am thankful that my children got to know my parents dog before he died. (more on this later). Spot helped the girls in overcoming their fear of dogs. They have a long way to go, but he sure helped. We will miss him.

Family

Our niece, Tricia, before her 8th grade dance. Isn't she beautiful.

Molly & Lindy posing with Tricia.


Pretty girls.

Molly & Lindy with their cousin Ashley (Tricia's sister).

This & That

Had to post this one!

I found them "washing their boots" one day.

Drumroll....... Lindy is feeding Spot (mamaw & papaw's dog)!
This is a big step for her.

Another skating party. Here they are with the birthday girl, Erica.

Lindy's frist real braids! She was so proud of them.

Popcycle anyone?

Trampoline fun. They loved seeing how high the seedlings would bounce.

Molly, future hairdresser!

Mother's Day

What does Mother's Day mean to you? Year after year I enjoyed the day with my mom thinking to myself that I would never celebrate it as a "mom". Briefly in 1998, I found myself pregnant, only to miscarry on Father's Day that year. It was a tough summer for us that year. But God knew His plans for us back then. And that plan included us being parents for two little Chinese orphans. No, I did not become a mom like most, but NOW I am a MOM! And I have to say, there is nothing better in this life! Oh, don't get me wrong, I love being a daughter, wife & friend. But being a mother is the most rewarding gift God has ever given me.

So, Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and grandmothers out there. And to all the ladies who long to be a mom. Because I know that in your heart you are a mother!

And I also want to say "Happy Mother's Day" to Molly & Lindy. I know this sounds funny. But this day is also special to them because they have a mom now.

And a Grandma!

So, today I'm thanking God for His blessing He has given me. My children needed a mom, but I needed them more!

I love you girls!