Flashback Friday

Remembering with Hope.

Visiting Amish Country

Summer 2010



Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

Celebrating the ordinary and extraordinary with Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Pretty

Summer blooms in the garden.

The oak leaf hydrangea reminds me of a bridal bouquet.

Last summer my hydrangeas did not bloom at all but this summer was amazing. 
The blooms are purple and blue.

Happy

After teaching our first five children to read,

I was struggling to set aside time to teach our Gracie girl to read.

She's learning to read and Daddy is teaching her!
It is beautiful and precious to see the two of them together.

 

Funny

The little boys have been enjoying bike rides with Daddy.
One of them usually falls asleep.

Real

If you take little people to the store in the evening, they might fall asleep on the drive home.  You might tuck them in bed and they probably will miss dinner. Which means they might wake up in the wee hours hungry and alert!

Photo taken in dark kitchen of oven clock.

Yes, 2:13 am.

After eating half a bagel, they will fall asleep on the nearest piece of soft furniture.

Or play until one very tired Mama or Daddy carries you upstairs.



Spending Time with Children is Beneficial to Moms

A recent study from Kansas State University shows that single moms actual reduce stress by spending time with their children.  After hearing this, I immediately felt this is true for all moms.  When we're overwhelmed or tired, we are tempted to avoid interaction with our children.  It seems togetherness has long-term benefits for mother and child.

Being engaged and present to our children is a challenge that brings peace and joy.

God give me strength and grace to answer this call!

Stand Up

Our family enjoys Veggie Tales.  They are goofy, fun and full of Truth! 

In this Fortnight for Freedom this song comes to mind. 

It's catchy and inspiring for all of us.

I remember stand (Stand up, stand up)
For what you believe in, believe in,
Believe in God (He's the one to back you up)
We'll stand with you!

I love the idea of watching some of these films with my husband and oldest children to be inspired and challenged to stand up for what we believe in!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Seaside

We just got back from our biennial extended-family beach vacation.

We had a blast playing with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandma and grandpa.

Although the weather wasn't as warm as we would have liked,
we managed to make some wonderful memories.

Here's a glimpse of our time by the sea.

Friday Funny - Keeping It Real

Teenagers are wonderful.  They're funny and they keep you humble.

The other day I had a couple of hours with no baby or little people so I was able to play a bored board game with my two oldest sons.  Taboo was the game of choice.  I was giving clues for the word, HANDWRITING.  My hint went something like this, "Mine is not so great but Dad's is worse off." 

My 16 year old son shouts, "Stomach!"

Ouch!  But it has been motivating to exercise!

Flashback Friday

Remembering with Hope.



Father's Day

June, 2010



Wordless Wednesday

Sprucing up the Porch

This spring we decided our swing needed some fresh color. 

Grace and J.P. were happy to help give it a good scrub.

We chose a soft yellow spray paint to give things a splash of color.

Ed and Dominic had it done and hanging in short order.

These were the old pillows that have some yellow stripes!

Next came planters for the front porch. 

We decided on some large terra cotta ones we could paint the same color as the swing. 

This proved to be more affordable than the colored pots we found at the store.

They turned out great and make me smile each time I see them.

Next we took a look at the back deck and lack of planters.  It is a large space so I thought a small cluster of containers would be manageable for watering and upkeep.  The previous home owners had left a large black cauldron pot and we had a couple old ones from our previous home. 

Sooooo....more yellow paint and voila!  I love them!

Thank you Dominic!

Flashback Friday

Remembering with Hope.

June, 2010

Beach Vacation

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

 

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

 

~pretty~

We celebrated Dan's high school graduation this past weekend.

This clothesline on the kitchen wall was a fast and easy way to display Dan's pictures through the years. 

We'll be using it to display artwork.

This photo collage took all week to complete.

I cried every time we sorted the piles!

 

~happy~

He received some fun spirit wear and a cozy fleece blanket in Benedictine's colors.

 

~funny~

Michael is in charge of the bird feeders.  He faithfully keeps them filled.  This week a couple of visitors have been raiding all the suet and sunflower seeds in a matter of minutes.  We tried banging and clapping to scare the squirrels away to no avail.  He is patiently spending time each day hoping to scare them with his BB gun.  This boy means business; squirrels beware!

 

~real~

Keeping the baby happy and safe!

Little Chris is on the move now and needs constant watching. 

Daddy has been carrying him in the backpack for chores.