The last little while...

My kitchen table has been home to my sewing machine.  What?  I know, I know.  It's sew not me.  But I've successfully learned to thread my machine and bobbin without using the manual.  That's some major progress.  I joined a little Quiet Book Exchange group with friends this summer and I'm hoping that my pages are up to par!

Sam was completely intrigued with my sewing machine.  He decided to take on a little project himself and was determined to make some stuffed animals.  He worked hard drawing up his patterns, cutting them out, and sewing them up.

And here they are...a purple giraffe and a blue killer whale (not a purple dinosaur or blue shark!  Careful.)

And while the sewing is not really me...this picture actually is.  It's so me, and my big belly.  My swollen feet have disappeared from my view.  Only 5 more weeks.  

 This little man is now over 38 inches tall.  What's significant about that? 

Well, it meant he was big enough to ride on this at the zoo...

He absolutely loved it and went 3 times with his dad.  

Sam is a thrill seeker too and rode the coaster 3 times as well...and because I'm not in roller coaster shape at the moment and both boys needed an adult to ride with meant that Eric went 6 times in a row.  What a good dad.  

We went on a last minute road trip to Nashville...Nashville, Indiana.  It was beautiful, quaint, and home to more ice cream shops than I've ever seen.  We loved the hills, mining for gold, and of course the homemade ice cream we devoured. 

Max tried this out for a couple of days.  

Then his big pregnant mom decided she didn't have the energy to potty train at the moment.
He'll get it down before high school, so I'm not too worried.

We enjoyed an evening of good old night games with friends.  The boys learned to play Red Rover, a must for kids in the summer.  

Despite the record setting heat and our air conditioning woes, our life the last little while has been great!  We are happy, healthy, and anxiously awaiting the fun changes that the next few months will bring!

Grandma Verda

Have you ever been around a person who just makes you want to be better?  Someone who always builds you up?  Someone who is always thinking of others?  

I have and it's wonderful.

My Grandma Verda was just that person for me, and countless others, too.

  She passed away yesterday and my mind has been going ever since; recalling memories baking at her house with cousins, playing card games around her kitchen table, looking out at graduations and recitals and always seeing her there to support me.  It's so hard to sit here and put into words the amazing woman that she was and the incredible life that she led.  My words and thoughts just don't do her justice.

Grandma Verda always made you feel like you were her favorite.  She'd always ask about school or church and could remember what I was involved in or had going on.  Even during those tough, not so pretty junior high school years, that were full of braces and pimples, I could always count on Grandma for a compliment on how beautiful I was.  That made my day, so many times.  

She was the best calendar-keeper to ever grace the earth, and remembered everyone's birthdays and anniversaries.  Thoughtful cards were always sent in the mail, and seemed to arrive right on time.  How did she do that?

Grandma was nearly a professional emailer, and was known for sending countless forwards to all of her grandchildren almost daily.  I'll miss those emails.  I'm serious.

Grandma Verda was fun and could always push aside other things to be with family. She made her home an inviting, warm place; and she could always miraculously whip up some delicious meal no matter what time of day it was.  

Grandma was always up for a game of cards, or a chance to make homemade nut rolls or cherry chocolates.    She was always sharing with neighbors or taking dinner to someone who was sick.  Her energy seemed endless.

I know she loved me, and I only hope she knows how much I love her.  My heart aches to think that she's gone for now. I can hardly imagine going to Utah and not going for a visit to Grandma's house.  

But because of her I want to resolve to be better; to be a more thoughtful friend, daughter, mother and wife.  I want to look at life, even the challenges I face, in a more positive way.  I want to be like Verda Cloe. 

I love you, Grandma.
"Always and Forever"

 

Go Speed Racer

Boys are full of energy.  Am I right?

It seems that one of my most important jobs as a mother of boys is to be on the constant search for ways to wear them out.  Sometimes this requires lots of creativity, but other times you're blessed with something that just falls into your lap and works perfectly to tire out your wild children. 

And this weekend a free Saturday morning 1-mile race, including medals for all participants, was the perfect energy-expending activity for my little boys. 

  

Before the race even begun the boys warmed up with friends and probably ran over a mile before we even walked to the starting line.

Both boys did great.  Sam ran with Eric the entire time.  He was determined to win and actually ran the mile in 8 minutes 35 seconds.  I think that's pretty great for an almost 5 year old.  He was totally exhausted, too.  

Max moved his little legs as fast as he could and made it almost half way before jumping in the stroller and telling me to push him 'faster and faster!'

What a fun morning with friends.

And the medals...well, there couldn't have been a better reward for Sam and Max.

Some Fourth of July Favorites

S'mores.

These were consumed all weekend long.  Even around midnight with the help of the microwave.  We just couldn't get enough!

  

 

Fireworks.

We did a few of our own...

and then we sat back and enjoyed the best firework show ever (again) this year.  The Enz Firework Spectacular is quickly becoming one of our favorite Indiana traditions.  Friends, bonfire, s'mores, music....we love it!

Home.

Being home together for the weekend just felt good.

We had Eric home both Saturday and Sunday!

Adventure.

Eric had to work on the 4th and we couldn't just sit home and let the day drag by; so we ventured downtown for some exploring. We hit up the Eiteljorg Museum, found a great picnic spot, and walked the canal, which is my favorite downtown Indy spot.

Also, if you can look past the boys' squinty eyes please notice their accessories.  Sam's t-ball medal (worn everywhere these days) and Max's Delta wings pin.  These guys are characters. 

BBQ.

Our weekend ended with a fun bbq and swimming get together with friends.  I love holiday weekends!