my absolute favorite!!!!

 No one believes me anymore when I say something like, this is the best cake I've ever!  They say I say that every time, which is not true.  Not EVERY time, anyway.  I just appreciate things!  So, I have a lot of favorites!

Summertime is my favorite.  I do love love love the promise of springtime, but here in New York, there is a lot of rain, and a lot of gloom, and a lot of chilly days in the spring time.  I will say this though, I often say a chilly rainy day is my favorite!

Summertime though...ahhh.  Bare feet.  The windows open, breezes blowing the white sheer curtains, birds singing.  Grilling!  (there is NOTHING like some grilled chicken!  Burgers?  yup.  Even a hot dog, on the grill, so good.). Watching the trees in the spring for those first baby green buds unfolding to newborn leaves, then having the whole world green!  The long days and late sunsets, ahhh.  

I love swimming and sunning too.  Sitting on the deck.  Going for ice cream.  Planning those camping trips.  A looser schedule.  I love it all.

My husband is one of my favorites, too, more so as the years go by.  By the grace of God, he's kind and funny and so patient with me.  So many things can rattle your cage, rock the boat, as you navigate through life, but he has chosen to answer to God in everything, so we have not had to experience anger or complaining from him...not because life is smooth sailing, either.   Oh, the cars the kids have totaled, the appliances alone:  I could write a book on all the appliance deaths we've experienced!  The septic pump, the pool pump, the flat tires, the water seeping into the basement...the teenage angst and drama, the sick babies, the broken bones, his parents being ill, and passing away, and losing his brother.  He has had his trials.  But instead of being hardened and embittered, he has become more flexible and gentle and thankful, and we work through things and enjoy life together.  I am truly truly blessed.  

My kids are my favorites too.  Each one of them.  They have no idea how thrilled my heart is when I see them.  I can't get enough of them.  I am so proud of all of them, I could brag all day :).  I especially love when they're all together.  I like hearing stories of when they were younger, I missed a lot! 

The grandkids are my favorite too.  They are SO precious, each one of them.  In no particular order, here are some of them:  Jamie, turned 3 in March...

Declan, turned four in April...

Ellis and Jamie (1 and 3)

Maeve, turns 3 in August...

Ruth and Rhys, cousins, Ruth will be five in August, Rhys just turned 5

Ophelia turned 6 in January

Blythe turns 3 in August

Baby Emilia, Jon and Rosi's little one

Lil Miss Kaia Jean, turns one in August...

Baby Samantha, born last December

Tennyson Paul, turns 6 in September

Ellis...

Our truck buying saga continues.  Paul hates negotiating, I don't mind as much.  I'd rather get a better deal.  He was willing to buy the truck with the jump seats and two doors, it's not much more for the bigger backseat, which has a much better resale value, plus is way more comfortable if anyone does have to ride back there.  The Nissan dealers are offering discounts right now, so we figured out the top of what we felt comfortable with, and sent in an offer.  We asked them to keep it simple, but they'll probably come back with a counter offer and a bunch of questions.  We just want a bottom line price.  There are several dealers around here with the same price range, same vehicles, but dang, we don't want to draw this out.  If they accept our offer, we'll go in and buy the truck.  If not, we might get the smaller version.   At this point, though, we've decided on new versus used, because trucks are SO expensive now!    It makes no sense to pay only like 3 k less for something a few years old!

Anyway.  Sunny Sunshine is going to the vet tomorrow, she is having some sensitive itchy skin, she might need a 'script.  She's so old and lumpy and tired, so sweet and silly and adorable.  It should be against the law for Labradors to get old and feeble.  They break our hearts.  She still wags and plays, but less....more naps now.   As for the puppy, well, we're not so sure about that, due to our lifestyle....we aren't home enough sometimes....

This fine morning, I had to be out the door bright and early for a dentist appointment for Miss Camille.  She went in all by herself, no need for me, she's 18.  I kept busy in the car by finding a Starbucks napkin and a half can of flat seltzer, poured a little on, and wiped down the dashboard...I got out of the car too and stretched and hopped from one foot to the other, don't want to just sit there and get all stiff and sore.

We went to the grocery store afterward, they had Coke products buy 2, get 6 free.  So 7 six packs for 19 bucks.  I know, it's not a "need", but a Coke Zero is one of my absolute favorites over ice with a splash of lime juice....we also got some Diet Snapples, some turkey breast lunch meat, some half price grass fed burger patties, butter (buy one get one free), eggs, and bacon, both of which were on sale.  

Home....ahh, home.  I changed into a sundress and sat on the deck for a bit with Char and Cam.  Then it started sprinkling, and into the house we went.  I found plenty to keep me busy, then the sun came back out.  

The girls are making dinner tonight, I think egg rolls?  Ground pork and raw cabbage?  I don't know.  I also have some burgers to grill....

Ah well.  I have nothing much more to say.  Our pool has not been fixed, yet here I am, against all odds:  still alive and well.  Life is busy, and expensive, so maybe we won't get it replaced this year.  

Don't feel too sorry for me though, have I mentioned that we are going to Norway this summer?  Yes, this very summer.  Paul and I, Char and Cam....Emily...Ben and Ashley and their 3 kids, Margaret and Adrian and their 3, Kathryn and Darius and their 4, Sonja and Oscar and baby Kaia, Jon and Rosi and baby Emilia...we're going for like ten days, to our church summer conference!   

Next week is our local summer conference, then we're having a big fourth of July celebration at Kathryn and Darius' place, then in August two more camping trips.  I do love summer.  

So, no complaints!  I do get to go to the rec center pool three times a week too.  I am very thankful for that.  

You all have a really good day!  

why, oh why, with ten daughters there? and the big reveal, ha.

 I did want to get a picture of my ten girls.  All daughters were there except for Abigail, who lives in Delaware.  I thought of a picture, but sometimes I don't want to put up with the protests:). 

There were some lovely daughter-in-laws there too, and lots of sweet friends, as well as Nate's mom and a few sister-in-laws.  

Emily with Blythe, Kathryn, Evelyn, Sonja, Margaret...

Kathryn, Evelyn, Sonja, Char

Mariel made the cakes, frosted them, then I decorated them.  Joannie made pink and chocolate cake pops, Margaret made carrot cake squares and heart cut out cookies.

We had a gluten free section with cookies and squares from Mariel.  There were all different syrups for the iced lattes and iced Americanos.

Sonja with Kaia, and Margaret.

I didn't get more pictures, oops.  But oh my goodness did we have a nice time!  Emily and Grace made sandwiches, and Ashley made fruit and yogurt parfaits.  

Evelyn was very blessed, so many cute baby outfits, and a high chair, a pack and play, a car seat, crib mattress....baby monitor, bottles, bibs, pacifiers, blankets...Suzanne made this:  

She also crocheted a sweater to match, with two headbands!  It is so lovely and intricate.

This is the big thing I've been working on!  

The Moses basket was given to Evelyn from our friend Linda...it was just the basket, and the two supports for the canopy...no fabric for a pattern, so it was a project...I don't love every detail of it, but I love the whimsy of it.  

We're knee deep in trying to figure out a truck.  Everything is so expensive these days, but we are narrowing it down.  We need something that can tow the camper:).   It's painful to spend so much, but we have reasoned and figured, and have decided on something just a few years old, instead of something really old, for many reasons...so I suggested we may as well enjoy it, and be happy about it!  

Anyway.  I went to the pool this fine morning, then vacuumed and did some laundry.  I  washed and packed  away the cupcake and cake stands.  (Yesterday I realized that if we are going to massively downsize, someone else will have to be The Keeper of the Cupcake Stands!)

I have had afternoon coffee, and have to think about dinner...it's a nice cool day, 64 degrees and partly sunny.  There is a lawn mower humming down the road, and birds are singing.  I have bare feet, just the way I like it.  

You all have a good day, enjoy the summer weather!

a pretty pink cake? let's see...

 

But first, some rainy day pictures!  It was absolutely downpouring yesterday afternoon!

It was so cozy in here though!  

I went to the store with Kathryn and Achilles, Rhys, Jamison, and Ellis.  I pushed a cart with Jamie and Rhys in it, and let them choose a few muffins.  I bought some whipped cream in a can, and let 3 year old Jamie hold it, he said it was his baby, and held it the whole way through the store...they didn't come in the house when they dropped me off, because it was SO hot and humid and Kathryn had stuff for the freezer and refrigerator...the kids were disappointed, but I had an idea:  I let them take the "new" roller coaster toy I had gotten at the garage sales the other day, it barely fit in their car, but we got it in...they left much happier.

This fine morning, after the pool, I headed down to the grocery store, the nice one, Wegmans, to get flowers for Sunday's baby shower.  I had a list of other things too, but oops, I accidentally turned right into Target, it was automatic.  Oh well, I decided since there was a parking spot right in the front, I may as well go in!  I only bought two t-bone steaks that were marked half off, and one small package of ground beef half off, along with a jar of salsa and a gallon of milk.

Next, the grocery store for carrots, celery, arugula, shredded cabbage, ground pork, a box of cereal, yogurt, and the flowers.

Home....ahh, home.  It's a 30+ minute drive, and I had a nice iced Americano to drink, so it was a pleasant drive.  I had to lug the bags in by myself, but I managed.  The flowers are in a big Home Depot bucket with some water, and the cold stuff is all put away.  I have butter softening on the counter to make the buttercream frosting for Rhys' birthday cake, which is all baked and in the freezer.  I figured I should get it done today, because tomorrow morning I am heading back to the small city to pick up the pastries for Sunday, and I also have to help frost/decorate the cake for the shower.  

I also have to get my photos out and find some of Evelyn...nothing like last minute!  So...I won't hit the publish button yet, I'll frost that birthday cake with you all!

Oh goodness, it's evening now!  I made chicken wings for dinner in the air fryer, and heated up a few slices of cauliflower crust pizza for me, the girls made a flatbread pizza.  I made the frosting...

Light pink in the big bowl, then some left white, some tinted green, and some a darker pink.

The cake was frozen, so I didn't do a crumb layer...

It's not perfect...

But Rhys will like it...and believe me, it is absolutely delicious...I know, because I sliced off the top of the top layer to make it flatter, and of course I had to taste it!  Char came in from work and had a bit and said it was yummy too.  Then the frosting is buttercream, so mmm.  

Okay, the cupcakes are just extra batter...the middle one is what, a strawberry?  ha.  I could have scraped it, but meh.  

The mini cupcakes for the shower...

The flowers...

I have everything cleaned up, just a few dishes to wash.  After I frosted the cake, Kathryn texted me and asked if I wanted to go for ice cream with them, and yes, I did.  You only live once, and it goes by quickly...plus, in the northern hemisphere, summer is so fleeting...and, today Rhys is five years old!!  They picked me up, and off we went...they ate their ice cream all up, and were so happy.  Achilles has another loose tooth, so he's busy wiggling it.  It was just a very enjoyable outing.

Home again, I frosted those cupcakes and cleaned up.  I am heading to the airport in a few hours to pick up Paul, finally!  

You all have a really nice evening!  

keeping busy!

 Yesterday I planned to stay home.  I really did.  But, Sonja and baby Kaia were going to Hobby Lobby with Miss Char and Miss Cam to get decorations for Evelyn's baby shower, and there was room for me, so off I went.  Wouldn't you?

The girls thought this sign was hilarious...Kaia was just having fun, she's so observant.  

Sonja, Char, Cam...

Kaia loved the stuffed animals.

I did behave myself in that store, didn't buy all the glittery junk I don't really need.

We did go to Target again, just quickly, they're reorganizing the store, so they didn't have everything I wanted.  My niece's little boy has had a few surgeries recently, so I wanted to get him a basket of goodies.  I decided to get some things for his little sister too, because sometimes it can be hard when your big brother is in the hospital, and also getting all the attention.  :). (It's not my story to tell, but prayers are always appreciated!!!!). 

I did find fresh chicken breast for $1.35 a pound, but that's about the only deal I found.  

Home...ahh home, but not for long.  I went to the end of the year activity club bonfire.  The kids roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and made s'mores.  I got to hold baby Samantha, and see all the kids...one of the little girls was frustrated because she burnt her marshmallow, she wanted it off her stick, so she shook the stick, and the marshmallow flew off, lots of it landed in Kathryn's hair.  No one was hurt, and it was actually quite funny.  Thankfully the marshmallow wasn't on fire, but there were plenty of adults there, so they were supervised.  :)

This fine morning, I went to the pool...ahh, so nice!  Then home to hang up my stuff, unfortunately I hung my towel on a chair on the deck and it's been raining on it all afternoon.  I let the dog out, got a drink, used the bathroom, then off I went to BJ.s...I wanted to inquire about some of the baked goods they sell, and put in an order for the baby shower.  (I can bake cakes, but not pastries!).  I found a nice dress in there, and two pairs of skorts.  I also bought a huge-0 bag of chocolate chips, which is almost a necessity.  I tell you, if I were rich, I would have so much fun buying gifts for people.  I see things that I think others would love, but I can't just buy everything, obviously.  

I stopped in Aldi for a cauliflower crust pizza, some flatbread crusts for the girls, some nuts, bread, protein bread, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, onions, and peaches.  

It was pouring out when I left there, so I drove home in the rain...not too shabby.  I did get soaked when I got home, thankfully I didn't buy too much, so I only had to struggle up the steps with two heavy bags.  There's one bag still in there of stuff that doesn't need refrigeration...I will get it later, or have the girls bring it in.

Dinner tonight:  Ambitious Kitchen's Best Chicken Soup Ever, only I substituted potatoes for couscous, since we didn't have any.  The girls love getting home from work and having dinner made.  It's hot for soup, but it sounded good.  I've puttered around here, washed some towels, got Evelyn's shower presents ready.  I talked to Paul:  we have to replace our truck, I think I mentioned that before, the frame is rusted.  It won't pass inspection, and it's not fixable, according to our mechanic.  So.  He's looking at nicer used trucks, but it's not much more to buy a new one, these days, and the interest rates are lower.  But my goodness they're expensive!   

Anyway.  I think we're going to have some dinner, and watch some Downton...

change of plans...

 This fine morning, I got up and got ready for the pool in a drowsy way, I had stayed up too late reading a good book, then woke up in the night to use the bathroom, and started thinking about things.  You know how that is, I got a few good ideas, and started thinking of all the things I have to do this week, I had to put a stop to it so I could fall back to sleep. 

When I did wake up again bright and early, my stomach was feeling really off.  Shh, it could have been the popcorn I had watching Downton Abby with the girls last evening, but I don't know.  I got ready and had a coffee, then left in good time to beat the school buses...because if you get behind a bus, it's game over, and you won't find a parking spot.  I like to get to the pool extra early to walk and stretch and doggy paddle and warm up.  

Well.  I got halfway to the pool and my tummy started in...I felt like I might need to make a run for the bathroom, which would be an absolute nightmare in the pool, especially because I cannot run!  I pictured the worst, so I drove right by the rec center and headed home.  I feel like I'm playing hooky here, but better safe than sorry.  My stomach is fine now, of course.  

Anyway, TMI, right?  I have so much to do.  I'm making a birthday cake for Miss Rhys, who is turning five this week and is having a party on Saturday.  It's going to be a really hot humid week, so I'm thinking to bake it today and put it in the freezer.  I also am doing some cupcakes for Evelyn's shower which is on Sunday.  I have to finish a project for that, and also wrap the presents for her, and for Rhys' birthday.  

I haven't gone to the Mennonite stand to get flowers for the deck yet, I am itching to do that too.  I have things around here I want to work on too, and every day the floors need vacuuming.  I know I am not REALLY that busy compared to most people, but this week I do have a lot to do.  I am probably going with Kathryn at some point to get some things for the birthday too.

Yesterday after church, no one was coming over here, which is unusual, but everyone had other plans.  Paul is in Hungary, so it was just the girls and I.  Charlotte Claire is starting nursing school in the fall, and mentioned she needs a desk.  I looked on Marketplace, and there was one for free, just a half hour away.  So, off we went on a desk adventure in the rickety truck.  

It's a good desk, a big old wood one with lots of drawers.  It's a restoration project dream.  She's going to clean it all up and decide if she's going to sand it down or just leave it.  It makes my hands itchy just to look at it, itchy to work on it.  

We then went to Target since we were in the neighborhood, the girls got a few necessities, and we got a salad kit for tonight's dinner, to have with grilled chicken, which I have to get into the marinade (dill pickle juice!).  The girls have been talking about getting "dirty soda", which I invented, thank you very much.  I've been putting heavy cream into diet root beer for YEARS.  I've also the queen of adding Diet Coke to a leftover iced Americano.  Anyway.  We went through the McDonalds drive through and they got  dirty Dr. Pepper, which is basically fountain soda with cream, Cam said the cream tasted like marshmallow.  I got a Diet Coke, which was splendid.  Cam also got a McChicken, and with the app got free large fries, yes, sometimes you have to live a little.  (no I didn't have any).  

Home...ahh, home.  Char made herself some crispy tacos, I made myself two smash burgers with sautéed onions and dill pickles, no buns.  And, we watched Downton.  

The girls took a break and brought Sunny for a walk, I went on the exercise bike for a bit, then we watched another episode.  Life is good, right?

So if anyone has been wondering...I mentioned there are three new granddaughters coming in the next few months:  Evelyn and Nate are having their first baby, a girl.  Abigail and Derek are having their first baby, a girl.  And:  Kathryn and Darius are having their fifth baby, a girl!  (They have 3 boys and one girl, Rhys, so they're quite excited!). 

So I'll have 22 grandchildren, the last six in a row girls (Kaia, Samantha, and Emilia, then the three unborn babies....). The girls are running away with it, 14 girls to 8 boys!

It's really fun, what blessings they all are.  

So my project is finished...the day has sped by.  I've puttered and kept busy, went outside for a bit (I draped some laundry around out there and it dried so fast!).  I marinated the chicken in pickle juice, and packed up all of my sewing stuff, which will go back into the storage bench in my room.  One of these days I'll get a sewing space in one of the empty rooms, but until then, I'll just haul it out when I want to sew.  

Since I'm blogging in fits and starts today, I have also gotten the cake baked!  I was going to just make cupcakes because Rhys is having a pool party, and I was thinking easier to serve.  But she wants a cake, and I did promise a cake.  So I baked a round one and a smaller round one, I'll stack them and make it fancy.  There will be a few cupcakes too, then two dozen mini cupcakes for the baby shower on Sunday.  When they cool down, I'll wrap them up and freeze them.  

Paul Face-timed me today from Budapest.  I was sewing, glad I wasn't in Target, ha.  :). 

The chicken is now in the oven, pounded between some parchment paper with a meat mallet, dipped in egg, then in a bread crumb mixture, on a pan with lots of olive oil in a nice hot oven.  Char made a pan of sweet potato fries, and Cam is making croissant rolls with mozzarella sticks.  I am planning to have a nice salad with my chicken.  I haven't eaten yet today, so I am hungry.  :). 

Ah well...you have a nice evening!  

my kind of day...

 My car is fixed, so I got to go rammin' after my swim class this morning.  First Target, where I spent too much, how does it add up so fast?  I behaved too.  I did try on two dresses from the clearance rack, but nope:  no way, no how.  I found a few gifts, a package of chicken, a package of chicken wings, half price pack of pork chops which are marinating in lime juice and olive oil and cajun seasoning.  I bought sour cream for an upcoming birthday cake, and shh, maybe some hair dye.  I didn't buy the Tineco cordless pet vac, regularly $299 for $89.  It almost killed me not to put it into my cart, I do love me a good vacuum cleaner.  Am I weird for loving vacuum cleaners?  Try to vacuum while walking with a walker, getting the cord all tangled up, and tell me you don't long for a cordless one.  Well.  I don't use the walker anymore, but a nice cordless one would still be just fine.  

I got myself an iced Americano, then went to Hobby Lobby.  I admit, I was slow going, after walking all through Target.  But I was all by my lonesome, and I had things to look at.  That store does not disappoint, except I do have a question:  Does the autumn stuff REALLY have to be out already?!  Seriously?!  Thankful signs and pumpkins and all the fall spicy candles?  nope, not yet.  Our summer has barely begun here in New York.  

Anyway.  I got my wrapping paper and gift bags and fabric and let's just say I sort of behaved in there too.  

Home...ahh, home.  I sit here in my chair, when I need to get sewing again.  I have to water my flowers and these floors need a vacuum.  But, after spending over an hour in the pool, then shopping my brains out, I am so comfy here in my chair.  :)

So I sewed a little bit more, when I ran out of bobbin thread I decided it was time to make dinner.  I bought these pork chops today, dated tomorrow, three dollars something for five boneless chops.  I dipped them in egg and breaded them, spiced them up a bit, put them in the air fryer with chopped apples and onions.  On the other rack:  chopped sweet potatoes, and broccoli florets.  I could have grilled outside, but meh, didn't feel like smelling delicious, ha.  

It does feel almost sinful to not be outside on such a nice day, but it's my fault for leaving this project for the last minute.  I do enjoy sewing, and I can still see the sunshine and hear the birds sing, so it's not totally criminal to be inside.  

And, now it is Saturday night!  It was a rainy morning, and Evelyn picked me up at 8 o'clock to go garage sale-ing!  We got soaking wet!  She found one little copper pot for her kitchen shelf, and I found one big plastic roller coaster for the grandkids to play on, with the little car they ride down on.  We also found a free patio table with a few chairs, which Ev and Nate went back to pick up in the truck, and brought it to Jon and Rosi.  We went to the thrift store, and there wasn't much there, but we got some coffee from 7Brew, and some donuts from a local bakery, which we brought to Emily's house.

When we got to Emily's, Ben and Ashley were there with Anya, Elise, and Declan.  They had most of the garage cleared out already!  Em and Mariel had rented a huge dumpster and wow, now their garage is almost empty.  They put some stuff out by the road, listed it on Marketplace for free, and it was GONE.  Margaret came over with Wulf, Tennyson, and Blythe, and Charlotte Claire and Camille came.  Jon and Rosi, and Nate were there too.  The girls made pulled pork nachos for everyone, and we got out the donuts.   Blythe, who is two and a half, is hilarious.  She had to turn on all the lamps in the living room, and when I asked her if anyone ever told her she was a nuisance, she said, "Yes, my mom did."  

Home....ahh, home.  I am almost finished with my sewing project, but reached a bump in the road and had to quit for the day.  I am not good at sewing.  I have the vision and I know what I like, and mostly how to do it, but I am not precise enough.  ugh.  But I have had fun.  

When I finished sewing, I cleaned up the scraps and put things away, then vacuumed my room, the hallway, kitchen and living room, folded a load of towels, washed a load of clothes (a cute dress for Ruth and one for Maeve from a garage sale, one dollar each!).  I finally sat down in my comfy chair and put my feet up, and realized we hadn't had any dinner!  I would probably be okay with just the lunch, but I asked the girls and they are now picking up a pepperoni pizza and ten dirty charred wings.  (they are spicy and vinegar-y, so good!  They fry them, sauce them, then char them!). 

They were busy cleaning up their rooms and getting things done this afternoon, so it was quiet in here.  Paul is well on his way to Hungary, yes Budapest, for work.  When the girls get home we'll probably watch some Downton Abbey....:)

Life is good.  But, as I always say, it's not smooth sailing for anyone.  Today I made a very conscious decision, for like the fiftieth time, to be super thankful that I can walk.  I can walk!  That is wonderful!  Yes, I'm still wobbly.  Yes, after I sit for a bit it's hard to get moving.  Yes, the "old" knee is cranky.  Yes, the new knee is still so strange and mechanical.  But.  I can walk!  Why not just celebrate that!  I've heard it said that if you're over fifty, and you wake up in the morning and don't have any pain, you're probably dead, ha.  It becomes part of life, those aches and pains.  But when you think of the big picture, we're lucky to have grown older, and who wants to be around someone who grumps about everything?  

Old Kitty is happy now, that I'm sitting here.  She is stretched out in her spot on the arm of my chair.  She would rather my lap, but the laptop trumps the cat:). When I was sewing, she was up on the table batting at the machine, walking across the fabric, purring and trying to get me to pet her.  She likes to come up close and touch my nose with her nose.  I got up and checked, she had food and water, and didn't want to go outside.  Then I made a mistake and had to rip out some stitches, so she happily followed me to my comfy chair for a few minutes...all purring and cuddly.  She's losing a lot of winter fur, so I have to brush her and cut some matted fur from her tummy, and she would shred me to pieces with those razor claws if I'm not careful, she'll purr and claw at the same time.  :)

This guy was in our back yard...a huge snapping turtle!  She's probably looking to lay her eggs...

You all have a good night!

oh so nice and sunny!

 So yesterday was glorious!  After the pool, I came home and shh, sat down and put my feet up for a little while...then Miss Suzanne Eleanor came in the door, followed by Kathryn Grace with Achilles, Rhys, Jamison, and Ellis.  I had to leave briefly to pick up my car, it was down the road at the mechanic's place, getting a brand spanking new wheel bearing and having it's exhaust system patched up, for only $622.  It's nice and quiet now!  Anyway.  It was warm and sunny, so we set up on the deck...opened the umbrella, rolled out a rug, filled the little pool and a water table, and enjoyed it.  I put towels down to walk on from the rug to the door, because that deck was hot!

Ellis had a good time splashing.  Rhys liked going in the yard on the swings, and Achilles was just happy to be there.  He has learned how to ride his bike with no training wheels.  He can read, he can swim, but he can't pump on the swings yet.  I told him he did all the hard things first, swinging is easy.  

Char and Cam came home, and made dinner.  I started grilling and Char took over.  Suze made the spicy salsa, they cut up mango and cilantro and onions, and made Basmati rice.  

This fine morning, I ventured outside for a little bit, watered some flowers, but I had a project to work on, a sewing project.  Char and Cam got up and packed a lunch and went to a waterfalls to hike and swim.  Sonja was wondering what I was doing today, but I had to work on this project.  It was challenging, it's almost done, and I am not pleased with it.  ugh.  But I do have to make another trip to Hobby Lobby to get some more fabric, and that's always fun!

So tomorrow after the pool, off I'll go!

On Saturday morning, Evelyn and I are going to some garage sales, then I'm going over to Emily's house to grill hot dogs and stay out of the way as they clean out her garage.  She had a catering business, and has so much stuff in there still....

Next weekend is Rhys' birthday party, she's turning five years old.  I volunteered to make a cake, she wants chocolate with pink frosting and flowers, I can do that.  The next day is Evelyn's baby shower.  I will make a few cupcakes for that, but am buying danishes/pastries for it, as she want's a coffee shop theme.  We'll have a few espresso machines, and a couple of very talented baristas to make drinks to order (Jonathan and Oscar!). I need to make sure we have everything we need for that.  

I need to get up and get on the exercise bike.  I haven't done much today, you know how it is when you're sewing.  You get up to iron a seam, to get another coffee, to use the bathroom.  If you're me, you go sit in your comfy chair while you pin two pieces together, just because that hard kitchen chair you're sewing on is brutal.  I'm extra limpy today, and I don't know why.  Maybe pressing that sewing pedal uses different muscles or something, isn't getting older fun?  The things you never even had to think about when you were younger!  

I don't want to spoil the surprise, so I'll post a pic of the project later, like next week.  

Dinner was bacon and eggs with protein bread toasted, one slice with raspberry preserves, mmm.  The eggs were just right, it was a good dinner.  The girls had leftover grilled chicken with corn tortillas, that looked good too.  

Well you all have a really nice evening!  I'm getting on that exercise bike!