Live In Help (and I'm not returning her)

Mike's niece, Natalie, is here to stay with us for two weeks. We are trying to make sure that she has an enjoyable time while she is here. So far I can't say that we have brought her too much excitement. On her second day here we went to where the battle of Bull Run was fought. Again I think this sort of thing is a little boring because we are really just looking at what I call a cow field. I have some pictures of Natalie helping us pull weeds. Aren't we great hosts?Mike found this weed in our yard. I know it's embarrassing. Things just grow here really fast here.

We had playgroup back at the Seely Farm. I really love going there. They have a large yard and she lets a lot of her animals roam while we are there. The kids had fun chasing the chickens and ducks. One of the baby goats jumped up onto Charlie almost knocking him over. (He laughed of course.) I say it's almost like heaven. Except I'm just a visitor so I don't have to do the daily work.

(18-52) I'm way behindCharlie finally caught one of the ducks he was tormenting and chasing. This was a very proud moment.

Maggie

About a week late but we finally celebrated Maggie's one year birthday. She loved her chocolate cake and didn't have any hesitation digging in. Moe is healthy and happy. She brightens up our home and is climbing on top of everything. We are still working on teaching her how to properly get down from high places.

She had her Dr. visit and is doing very well. Here are here stats....

• Weight - 22.5 pounds -70%


• Height - 29 and half inches - 60%
  
• Head 18 inches

Memorial Weekend

We had a fun weekend camping near Virginia Beach. The evenings and mornings were spent at the campground and our days were spent at the beach. This was my first time there and I'm happy to say that we are only three hours from a terrific beach. The sand was nice and soft and the waves were perfect for the family.

The kids love the beach and Mike and I love to watch them love it.

We went camping with 18 other families from this area. We were in a cul de sac in the back of a campground. The kids could run and play and we could all sit and visit. It really was a perfect spot.
On Sunday the local church was overwhelmed with the amount of visitors that took over. I had fun watching them squirm to set up chairs.

Charlie and Jane making ice cream with the Budd's.

Aah the morning hair.

Apparently the theme song for this nice campground was the Kid Rock version of Sweet Home Alabama. That song was played over and over and over throughout the evening. Loud, blaring, we did find the humor in it.

Goin' Campn'

We're planning on four days. We'll let you know how long we last.

Cadaver

I purchased a yummy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store for dinner. I had only removed a little of the meat when I got distracted and went upstairs. When I returned the kids had discovered that there are a lot of bones in that little container. They thought it was the coolest discovery. I wasn't too pleased but I told them they could do it again next time AFTER I was finished with it.

Just Mowing the Lawn

Mike was out mowing the lawn this weekend. Something bigger than usual jumped out from under the lawn mower. A big old toad. We played with him for a while then returned him to a little stream near by where there are fellow tadpoles.

Yes, it's true, Charlie is always in his underwear. The other day I was watching Dancing With the Stars and he came in and said "Mom, turn that off, their not modest". So I suppose a little something is sinking in.

Maggie's Birthday

Today is Maggie's one year birthday. Moe has eight teeth and crawls all around the house. She has learned to pull herself up and likes to walk with assistance (though she is not even close to the real thing). She is so sweet and I can hardly resist her. I am really loving her in this stage.We don't have any fun celebratory pics yet, but we will as soon as Dad gets home from a little business trip.

Sixteen and Seventeen of 52

Our sweet Moe is one next week.

I really like her.

Charlie was trying hard to make it so I couldn't take this picture.

He thought it was pretty funny.

Me, not so much.

Night Strikers, Project 52

14-52

I dug down deep into my high school years to enjoy our night out. We gathered late at IHOP to prepare our "yellow flowering" of someones house. Can you believe that one of these ladies has never been toilet papering? I thought that was strange.

15-52

It was a good night.

Short Fuse

I try really hard not to yell at my kids. I try to keep our home a calm place. BUT, I discovered that when I'm sick, which I've been for the last couple of days, I have a short temper. Every loud noise and fight wears on me. So today I found myself screaming these words to my kids....

"STOP IT RIGHT NOW! THERE IS NO YELLING IN THIS HOUSE!"

Yes, I realized at the time how ridiculous it sounded but I did it. Fortunately for me all I got back was a "sorry mom".

I hope to be feeling better soon.