Nana: My mom was here for almost two weeks. Unfortunately for her, just a few days after arriving she caught a terrible cold from Kate. Kate is so good at sharing! She still managed to make meals, fold laundry, change diapers and sew some cool Transformer/Scooby-Doo bags with the boys.
The fourth of July: The kids spent the morning of the fourth playing outside and attacking their dad with water balloons. Then we actually ventured out of the house for a bbq and fireworks with friends. I just love the 4th of July. It is a holiday that I have many fond memories of from my childhood. Hopefully our kids will also have fun memories of this day.Mary Jane: A few days before my mom was set to leave we learned that the baby that my sister-in-law, Ashley, and my brother, Matt, were expecting had died. She delivered the baby on July 10th and my Mom flew out on the 11th to be with them. We were all amazed at the strength and faith of Matt and Ashley as they have come together in the knowledge that they will see little Mary Jane again one day. Of course we feel grateful to have Gracie here with us as we have shared in sorrow with them. We love you Matt and Ashley.
Annie: Week four and Owen and Davis continue to call Gracie, "Annie". This poor confused child. I actually have a good laugh as I sit and listen to Kate debate with them about her name. "Annie is crying"...."No! Gayce!"...."Annie is awake!"..."No! Gayce!"..."Where is Annie?"..."No! Gayce!" Man, I love that girl!Davis does still refer to her as "our brand new baby" as well.
Ben and Jerry: The first day I was alone with the kids on my own I declared it "official quiet time for all" around 2:00 p.m. Once all the little people were in their rooms I stood in the kitchen and ate Ben and Jerry ice cream out of the carton. I kept telling myself that I could do this and hopefully would not have to rely on Ben and Jerry every day to get me through. Thank goodness they were there when I needed them! God bless Ben and Jerry.
Open House at the Fire Station: Our town had an Open House to celebrate the opening of a couple of new fire stations. It was a great event...one of those things you go to and leave saying, "I love this town!" The kids were able to climb on and in the fire trucks, police cars, a SWAT truck, eat hot dogs and ice cream, collect balloons, stickers and pencils, watch the Jaws of Life tear into a car and a demonstration of a police dog taking down a "bad guy" and finally...spray a fire hose. Does it get better than all of that?
Sisters: Up until today, I have stayed home with the girls from church. I will admit I have loved this time and of course have used it to take a few pictures along with reading stories, baking cookies, napping and playing with dolls. I hope these sisters will always love each other as I loved my sister.
