Matthew's Swim Lessons

Matthew took swim lessons with his best friend/cousin Briggs, Carah, and a boy named Harrison.  This was Matthew's first full swim session.  We had tried lessons 3 years ago, but he didn't do them past the first lesson.  Ms. Bonnie was his swim teacher.  They were taught to kick, breathe, use their arms, float and jump.  Matthew loved going.  Did he learn to swim?  Well, not fully, but we have some more skills that will definitely help him this summer.  Ms. Bonnie said he needs to work on relaxing while swimming...so that's one of our goals this summer when we swim at Mimer's next week!

Dream a little dream...

I saw these in Longmoo and decided that's ME!!!
http://windsco.com/Windmills.html

This is a Jen idea...she painted a wall like this in her eating room, I believe...I found this random internet picture of the same thing done.
http://www.curbly.com/booizzy/posts/145-chalkboard-wall

I took John to Pier One, which I LOVE---because of the festive colors they have, and he and I both liked this water or beverage holder.
www.pier1.com

This was one of the first things I saw in Pier One that just makes me smile.  I love beautiful glasses...or mugs!

My friend Kristen found this table for us...we loved her table and she had done some research after she bought it and found this one!  Love it!  Thanks Kristen!

I found this type of rocker at a gas station near Longmoo...and I loved them...found them less expensive at this place and I think these are much nicer looking...love the star!

Our brother in law has an oil rig print in his law office that his daughter picked out and it jumped out at me!  So, I went on a search and found many more prints that I loved.  I must admit that one of my favorite things about east Texas is the oil rigs that are everywhere...we have 3 on our street and 2 on our "future property."

My blogger friend-Jen-gave me this idea...this is not hers or mine to show off, but I picked a random one that I liked off the internet to show the book sling idea!

I love to dream...there have been seasons in my life where John and I have lost our "dreaming" ability...it was so hard to walk without the fun of those dreams.  Now, we are in a season where we do dream and think about what we like and enjoy.  These are a few things that I have "picked out" for our future home...if we are able to get them, these are some of the things that I would pick:).  We like some ranch, some festive and some simple things that cross over.  If you click on the words below the pictures, most have links to a store that carries them, so I can find them later, if I end up able to decorate like this. 

Lately, what has been my prayer and desire is this...Seek first His Kingdom and all these things will be added to you.---I know that with my mind on Christ and what He wants, whatever I end up with will be fine!  I really believe that His plan is better than my dream.

Summer Plans!!!

First of all, as a home school mom, summer is a break for me too!!!  I also have kids that love the Wii and love watching t.v., so I have to have a limit!  Here is my plan for my summer. 
First I purchased a folder from the top Studio C collection above...it looks like the file above with flowers. 
Next, I have collected ideas in my beautiful folder from Family Fun Magazine that my sil Julie has let me go through.  Thanks, Julie!!!  That magazine, except for their October issue, is by far my favorite kid idea magazine--I have two subscriptions to Food/Living type mags right now, but I want to use some of my "work" money for Family Fun next!
Then, I have to admit, I do not have "crafts" budgeted in our summer money...so, I am selling some stuff that I can live without, aka--need to get rid off!  I sell my stuff on ebay...and then I told the kids that the profit is going toward summer craft things!  I have a limited amount of space right now, so clearing out is a good thing!  It ends today/tomorrow, so I can't wait to go shopping.  The Bird Bath above has a link to the directional page, if you like it! 

About a month ago, my in laws' church had a mission's auction to help raise money for the "cause" of missions...and these are their winnings!  They brought this yummy lemon-raspberry cake home and a party that we are using for Matthew and his cousin Briggs for a joint birthday party this summer!  Thanks Papaw and Mimi!!  We are really not eating a whole lot of sweets around here, most of the time, so we ended up giving some away and freezing some...it's still in the freezer.

3 out of 4 of my kids are "not eating sweets" (except on holidays or b-days) for a year---they earn a previously determined amount of money this way.  We got the idea from a Finnish family we met in Russia three years ago.  Mark(my 7 year old) is done on August 30th with his year, Katie, my oldest, will be done in November, and Melissa just started a week ago this Friday.  Matthew started, lasted 3 days, and gave in for a popsicle!   I am so amazed at the kids' dedication to this! 

Happy 15th Anniversary!!

We went out to Johnny Carino's for dinner, went to Kohl's for our "watch" crystal gifts to each other, and went to a park for a dessert picnic with our wedding cake:  italian cream from an italian restaurant here in Longmoo:).  I am so grateful for John---he is my best friend and soul mate and hubby--what more could I ask for!?