Fun, busy week

Last Friday I got to surprise my Miss. buddies and it sure was a lot of fun!  Their daddy had been working in Athens all week and they drove over for the weekend.  But, the kids were led to believe we were out of town ~ to pull off the surprise.  Amy, Greg and I met them at the Varsity in Athens for lunch and at least one of the kids was super surprised....Ragen!  It was so worth it to see her face and get her sweet hugs.  Honestly...they all have sweet hugs.  Then we went to Party City to buy some of Amy's wedding stuff ~ the invitations & envelope seals, coffee cups and lids, napkins for the buffet and dessert tables and huge bags of candy for the candy favor bar.  And Party City has an app with coupons, which I got to take advantage of!

Then back to the house for numerous games of Umo (Lauren's word for Uno), Phase 10, and Cirkus (a shape game like Blockus). 

They came back the next day ~ Steven was a huge help with Greg fixing a belt on the boat, we went to the Farm Stand for peaches, watermelon and cantaloupe, picked garden stuff in the field, and played Uno and Phase 10.  And then we watched it rain ~ a lot.  We thought our Stone Mountain Laser Show trip was going to be washed out but we went anyway and it was a fantastic, soggy, patriotic show.  Oh, we showed them Amy's veil and Miss Lauren decided she needed one too....so I made her a veil ~ which she wore all day, to the farm stand and too the grocery store. 

They headed back to MS on Sunday morning ~ and the Smiths drove over and got here Sunday evening.  Austin stayed in our RV.  We ran lots of errands.  Austin's mom, Tammy brought over the flowers she had made ~ all the bouquets, table centerpieces, corsages, boutonnieres, etc.  She did a fantastic job and they were beautiful.  Monday afternoon, she stayed at the house with me and worked on a couple of more corsages and a boutonniere.  I had a project to finish also, so we had a nice visit.  Amy, Austin and his dad went to the new house & ripped up carped in 2 rooms and got them ready to lay the new flooring.

Monday night we headed back to Stone Mountain for the Laser Show again...this time half of Atlanta was trying to get into the park with us.  It was packed!  All was great except for one incidence ~  at the end of the Laser show and before the Patriotic fireworks show ~ they had everyone rise for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.  If you chose not to stand and be respectful (like the people behind us) ~ then you should, at the very least close your mouth.  Those folks were loud and obnoxious the whole time ~ I shushed them at one point.  But think about it ~ you are at a Patriotic celebration of our Nations 241 st birthday on the Eve of the 4th of July ~ if you don't want to be respectful, you should have stayed home.  I am proud of our Nation, our Heritage, and the sacrifices made by our brave Military. (rant over)

Tuesday, we spent time at the lake with Katie her crowd, and Austin & his folks.  Lots of fun swimming, playing with water squirters, watermelon eating, tubing, jet ski riding and knee boarding.  Then the rain started.  After we got the boat loaded back onto the trailer, the thunder and lightning started so we were thankful that didn't happen while we were on the water.  We let Cracker Barrel fix our dinner that night!  Yum!

Wednesday we went out to the house and worked on painting and the floor.  They got the floor done in the little bedroom and the master bedroom.  Greg finished up the last strip of flooring in the master and the little bedroom closet last night.  Now we need to do the baseboards and touch up any spots for paint.  Amy, Tammy and Austin cleaned the vent covers, the ceiling fans, and Amy spray painted the vent covers.  Everything is looking nice and clean and will be fanstastic when all the projects are completed. 

After visiting James yesterday and going to Walmart and Kroger with Mom, I sat down last night and cross stitched.  Something nice and lazy.  Amy & Greg worked last night ~ Will and I had leftovers for dinner. 

Oh, and we sold Amy's car.  She has been wanting too for a while.  Greg put it on Craigs List on Friday night and it was sold by Sunday afternoon.  Now, to find the girl another vehicle.  Her biggest want on her car list is a working air conditioner! 

I am thankful for ~
help with wedding preparations
sales and coupons on apps
watching Amy & Austin interact with each other
household help with their future home together
recreation time
the USA and all it represents

Here are some pictures of our fun, busy, tiring week!  And even though it was tiring....it was worth every minute! 

Amy & Austin

Being at the lake is obviously very tiring!

Amy has wanted to take Austin jetski riding for 2 years!

American Flag over the Memorial Carving at Stone Mountain Park

Ragen and I

waiting out the rain for the laser show

Our handprint chicken pictures inspired by pinterest!

Me, Amy, Alston, Ragen, Sara, Lauren & Angel ~ fun at the Varsity

Life is Happening

Life is rushing along at a fast pace.  The long cozy winter days are long over and the summer busyness is setting in. 

The garden is doing great.  I've got loads of squash, lots of green tomatoes, and quite a few meals worth of green beans.  I have canned 2 canner loads of squash and one of green beans.  I would love more beans but may have to find a farmers market to buy them at and can them.  It would be a blessing to have enough to last the winter.  One of our fruit trees has 14 granny smith apples on it and Amy is excited ~ those are her favorite.  We are getting some cucumbers too, so I will get to make relish this year!

Moms health had a slight set back a couple of weeks ago and she experienced a moderate stroke.  3 1/2 days in icu isn't a fun place to be.  For the most part she had great nurses ~ there were a couple that needed to work on their bedside manner.  She was really blessed in that it mainly affected the strength in her left arm and hand.  It could have been so much worse.

Miss Amy is starting to look for another car.  She is getting tired of no air conditioning and the power locks don't work on the doors.  She and Greg are combing Craigs List looking for something.  She would like something of the used Jeep something or other variety.  We will see what comes of that.

About a month ago we bought something we have wanted for a long time....a boat.  Its used and in pretty good shape.  There is some cosmetic work to be done but nothing major.  We've taken it out twice and had a lot of fun.  We grew up boating and skiing and wanted to at least enjoy the boating part again. 

I've got several pretty detailed lists going for the wedding.  We are working on completing the reception details with food, condiments, treats, paper goods, and manpower.  We are hoping that 2 of Amys co workers at Chick Fil A will come work for us that day and help with set up and serving all the food.  We've looked at plates, flatware, napkins and invitations and those are all on the list to be bought next month.  Its getting to be time to focus on the guest list and get those invites together.  She has 2 bridal showers coming up and this mama is getting apprehensive and excited about all the excitement.  I made her veil last week.  I used Katies wedding hair bow for the top of the veil and the lace on the layers is from my wedding gown 35 years ago.  The tulle was given to my sister at a garage sale...it was a bolt that had never been used ~ now what to do with the other 23 yards left!  I also have a full bolt of light pink! 

There have been several work days at Amy's house and the current project is painting the inside.  Then to 2 rooms that are carpeted will have the carpet ripped out and replaced with laminate flooring.  The previous owners were smokers and its evident in the smokey smell when the door is opened. 

We've had some awesome playdates with our grandsons.  They are at such fun ages.  Saturday, all 4 were together for most of the day.  We started the day at an indoor play place with lots of climbing and sliding and having fun.  Then lunch at McDonalds.  Everyone was ready for a nap.  After naptime, Aiden came over and they all played again for a couple of hours in my sunroom/playroom.  Kitchen toys, cars and trucks, legos and Lincoln logs, and a small inflatable ball pit kept them entertained.  Aiden and Alvin got up their courage and decided to ride on the rocking horse....and loved it.  Most of the toys in the room were my kids when they were little...the rocking horse was from Gregs childhood.  There are a few new things in there....the little kitchen, little tractors, additional set of Lincoln logs, and books.  Several months ago, Allen and Jennifer cleaned out Aidens playroom and they gave me the ball pit.  Aiden never missed it.  Sat. Greg blew it up ~ Aiden walked out to the playroom and exclaimed "look a ball pit"...never realizing it was his former one.  He had a blast playing in it! 

I've got pictures but those are for another day.  Its time for dinner & then cross stitch till bed time!

Thankful for ~
family fun
4 grandsons ~ happy, healthy, energetic, funny, enthusiastic, loving
modern healthcare and medicine
a thriving garden
Mason jars containing canned vegies!
the blessing of church fellowship & prayer
long, productive days

Visiting

Last week we drove to MS to visit with Austin and his family.  I have known his mama about 5 years before him and Amy ever met.  Its fun to visit with them.  This weekend was no exception.  We ate at some awesome little places and went to the Blueberry Jubilee.

Friday we went to eat lunch at a diner (looks like it took over an old 7-11).  The owner greeted us at the door and everyone got a huge hug.  Billy Kent had met her before and he introduced us all her to.  She was talking about all the items on the buffet and told us not to let Austin have any rutabagas....they are supposed to be a natural Viagra.  We got a huge kick out of that news!  I had never had any and I tried them....really good.  The buffet that day was chicken n dumplings (Amy loved them), roast & gravy, fried chicken, loads of homestyle vegetables.  This stuff is not canned and reheated....its fresh!  The owner, Candi knows everyone and treats them like family.  She asked a guy to sing and he didn't...Tammy volunteered Austin ~ and he did a great job with Amazing Grace.  Everyone stopped eating to listen and a few joined in also.  Right after we sat down, Candi came to our table, joined hands with us to pray.  This is a special lady!  After our amazing lunch, I went to find her and she was in the kitchen washing dishes.  I got to thank her for her hospitality and give her a hug.  That is one place I will visit again.

Then we went junk/antique shopping.  The first 2 places were just ok...the last 2 were fantastic!  I found 2 pieces of Fire King that had a rooster on the front and bought them.  Amy found a set of pyrex antique bowls ~ ok she found way more than one set, but just got one.  At the 2nd one, I found mom a Corning Ware teapot with a lid.....her lid had broken.  We had way too much fun in these places.  I think I can safely say those last 2 shops are where pyrex and corning ware go to find a new home. 

Saturday we ate breakfast ~ wonderful ham and cheese omelet on the way to the Bluebeerry Jubiliee.  Lots of interesting things to look at, a car show, and more shops.  We hit one that was selling out her inventory and ready to bargain.  I got some cool things there and so did Tammy and Amy~

Austin was part of the afternoon singing line up so we stated this the to watch him.  He did a  great~

Sunday morning was church, then lunch and the long trip home. 

Thankful for ~

bargains and bargaining
the colorful dishes of yesteryear
friendly faces and folks'
good visits
great country cooking

Someone asked me about the wedding ~ I said it was 6 months away....and then I astarted counting ~ 4 months....yikes, that's not long!

Believe it or not ~
I didn't take my camera so I hav not pircutes to share!

Virginia and Tennessee

Greg and I went to a Memorial Service for an extended family member in Chantilly, VA last weekend.  We took the opportunity to renew our National Park membership and visit Civil War battlefields in the area.  We scheduled our rambling to where we wanted to visit.

We went to Antietam, Manassas (Bull Run), and Cedar Creek (a new one to us).  Greg found a Civil War guide book at Antietam and you can stamp each park as you visit.  Our goal is to fill the book.  Gregs great, great grandparents are buried at Cades Cove.  We got home and he started researching that family line and has gotten back 7 greats to a father and son that served in the Revolutionary War.  Also, several greats back they owned 1000 acres on Cedar Creek in VA. 

The we went to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Cades Cove.  I know the fires last fall were horrific and did tons of damage.  But driving through the towns ~ on the main streets, we didn't see anything.  So the reports of mainstreet Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg being 90% gone were untrue (I don't think they could have rebuilt that quick).  Pigeon Forge has become "Kississimee like", very crowded and wall to wall touristy stores.  Gatlinburg is still the walk thru town with the quaint shops....at least the main street.  I much prefer Gatlinburg.  It was raining, so we didn't get out and walk around.  Maybe next time.

We both love Cades Cove.  Very quiet, beautiful, and peaceful. We got behind some extremely slow drivers.  Turkeys and deer were their photographic obsession and even though the signs ask you to pull over, they stopped in the middle of the road and blocked all traffic.  We hit another jam and Greg's comment was "if they ever spot a bear, they will lose their minds".  I couldn't see anything of interest but there were lots of folks out of their cars with cameras.  I asked a guy what they were looking at and he said a bear.  So Greg pulled over and I jumped out of the car with the camera.  Yes, people were losing their minds.  It was great to get pictures~one is good as he dashed between cars crossing the road~no chance of a car hitting him because they weren't moving.  But the clear crossing the road picture is of his hind end as he ran between cars.

stone bridge at Manassas

for our Stonewall ~ Thomas

doctors kit

this turkey was strutting around and showing off

deer

bear hind end

Thankful for ~

time away
a husband with a love of history
nature
seeing deer, turkeys and a bear
cool day
picnics in the car
visiting with family
a love of history instilled by my daddy (I didn't appreciate it when I was younger)
apple fritters at the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge

And here is my politically incorrect rant of the day ~ The demand/trend/trantrum about removing historical statues is STUPID.  This is the history of our country, folks.  Removing a statue of Robert E Lee in New Orleans is dumb and quite frankly disprectful.  You can not change history by removing statues or rewriting history books.  Also, the Civil War or as daddy called it The War of Northern Aggression was not started because of slavery but it became Lincolns goal after several years.  KNOW your history ~ read history books written before 1950.  Yes, slavery was wrong, very wrong ~ but it happened.  If slaves are in your family lineage, be proud of them.  They were a tough, strong people to have come out of that evil and have families and live productive lives.  They are to be admired, not ashamed of.  End of rant.....for now! 

Keeper at Home

I am still plowing through my Pinterest boards and eliminating things I don't need, printing off ideas and patterns I want to keep, and generally tidying up.  I found some goodies today on my Keeper at Home board that I wanted to share.....











Thankful for~

being a homemaker
helping my husband
caring for my family
having a comfortable home
living a quiet life
spending time together
being grounded in the Lord

Thankful for.....

Today I thankful for Gadgets......

My -
Vacuum cleaner
carpet cleaner
Flushing toilet
Hot water heater
Central heat and air
Fridge & freezer
sewing & embroidery machines
Electric irons
Television
kindle
Mixer
stove top & oven
Gas grill
Propane heater
Google
Clocks
Dishwasher
Computers

Like Ariel I can say....I've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty, I've got whozits and whatzits galore!

And I have lots of thingamabobs, thingamajigs, whatchamacallits.

Blessings abound in the little things!

Essentially Monday ~ A Week of Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving week!

Here are the oils I am especially thankful for ~ they are all doTERRA brand oils ~

Slim & Sassy blend ~ Greg and I take this daily, it really does help curb appetite and flushes our systems

Breathe blend ~ fall allergies are cropping up and this helps open up air passages and calms coughing

Digestzen blend ~ helps with rumbly tummys, discomfort from acid reflux, car sickness issues in little ones.  I can use this straight from the bottle with no problem, we needed to mix it with fco for Greg to use.  It has also helped with monthly upset tummy issues.

Wild Orange & Lemon oils ~ both taste great in my hot spice tea and lemon kicks plain water up a notch

Peppermint ~ besides smelling delicious, it also helps with digestive issues and it tastes awesome in hot chocolate

Clary Calm blend ~ this is good for female issues ~ both for monthly issues and menopause issues

Deep Blue ~ cream or oil ~ great for stiff, achy joints and muscles.  James even used this for the muscle pain associated with kidney stones, last time he had an attack.

Frankincense ~ this Biblical oil is good for so many issues but I am currently using it for  the dizziness that accompanies Meniere's Disease.  It is not a cure but a help when mild dizziness hits.  I put about 10 drops in a glass roller bottle and fill with fco (fractionated coconut oil) ~ gently shake the bottle and roll behind both ears and down the sides of the neck.  It is effective for me.

Lavender ~ the calming properties in this oil make it a great roller bottle oil for the bottoms of feet at bedtime

Serenity blend ~ my favorite bedtime, diffuser oil for the bedroom....I am sleeping really good!

Other than the frankincense, which I use as needed ~ all of the other blends, I use daily.

**None of the above information has been approved by the FDA or is it intended to be medical advice.

**Not all oils are created alike ~ the doTERRA oils single oils are pure oil ~ no fillers or additives.   Oils sold in grocery stores or big box stores are generally diluted, or chemically enhanced.

I am thankful for ~

the oils listed above
the care doTERRA puts into their products
knowing that I can buy their products & not worry about the safety
their "giving back" mentality in helping the regions where these oils are harvested
the kindness of the office staff, when I have a question or concern about my order
the swiftness in receiving the orders
their new low shipping costs ~ $3.99 that is awesome!
being able to get my oils at 25% off
placing a monthly order & earning points toward future purchases
using the points for free oils (great way to stock up on favorites or try something new)
the education provided by my upline
laughter, love, and caring ~ even long distance during online classes
the educational & DIY pages on the doTERRA site

The fact that these oils have been around and used since Biblical times ~ and the creativity of the Lord in His blessing & abundance. 

Using more natural products in and for our home ~ topically, aromatically and/or internally. 

If you would like more information ~ please message me and I will help in any way I can.  Or visit my online site at http://mydoterra.com/jacksonsessentialoils.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING  week! 

?? Saturday

I haven't thought of a good name for Saturday posts.  They are usually pretty busy since everyone works during the week.  This is the day for catching up on chores,  getting some farm work done, and sleeping in a little later. In the fall, there is lots of college football watching!  Usually there is cooking going on since our church does potluck meals the first 3 Sundays of every month after the morning service. And Saturdays are usually date morning for Greg and I.

Today ~ we slept in.

The guys of the farm got up and drove to Athens for the UGA game.  They are playing Vanderbilt today.  James is most excited about this since its his first game ~ he found the tickets....nothing frugal about this outing!  Those tickets are pricey!   This is Gregs 2nd game (1st was 30 years ago).  Will is there too and its his first game.

Amy and I walked around our towns craft fair/fall festival for a couple of hours.  And didn't spend a penny.  I did run into a couple that I went to church with years ago, so it was nice to visit and catch up with them!

Amy is off to work and I am going to play with Aiden.  Then PaPa is joining us after the game for dinner. 

Happy Weekend!

Essentially Mondays

I am going to start a new type of Theme blogging ~ and I am making it up as I go along! 

Today will be the first ~ Essentially Mondays....on Essential Oils!  I am going to start with oils we use, products & books we like and any tips I find helpful. 

Essential Oils are natural parts of plants, flowers, and roots.  You do have to be careful where you purchase your oils from, because many on the market are mixed or "stretched" with other ingredients, which means they are not pure oil.  There are premade blends available of different oils for certain issues or you can blend your own for your particular needs. 

Essential Oils have been used since Bible times and 2 were gifts to the Lord when he came to earth as a baby ~ Frankincense & Myrrh. Both have helpful benefits and would have been useful to the young parents of a baby/young child.

Disclaimer ~ none of the information I share should be taken as medical advice (I am not a doctor). 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Lavender

Lavandula angustifoliaOur most popular oil, Lavender has been cherished for its unmistakable aroma and its beneficial properties for thousands of years. Lavender is widely used and accepted for its calming and relaxing qualities.* For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

Lemon

Citrus limonAnother favorite, this essential oil powerhouse is cold-pressed from lemon rinds to preserve its delicate nature and potent properties. Lemon is known as a powerful aromatic, topical, and internal cleanser* that can be used to complement many other oils. Diffusing lemon in a room can cleanse the air and uplift mood. It can also be used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaning booster. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

Peppermint

Mentha piperitaPeppermint is popular in countless forms, from toothpaste to chewing gum. As an essential oil, it is useful to ease breathing and as a digestive aid.* For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

Wild Orange

Citrus sinensisCold-pressed from the orange peel, Wild Orange is excellent for energizing and revitalizing. It is also commonly used as an effective tool for uplifting mood, as well as for its wonderful citrusy aroma. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.

The oils pictured are ones that I use daily!  The lavender on the bottom of my feet for restful sleep, the peppermint added to my hot chocolate nightly, and the lemon & wild orange in my hot spice tea every morning.  I also use the lemon to spruce up plain water.  When you choose to use an oil for dietary use ~ you need to make sure its a pure oil from a reputable source.  Each doTerra bottle will tell you if the oil is recommended for aromatic, topical or dietary, or if it can be used for all 3. 

The link to my doTerra storefront site is ~
https://www.mydoterra.com/jacksonsessentialoils/#/

If you have any questions about Essential Oils or how to purchase the oils or how to sign up to sell (you get a discount on your oils this way!), please leave me a message!

Happy Essentially Monday!

Blessings

Blessings and Thankfulness from last week ~

Celebrated Alvin's birthday!
Mom is moved (mostly)
Loads of help on moving day ~ 12 folks if I counted correctly
Dinner with Aiden and his parents!
Amy's creativity with her new Cricut machine
some cross stitch time
1 very quiet afternoon
Started our low carb diet again.....2.5 pounds lost in 6 days
family time
laughter
finding new low carb recipes (more on that later)
anticipation of vacation ~ its coming soon
our church study on The Sovereignty of God
worship on Wednesday nights & Sunday mornings
temps are supposed to drop from the 90's to the 80's this week!
some leaves are changing colors

a little fall color in our Dogwood Tree

Disney shirt Amy made for me for vacation

Moms former/my new dining room furniture

Happy September

This will be a great month with much to be thankful for ~~~

Weather will be getting cooler during the day & night (thank you Lord)
Football Season is starting
My birthday is in 3 weeks
Vacation is in 3 weeks (which means Amy's honey will be here in 3 weeks)
Mom is moving over the next 2 weeks
Closing on Moms old house is end of the month
Sweet grandson #4 turns a year old
Amy is starting her cricut business....more info later
Leaves will start changing colors
I get Moms dining room set since her new house is too small (much longer table!)

Lots going on!

Its almost time to say ~ Happy Fall Y'all

Full Freezer

When life blesses you with a full freezer, what do you do to make room?  I start canning!

Today, I've got 10 quarts of yummy vegetable beef soup and 3 quarts of cut up squash canned.  I am defrosting chicken to can.  Defrosting tomatoes to make into salsa, blueberries and strawberries to make into jelly.  I had 2 large Tupperware containers (their large cereal keeper) full of apple pulp from our North GA trip last year...its now in my crockpots with brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider to make into apple butter.

If I can find a good deal on ground beef, I will be browning and canning that also.

Amy has her request in for homemade chicken noodle soup, so that's a priority too. 

So far, this summer I have canned squash, green beans, salsa, watermelon jelly, apple/pear butter, and peach jelly. 

My favorite canning book is from the University of GA ~ So Easy to Preserve!  Its got very detailed instructions for preserving food for the future.

Thankful for ~

wonderful directions for pressure and water bath canning
the ease of meal prep with home canned goods
preserving gardens bounty & blessing
lots of jars to fill
getting over my fear of pressure canning

I love this retro poster from Pinterest!

Almost Fall

Its been a long hot summer ~  I think the weather we lived with for 10 years followed us from Mississippi.

And while I like all the seasons...I am dreaming of fall.  Walking in crunchy leaves in cool air (as opposed to walking in crunchy leaves because they died from lack of rain and fell off the tree prematurely), sitting outside and reading, wearing sweaters and cuddling under quilts ~ you get the picture!

I've been scanning pinterest and lots of back to school ideas have popped up ~ school started in our county today.  And with those school pins have been comfort food pins.  Or fall/winter foods that we enjoy ~ thinkgs like chicken pot pie, lasagna, vegetable soup, chicken n dumplings, etc.  While I won't have those all the time ~ too many carbs ~ I  indulge once a week in a truly decadent, comfort food meal.

Thankful for~
the Seasons
routine
different foods for different times
anticipation
Its almost football season

Hopefully, August will fly by just like July did.  Its got lots filling up its days so far!

Its almost August!

Wow!  Where did July go?  This month has flown by. 

Here are some updates ~ mom found a house!  Now we are jumping through all the hoops with real estate agents, bank officers, appraisals and inspections.  The house is quite close to us and a cute little 1 story with a flat driveway and lot.  The sellers are moving overseas, so their furniture is staying.  We have started the who wants what process with the grandkids and hopefully will have all that settled when the closing occurs.  There will still be stuff to donate or give away.

And we got a contract on our house in Mississippi!  Yay....Hooray!  Its contingent on them selling their present house, so we are praying that they get a buyer soon!  We left stuff in the house from our last trip, so we didn't have to haul it back and forth it we needed to "camp" in our house again, so we will have a few things to bring back with us after our closing.

We have been hitting the sales for back to school supplies for office depot and office max ~ for our shoebox gifts.  We've got lots of pencils, sharpeners, spiral notebooks, pens, index cards, pencil boxes, etc.  Amy, Granny, Brenda, Bethany and I are going to start working on personal care items for the older girl boxes.  JoAnns has a great 50% off coupon today, so we are getting our supplies on sale....more on that when we set our work day.

2 months from now we will be on vacation and are all very excited about our trip.  Austin will be joining us for the week and his parents will be able to come for the last couple of days.  We are enjoying getting to know him and his family.  And Amy loves their time together. 

The days are long and hot here in GA ~ almost like Mississippi weather, but without the benefit of a backyard pool.  We go out and take care of the dogs, rabbits and chickens in the mornings and evenings.  The garden is still producing some ~ mainly squash and tomatoes.  We do have some more corn to pick.  The green beans have given up in the heat and I've been giving the chickens the plants to munch on.  I am totally thrilled that my sunflowers bloomed ~ the plants are about as tall as I am.  They are planted beside the chicken coop and do provide some shade for the chickens from the afternoon sun.  I am thinking about the coming autumn and winter but its still several months off.

Thankful for ~

air conditioning
cool drinks
indoor projects
sunflowers
house contract
helpful friends