If you're a wearer-only of skirts, or like to occasionally wear a skirt, or just like getting free stuff, head on over and visit Kristy @ The Little Natural Cottage. She's giving stuff away, y'all!
Particularly skirts from newCreation Women's Apparel. And if you're preggo, you're gonna get really excited when you see what they have to offer.
So what are you waiting for? Check it out!
Elijah has finished his kindergarten year and is reading like a champ! We were not able to have a grad ceremony, disappointingly, but are planning a grad party soon! Gracie is reading great for a 4 year old, as well!
We'll be leaving for youth camp in Alabama in just a week and a half! Eeek! I can't believe it's this close!! Youth/kids camp is a highlight of our summer, and I'm so thankful that we are able to be a part of it. It's a great time of fun, fellowship, and renewal for both me and the children. I get to see my kids playing with the children of my childhood friends and visit and worship with dearest friends seen, too rarely, as well as meet new ones.
But, alas, the summer fun has already started around here. Someone recently asked me, "What do your kids do to amuse themselves? Since you don't have TV or a DVD player." I had to chuckle...
Oh, they find something to do, poor dears....have tea parties with their babies...
Play in rainpuddles....
And Elijah has been having fun hanging out with his Dad on the weekend, swimming in Poppy's pool and playing with his new pet turtle Scab...
But they are not the only ones having fun, for tomorrow, May 25, John & I will celebrate 9 years of marriage! We actually have babysitters (a rare occasion indeed) and plan to celebrate with dinner and a round of black-light miniature golf (should be interesting). I am sooo looking forward to a date with my man :).
Although summer is a welcome reprieve, it still brings matters of decision to the forefront. What curriculum will I use for next school year? Will we have the house ready to sell by the end of the summer, or better yet, sold by the end of the year? Will John pass the CPA exam the first go-round? Will our sanity remain intact through it all? Of course it will--cause His grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning. Can't wait to see how things turn out this summer!
May around our place has been a blur of activity. We enjoyed Mother's Day, although I was not able to spend it with my Mom.
Monday night we started revival at our church and it was a wonderful time of seeing God save souls and heal bodies. I'm so thankful to attend a church where God moves in a real and powerful way! The highlight of the revival for me was Bro. Douglas Meadows' Friday night message--"I Am Not An Egyptian". Even though it was directed at encouraging our young people, it encouraged me that John & are doing the right thing by raising our children in the way of Holiness. We've been criticized lately for doing so, and God used that message to encourage us to keep on keepin' on, and one day our kids will stand up to the world and say, "I Am Not An Egyptian".
Here's a little snapshot of the girls all dressed up and ready for church Thursday night.
The first week of May, the Hubster & decided to go on a juice fast, which consists of giving up solid foods and replacing them with juiced fruits and veggies. It was tough at first, but it got easier throughout the week and we both felt so much better after the juice cleansing. I lost 8 lbs (in 3 days), and plan to do it again next week. It was so much fun trying on clothes from the "too little" side of my closet and finding they fit! It's also nice when people comment and let you know the loss of weight is showing.
Breakfast, Lunch, & Supper: Fresh OJ, Carrots & Apples, Carrots & Cucumbers. Yum :)
I have been wanting to do a post on our evolving backyard "urban farm", but due to some complaints from neighbors, we had to give our chickens away and move our honey bees. We were able to keep our rabbits, however, and we are enjoying them so much! Meet Beast. Isn't he gorgeous? His mate, Beauty, appropriately named by Gracie, is a beauty as well. The children are in love!
Our garden is growing beautifully, and if the cool weather passes, our tomatoes will be ready in a couple of weeks. We picked our first mess of greens this week, and they are on the To Do List to be cooked down and frozen-canned tomorrow. I'm ready for some fresh potatoes and squash to fill the table and our tummies.
Some friends of ours own a thrift store nearby, and we stop in frequently to see what deals can be stolen :). Elijah had been eying a particular train set for some time but didn't quite have the $20 they were asking. So, the last time we stopped in, he asked the owner if he would take $5 for the set. She was happy to give him the deal and Elijah has played with it for hours on end. Way to jew 'em down, Elijah!
It's hard to believe May is almost gone, but it is so. We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer of youth camps, campmeetings, and visits "home" to Alabama. DH is halfway finished with the CPA exam, and would be one test away, but his last test has to be retaken due to the electricity going out when he was only 2 questions away from completion. I'm so proud of how hard he has worked to accomplish this goal and we are going to have a big par-tay to celebrate when it is all over!
Hope you enjoyed the little update, now to go catch up on some of my favorite blogs.
Tally-ho!
