Family Bottle Drive

Little miracles seem to happen all the time.

Jill wanted to attend a swim camp this week. We told her she would need to raise half the money to attend. We talked about some things she could do make money. She decided to try dng her own "bottle drive" of sorts. She tried knocking on doors with Peirce on Friday, but hardly anyone was home. I suggested we try going to some restaurants and businesses. They were kind of leery at first, but after a few successful attempts they were on a roll. We went out for 3 hours on Friday, and then had some places to follow up on Saturday. Some people said they would bring their bottles from home, or they had to check with the boss, etc. So we came back Saturday.

The camp cost $250. Just before heading out to the camp today we added up what she had.....an astounding $125.50.

Can you believe that?? What are the chances that we would get the exact number of cans and bottles needed for the exact amount needed?? My thinking is that it was a miracle indeed. A real lesson that God provides exactly what we need.

New Stage in Life

Tonight Jill and I went to a wedding reception for my friend, Kelly's daughter, Brittany. It was a whole new experience to listen to the parents give their little talks at the reception. It was different because these are my friends! I have known their kids since they were babies! It was really interesting.....and heartwarming!

Deerfoot Drive In

Every summer the Deerfoot Mall has a drive-in. We always enjoy it. Last week they had their first movie, but they got rained out - so last night they did a double feature. Peirce and I weren't tough enough to stay for both movies - but Allen and Jill and Soleil and Tanner did! They had a great time.

The first movie was ET - a classic! And then they showed Jurassic Park. The kids all had a great time!

Close Call

Late this afternoon we were all having a little rest. A thunder storm had started. Suddenly we heard the loudest clap of thunder I have ever heard! Peirce came running into our room, and we went out to check to see if any houses were on fire. Soon we heard sirens too so we figured it was somewhere near by. Turns out a tree in the field behind our house got hit. It is about 100 feet from our back yard.
 

 
First they put their danger tape around the tree.
 

Then they had to figure out how to get the split part of the tree down so it didn't fall on anyone, I suppose. I wish I had taken pictures when they were trying to get it down. They put a big rope around the tree and tugged. One fireman couldn't do it so a second one got in to help. Then a third, and a fourth. Finally the fifth guy came along, put the rope around his waist, and they all tugged and pulled and pulled and pulled....and down it came. It was great fun for the kids to watch! In the far left of this picture are Peirce and Jill and Sunny. The guy standing by the firemen in the blue shirt is the guy whose house is right in front of these trees. He is a retired minister. I bet he was counting his blessings!

Good fun for a Wednesday afternoon!

Syd and Peirce

Today I burned discs for Peirce. It was fun to see the things he takes pictures and videos of. Play sure seems to have changed for kids! Now part of the fun is recording what you do!

10 Day Countdown

I got up this morning for my morning prayer and study and planning time realized I really only have 10 days of summer left! ACK!! In 10 days teacher training starts! I am excited about it, and also sad that summer will end. I really haven't accomplished a heck of a lot. I had big plans, but found relaxing took over. At first I was a little embarrassed about how much relaxing I was doing (I hate to call it laziness). However, this past week I have realized how much I needed it. I feel a change coming over me. Pretty much ever since Jill was a baby I have had a computer tied to my hip. I have taken work everywhere with me, which was a blessing, and also not so much of a blessing. I don't need to get into the details of that, except to say that having six weeks off for the first time ever has been revolutionary. I have had time to think a about me, about my life, my attitude, my goals and my dreams. I am excited to start this new school year a better person. A better wife. A better mom, and a better teacher. I am so grateful to be able to return to the world of teaching. I love it and I love what it has done for my life.

Rained Out

Tonight for our date night I suggested we go to a walk along the river. Allen really doesn't like walking though (back issues) and sometimes it's worse than others. Tonight walking was out. Well, how about we drive down to the river and sit on a bench?! It was a deal....until this happened:

 
This is the view from our front door. Unbelievable!!
 
We decided we would stay home and play Scrabble. Allen hates Scrabble. I had to let him win :)

Ladies Fastball

This week I have worked at Vipers games 3 nights if the week. Well, truthfully, it wasn't Vipers, it was ladies fast pitch. There is s professional league in the states and they cane up here to play. The crowds were a little small so that was disappointing, but it was fun to see them play. They we're good!! It made me want to play ball.....but, well, I guess I will continue in the concession for now. LOL

Summer Fun

Jill made a summer journal this year. She decorated it with words and pictures about what she hoped summer would be. It is really cool. Both my kids made summer lists of things they would like to do this summer. I am so proud of them for first of all making the list, and for being sure to do some of the things in the list!

This week they are checking things off like crazy while they spend time in Raymond at Nana and Grandpas. Jill went on a canoe ride that was hours long. Peirce didn't want to go so he went to my mom's and hung out for the day. They have been horse back riding, swam with the Raymond Swim Club, played lots with cousins, hung out in the beautiful Raymond library, and more.

I miss them, but I am glad they are having such a good time!

Sticking my toe in

I went into the school today and started working on my classroom. It was so great!! The other teacher has moved her stuff out and now I can see what I have and don't have and clean up and get ready for September. There is a lot I need to do and get, and a lot to throw out and sort through. I will get there though. I loved being there! Apparently some other teachers had the same idea because there were about 5 or 6 of us there. It was fun to see them. I can't wait until September!

Nanton Days

 Today we went to Nanton for Nanton Days! First order of business: the parade! ...and here it comes! We always have a lot of fun at these small town parades. The candy. The people. The sun. It's great! Oh, and did I mention, no crowds? Love it!

 After they had a Children's Festival at the park. Jill was so happy

that she wasn't too old to go in the bouncy houses.

 Some little boy latched on to Peirce while we were there. Peirce was so cute with his new little buddy.

 Sparky!

 More bouncy houses

 Jill got a tatoo. Yup. A shark!

It's a swimmer thing, apparently.

Nanton is raising money to replace their structurally damaged roof on the arena. They had a duck race. We bought a few ducks and went and watched. It was so funny....all these people on the bridge watching this quite slow moving river. I figured it was a prank to see how many people they could get to come hang out there, and then they'd take a picture of all of us fools. Finally, they did come around the corner. We didn't win anything, but it was fun to watch our kids run around on the shore, and visit with the other people on the bridge!

All in all, a really fun day :)