Stepping Out of the Box

Well Judy and I did something "out of our box." Instead of being snug home at dark, one night we went to a 7 p.m. lecture at Trinity University! That may not seem like a big deal to some of you but it was to us. Judy was totally excited to see a real published author in the flesh (and a best selling one at that.) But I was excited to see the man who had the experiences that I had read about in Three Cups of Tea. Ever since I worked with refugee students from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Sudan I have been very interested in learning about their culture. Also reading The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns made me hungry to hear more. if you have not read these books, I strongly suggest you do so. So we got to hear Greg Mortenson, Judy got an autograph in her book, and we were both proud of ourselves for doing something different.

Bragging Rights

You will see why I am able to brag. Not only are they adorable but you can see right into their personalities though these photos. Also, you can see why I can brag about Kristen as well, because she is the photographer!

Ben's First Trip to the ER

Well I guess having your first trip to the Emergency Room at age 8 is ok. He was playing on some equipment at a friend's and got konked. They opted for some type of glue sutchers. He is afraid others will make fun of him. I am betting it is all healed by the time school starts.

Eating Out of My Hand

I went to the zoo on Friday with Judy, Ethan and Hunter. It was a perfect visit, even if it was a little hot.
The zoo is put together so well that there is rarely time out in the pure sun. The kids were great and it was cool to see the zoo through their eyes. Feeding the birds nectar was a new experience for me. I wonder if the birds would have preferred to be sitting on a beautiful flower someplace drinking the nectar rather than sitting on my hand drinking from a plastic cup. It was a lifetime experience for me, even if the bird didn't have fun, I did. Is that selfish? I am really an animal lover, I do feel a touch guilty.
ps
I corrected my mistake. I tell you my mind is going......going......g_ _ _.

A Beautiful Smile to Share

Just had to share the new smile of Ben, my precious grandson. He got, at least the first round, braces off.
Such a great smile. Had to share it with you.

Miracle or Just a Gift?

Yesterday I received on of those emails, I know you have all gotten them, filled with angels and a little prayer. In addition to the instructions not to delete but send to seven friends, it even said I would get this miracle by 8:30 a.m. the next morning. I have never counted the exact number of friends I feel "safe" sending these kind of emails to, but I dutifully sent off the email to my "email friendly" set. This morning, one of the friends from the list called and wanted to know what miracle I had been granted (plus she gave me instructions to take her off of my "email friendly" list). So, I had to think if any miracles had occurred. This is an activity I think I need to do more often, and I recommend it to all of you as well. So here I was thirty minutes past miracle time figuring out if I had had any miracles. So this is what I came up with. Do you think it was a miracle or just a great gift? Yesterday I had my windows cleaned (all I had to do was write the check) and I can't believe how wonderful it is. Today I am going around the house all happy. It is like everything in house seems cleaner and newer, brighter and better! I had cleaned the house (myself) the day before and it felt good to have a clean house. It always does, even if I feel cripple for a day following the actual cleaning. But to have a clean house and clean windows. Wooow! I knew I had this one window (the one in the photo) that was bugging me because I could tell it was filthy. Also this is a window I have to look at often because it is opposite the throne in the "library." (Those of you who know me, know that I visit this spot frequently.) Well this window has been bothering me for awhile. I never knew the other windows were keeping so much of the beauty out!
So there you have it. I am full of joy today because my house is still clean and the windows also being clean is icing on the cake.
So do you think I got my email promise of a miracle or did I just get a wonderful gift?

Another Successful Camp Mamaw Ends

I put the kids on a plane right after noon and came home and took a well deserved nap!
It is always bitter-sweet to see them go. We do have a great time and I love that we are
making memories together.
I'd love to know what they say when someone asks what they did during the summer.
They have had a busy one, and it is not stopping yet. First to New York, then here, then
tomorrow they head to Megan and Levi's.
Yesterday we spent the day at Sea World with Charles, Carla, Dennis and Caden.
Emily loved all over Caden. I thought I was going to have to "take her down" for a
few of those baby kisses. Being the sweet child she is she shared nicely.