FUN TIME AT THE BEACH!

JUNE 24, 2009

Rachael and I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days at the beach with close friends and we were BLESSED with a wonderful week. Rachael told me later, "Mom, this has been one of my favorite trips."

We played at the beach, ate good food, got a nice "lobster burn", and Jennifer even taught us the "Lobster Creed." (you have to place your last two fingers together and next to the last two fingers together and then separate the pair so that your hands look like a Lobster claw)

"I am a Lobster, Red and Burned."

"To wear my sunscreen, I have learned!"

It was an awesome time with friends and we enjoyed our time together. It was fun to watch the kids gather together and play.

Rachael, McKenzie, and Claire

Claire, pulling her wagon of toys out to sea!

Rachael and Seth playing around with the boogie board.

Jonathan, Claire and (part of me) enjoying the warm ocean!

Rachael and Claire having fun!

Jonathan, Rachael and Claire

RACHAEL'S FIRST SUMMER JOB!

JUNE 22, 2009

Rachael with Alana and Avery

I have a little "catching up to do." Rachael had the opportunity to work her first summer job this year. She was asked to babysit for Ray and Patty Fletcher's grandchildren, Avery and Alana. Rachael was very excited and asked a dozen questions before her first big day.

She did well and was complimented many times by Patty. Thank-you Patty for asking her to babysit and giving her the opportunity to earn some money this summer. She was so thankful and you were very generous! We love you!

At the end of her first week, I treated her and the kids to a lunch at McDonalds and we went to the one where they could play. Renee and her kids joined us for the outing and we all had a great time of fellowship. (We missed you Kim and Claire)

Avery enjoying his playtime!

Little Andrew watching the older kids. We saw the Maupins at McDonalds and the boys all joined in and played together.

Alana and Anna


Jonathan chasing the Maupin boys!

Rachael, your dad and I are very proud of you. You are showing us that you are maturing into a responsible young lady this summer and you are making better decisions in regards to maturity. Even though we as parents, sometimes have to place boundaries on you that you may not understand now, you will as you enter into your own adulthood and have children of your own. It is our desire and prayer that you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and might.

Deuteronomy 6:5

We love you very much and look forward to seeing God's plan in your life! Mom & Dad

SOFTBALL PICTURES

JUNE 05, 2009

Here are the recent softball pictures that were taken at the end of the season. I can't believe "my baby" is going to be a Freshman next year in High School. I'm sad!

UGCS Girls Softball Team

My Baby!

Wished I could still stretch like this!

Posing for the camera!
Getting ready to steal a base!

WHERE DID MAY GO?...

JUNE 04, 2009

I cannot believe May has passed by so quickly and June is fast-forwarding. I cannot seem to get caught up anymore or get many things accomplished. I noticed last night my calendar on the refrigerator still has April's agenda on it. Wow, pretty bad when you've skipped a whole month of calendaring.

There were end of year school activities, sports activities, weekend trips, painting the dining room (which I must admit, is still not complete) and planting more flowers (one of my favorite things to do). And now we have moved into the fundraising mode. The teens have been involved in several fundraisers this month to raise money for their trip to WOL camp in July and last night we had a spaghetti supper at church to raise more funds. We have a golf tournament scheduled and one more car wash to squeeze in before the end of June. I'll need a weekend of rest after all this.

I want to post some pictures of Rachael that were taken during softball this past year and I'll try and get those done in the next day or two. I also have some additional recipes to post and need to get back on track with sharing some of the weekly recipes from weight watchers.

Speaking of Weight Watchers, I weighed in yesterday and lost 7.4 lbs. This was awesome and I am shooting for my 60 lb star next week. I am going to weigh in on Tuesday of next week because I leave to go out of town on Wednesday so I pray I make my 60 pound loss. The last month has been up and down on the scale and at one point, I lost track of whether I was gaining or losing (haha). I found pounds and lost pounds but as of yesterday, I am definitely back on the path to losing. I needed the big loss to encourage me to get refocused. I have a new vision in my mind to where I would like to be when we take our family vacation to Disney in September. This is the vision I am going to put in my mind to prayerfully keep me motivated.

My step-son Nick called this past week and told us he has placed an offer to buy a house less than 5 minutes from our house. I am excited for him and I know he is looking forward to this next big step in his life. He has been offered a full-time position with Duke Energy as an Associate Engineer and we are happy for him. He has been working part-time for Duke while going to school and graduated in May with an Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering. He graduated with honors and did a fantastic job working part-time as an engineering intern. I received a note of praise on him from the Human Relations Department and I have to admit, I was very proud.

I will share more later but for now, must get back to work.