Beauty in the Mundane

 Felicity with a 103 fever for a few days.  When an 18 month old just wants to lay there something is wrong. She was pitiful, but soooo cuddley it was a little fun, on my end.

 I had months to stitch this patch on to Clay's nursing jacket.  I knew he had to wear it for the senior's graduation.  But what do I do?? I wait until one hour before he needs to leave to get the thing on!  Tacky Glue came to the rescue and it promptly fell off after the ceremony.

 None of our children have spent as much time in a diaper as little Felicity has.  Why is that I ask myself?  Fatigue?  A more relaxed approach? Probably both.

 This is a three year old that wants his picture taken.

This is now a three year that does not want his picture taken.

Life lately...

Reading:  I finished Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry and then read The Awakening of Miss Prim, which I LOVED.  Now Clay is reading it and ever so often I hear him chuckle and smile to myself, he gets it.  I started Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry but I can not keep going.  What is wrong with me??? I really want to push through because a friend recommended it, but  I can't, I need a break.  I am half through Laura Ingalls Wilder's By the Shores of Silver Lake.  I think it might be may favorite of hers.  If ever I need a pick me up I read Laura Ingalls.  We are kindred spirits, I like to think. 

Food: One day I declared to Clay, "I am sick of kid food, I'm making us burschetta and would you please pick up some nice cheese from ALDI?"  He did just that and also has been bringing me some Noosa lemon yogurt here and there.  Have you tried Noosa?  If not, you need too, it is impossible to eat and not make noises such as "mmmm" while you eat.  Also, I eat it alone.  No kids around to share with.  This is also important. I will warn you, it is not good for you.   Right now, I have a whole chicken in the oven.  What makes me feels more productive than a whole chicken in the oven?  I'm not sure.  But I am sooo happy when I am ahead of dinner time.

Movies:  I have watched the entire Doc Martin series and loved it so much!  I was sad when I finished it.  Even Clay likes it, which is so nice when we like the same thing.  Now we are watching The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.  Have you heard of it?  Our Priest recommended it.  Oh, it is so delightful!  The characters are wonderful.  I am such a sucker for well developed, corky chracters.   Clay and the kids are still slowly making their through Stars Wars. Can I say I am sick of Stars Wars???  I am more of a Little Women, Anne of Green Gables girl.  But they are enjoying it, actually I have never seen Boaz so still as I have while during Stars Wars.   :)

Pool: The pool is green and disgusting.  We drained it yesterday except for about 4 inches of densely gross water. We will think of a plan.  It is warmer this week so I wanted to get it clear again.  And friends might come by at the end of the week to swim.

Nursing School:  Clay has 14 weeks left!  It feels like this is a pregnancy! ha!  We are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. 

Phrases:  "Aint Nobody got time for that!"  We are about two years too late, but Sweet Brown entered our home and myself and Athanasius particularly say this a lot.  We are probably driving everyone else crazy.

July Pictures

These are some pictures from July.  I am realizing I take a lot of pictures of Felicity and subconsciously have neglected the others kids!  I will make more of an effort to keep up with our three big kids.  We have been blessed with a happy summer.  I am so thankful!  I think this has probably been my most favorite summer in my time as a mother.  Of course, I still have more July pictures to post...coming soon!

Praying Mantis