Pickling

Because I have nothing else to do...I thought I would pickle.

It is an indulgence for Phillip.

They are so bold in color before I pour the brine. I love to see them clean and in the jars. There is a small pleasure I get when I am done and have something I made that others enjoy. Must be why I started making jam too. That or I have found my stride as a domestic. So long as no one wants clean socks!

A study of Hammie...by Jack

Hammie reading


Hammie resting

First day of School

Well it was a banner year for the family. Both boys are in school now and here are the pics from their first days!

I know, slow as usual.

Army of Women

If you are a woman and are reading my site, please click on Army of Women. This is an effort by Avon and Dr. Love to recruit as many women as possible to be available for research studies for Breast Cancer. Regardless of your "demographic" they are looking for you. This program will link researchers with women who are able to participate in studies on breast cancer. They need survivors, they need those that are cancer free. They need every age, geographic location and ethic group to participate. We are being called to join the ranks of those finding a cure, a vaccine and a treatment. Help me.

It is with a greater passion that I am asking this from you. This year has seen breast cancer take the life of my Aunt Connie.

This year, I found a lump. This year, at 32, I had my first mammogram. The lump they found required another mammogram. I then needed an ultrasound. I then needed an MRI.

My lump is benign.

I can only share with you the terror of looking at my children and thinking of them spending one day without me. I can only hope that the fear that I felt for the last month be something that skips you and those you hold dear. I can only express gratitude for those that walked with me during this time of my life. I am desperate to find a cure. We all need a life that is full of our loved ones and our children.

Please, I implore you, help me.

Soccer Tourney

RJ is # 21...notice you only really ever see pictures of him running

Before Game One

The Champions!

GO BLUE SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!

RJ was in his first soccer tournament this weekend. He played two games on his birthday. One at 10:30a and another at 4:30p. They won both games, playing really well. The final game was today at 4:30 and it was a hard game. The boys played well and were very aggressive with the ball. Their team won and took first place!

RJ played defender all weekend and loved it! He is now called the Brick Wall by the parents for not letting anything by him. He used his whole body and charged every ball that came his way. He has found his place on the team for his big kicks. He was awesome. I am so proud! He was really anxious for the game but settled down and played hard. He just wants to play his position well and knows that is what helps the team. He isn't about how many goals he scores, he doesn't care if he scores at all, he is cheering on his team as hard as the parents.

He is such a great kid! What an amazing thing to witness. I just love my guy!

Eskimos

Pop used to tell a story about 2 grizzled hunters who met in a bar in the arctic. After a few drinks theconversation turned to the existence of God. They started to argue. One man insisted that there was a God while the other was just as sure there was not.
“Yes there is!”
“No, there isn’t!”
“God exists!”
“No, He doesn’t, and I can prove it.” The non-believer said, “I was out hunting when a snow storm caught me. The snow came down hard and obliterated the trail. I was lost. I didn’t know what to do, so I got down on my knees and prayed.”
“That proves that God exists,” said the believer.
“No it doesn’t,” said his opponent. . . . “Some darn Eskimo came along and showed me the way back to town.”

We all have Eskimos who come into our lives and show us the way. A quick word, a chance meeting.
I have met with one of mine recently and wanted to help prepare your heart to meet one of yours.

Dog days of summer...

Ahh August! It has been a great summer. Here are some photos of one late afternoon...the boys enjoyed a sprinkler, squirt guns and popsicles. The days I most enjoy being a mom.