july 4th 2010, part 1

Ya'll, this post is a picture overload, and my apologies in advance for the strain I'm putting on your eyes. I apparently took over 200 pictures of that Sunday afternoon alone, so I'm sure that you'll thank me for doing the posts in a two part kind of thing. Also, I'm sorry this post is so late. Hey, better late than never, especially since I promised you a 4th post. On to the pictures, shall we?

The festivies started sometime around 3:00, but before all that happened, I snapped some shots of the decorations on the back porch. Dad hung up these flags since we don't have a regular sized one. I know, I know; how very unpatriotic of me...

Serious picture taking commenced shortly after the guests arrived. Mr. Stewart, the dad of the family we baby-sit for (and our pastor!), was pretty surprised when I stood at the backyard gate, waiting to take his picture. :)
Mama talking to Miss Molly...

I just had to get a picture of the 4 goggled friends before they jumped in, which wasn't 5 minutes after they got there. Note Clark's enormous straps on the sides of his goggles, and how much darker he his than Andrew, Caleb and Sam.

We swam, we took pictures, we laughed, we took pictures, shucked corn, and took more pictures of said corn shucking.

We even roped Mr. Stewart into helping us, much to the amazement of his children. I think they keep forgetting he grew up on a farm type place in a town smaller than our's.

When the boys finally took a break, Caleb decided that he needed to work on his tan. On the concrete, when the patio chairs weren't two feet away. I didn't really understand that idea, but he didn't seem to mind.

Many rounds of croquet followed the swimming. I think

A typical Caleb face. I always laugh at it, and I think that's why he always makes it. In fact, I laugh at almost any face or saying Caleb does. He's just a funny little guy.

His sister, Sam. Not to be confused with Sam, my cousin. Funny, though...they both have blond hair and blue eyes.

After croquet, and adult swim, throwing children was on the agenda. Sports mode is my new best friend when it comes to jump shots.

Much to Mama's dismay, Mr. Stewart had to throw Clark. Poor Mama. :)

I love how Andrew's the only one smiling. Clark's being all cool-like, and Caleb, well...he just ignored me.

Mr. Eddie and Miss Molly...

Finally, after we heard several pleas for food, we threw the food on the grill. It was just so pretty I had to get a picture. That and the fact that Dad told me to. You know how guys are about food.

The spread. And, let me tell you, it was some of the best cookout food I've had in a long time. Seriously.

Once the boys finished eating, they decided to start on the ice cream. We have one of those old fashioned hand cranked ones, so it was a good way to work our arm muscles.

Andrew was intent on telling me something, and he wasn't going to stop for the camera.

Poor Sam didn't last very long, but she did her (small) share! Great job, Sambo.

Andrew kept a watch on the time with his fancy iTouch. I'm now convinced that I need one, also.

When it was Andrew's turn, which he was one of the people who did 10 mins instead of 5, Em kept count. Well, the iTouch did, but she made sure that it didn't fall or anything.

Frost King, you make some tasty goodness...in the form of ice cream. I love you.

This picture cracks me up! I can't remember what they were talking about, but Em's face is priceless.

Come on back later this week (yes, I will have it up later this week. doubters. :) for the conclusion. Actually, I think the fireworks pictures might be in a separate post, but I haven't decided yet. I'm very indecisive, you know!

simple woman's daybook for july 12th

Alright, guys, you know the drill! Another Monday means another Simple Woman's Daybook, so head on over to Peggy's to read up on all the rules and regulations, then come back and type up your own post, link up and...volia! You've just participated in the blog carnival that is known as The Simple Woman's Daybook. I don't care if spell check thinks that "Daybook" isn't really a word; I'm still going with it.

For today...July 12th, 2010. Almost half-way through July, and I'm not really happy about that. Where, oh where did my summer go?
Outside my window...Cloudy, but no rain. God saved that for later...when we planned on going to the beach. Maybe it's for the best, but I'm really looking forward to it. Looks like the rain will come sooner than expected, though, so who knows.
I am thinking...About my short visit with Emmylou this morning. It was nice to just sit and talk, although Andrew was the only one who was feeling well. If you think about it, pray for them, okay? Especially Emily, since she's taking Driver's Ed for the next two weeks.
I am thankful for...Places to go and people to see this week. I hate being lazy, but mostly just staying home.
From the learning rooms...Ya'll will be so proud of me, I just know it! Before I even signed into Blogger this afternoon, I did a math lesson AND a chapter test. Who's going to pat me on the back? :)
From the kitchen...Not much. Leftover shrimp and grits for lunch, but as Mama said, we're going to have to get creative with supper tonight.
I am wearing...A red Old Navy tank top over a white one, along with some jean capris. Very casual, I know.
I am creating...Some blog posts for this week. I think there's going to be some changes over here at Simply SA, so look out for a post all about bloggy things.
I am going...A lot of places this week. Scroll down to get the complete list, okay? I mean, if you're that interested in my life and all that stuff.
I am reading...Sam just gave me a new book to read, so I'm one happy girl! Summertime books are my cup of tea, you know?
I am hoping...That the rest of the week goes well. Busy, busy us!
I am hearing...Everyone arguing about me blogging. Man, if I knew that blogging would cause much anger, I don't know if I would have started one. Apparently, Clark can't even look at a blog post without saying something mean.
Around the house...If you didn't know better, you'd think we're spring cleaning. Mama's got on a organizing kick, so everything's pulled out and being dusted off, then out back on the shelf.
One of my favorite things...Doing things for other people like we did this morning. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside! :)
A few plans for the rest of the week...Baby-sitting tomorrow, visiting with family the next day, along with watching the pastor's kids on Thursday. I think we're doing something this weekend, but I'm just not sure.
A picture for thought I am sharing...Emily and I. I just can't seem to get her off my mind here lately.

ff challenge days 6 and 7

FYI, yesterday I broke the rules and wore my bathing suit the whole day, although I did have on a dress like cover-up. That counts, right? Just though ya'll should know, because I'd hate for you to be wondering why I skipped pictures for the day.

Outfit specs:
Shirt: A solid blue t-shirt from Target for $8, I think. Funny story, though, because when I saw Samantha today, she said she almost wore the same shirt. Guess we have the same taste in clothing, which is fine by me. It might mean that I'll get some of her clothes later on. Hint, hint, Sam! :)
Skirt: Bought it last week, actually. It was one of the only things I bought that wasn't on sale, but it still wasn't too badly priced. I'll definitely get my money's worth out of this $15 skirt.
Shoes: I finally stole the brown Speedo's from Mama to wear today, then preceded to soak them, and my legs, completley while trying to get out of the car. SA, remember to step gently out of the car next time Dad's dropping you off at a store when it's raining cats and dogs. You'll be a lot better off in life if you remember that little tidbit...
Hair and Jewelry: Mama side braided my hair since I didn't want to blow-dry it this morning. Let's hear it for Mama for doing all those fancy hairstyles this week, shall we? Jewelry is pretty lame, though. My college cross necklace was the only thing I wore. Oops!
A few pictures before I sign off for the weekend, okay? We all like pictures, so it's not a big deal.
This is what rainy afternoons were made for, am I right. I'm right; just admit it. :)

And this is how I feel after this month's Challenge. Thanks a million to Emily for making this one of the most enjoyable Challenge's I've done. Great job, bestie!

summer with a purpose: week 4

Hard to believe it's been a month, no? Although, it's only been three weeks for me, but for the rest of you productive people, it really does seems like a month. Thanks so much, Emily Elizabeth, for creating and hosting this blog carinval! I've, mostly, stayed on top of my chores and such this summer, and I have my blog, and bloggy friends to thank for that. Just knowing that someone is waiting to see what you've done all week is a huge motivator, am I right?
Alright, enough with the sappy stuff. Let's see how productive I was this week, shall we?

• Helped Mama finished the CBS prep. Now all we have to do is finish those pesky coloring sheets and we're good to go! 
• Exercised every day this week, but Thursday I wasn't able to. Still, I've gotten back into the swing of things, and it was on both mine and Mama's to-do list. 
• Washed a truckload of dishes, then took pictures of said clean dishes. :) After supper last night, I washed even more dishes, and between being in the pool and the soapy dishwater, I'm afraid my hands are going to be permanently wrinkled. 

One thing that saved my hands was this little beauty. Seriously, it's every dishwasher's dream.

• Worked on math all this week. Why is that productive? Well, it took a lot of perseverance to do thsi kind of Alegbra...

And even more to do this. Because, frankly...this scares me. Literally, I was scared to even look at the following lessons. Please tell me I'm not alone in this...

And what in the world is this about? I'm pretty sure high schoolers aren't made to learn this stuff; it should be saved for the glorious class that is called College Algebra.

• Dusted, vacuumed, and washed my bed sheets. Nothing says summer like hanging out your clothes to dry. 

Made a couple cards...a thank you and a birthday one, to be exact. I think they turned out pretty nice, some of my best ever!

I think there's something else I meant to add, but my mind isn't functioning right now. It might have something to do with the fact that it's a weekend, but I can't rightly say. ;) Ever had that problem?

five reads for friday

Apparently, there was a memo I didn't get over at I heart Faces. See, since they've re-vamped their look, not to mention a new domain, all special photo posts have been lacking, so they're wasn't even a photo to edit last week. I know that I said I'd do it this week, but I'm really considering cutting back on my blog-about-this-on-this-day posts (i.e. see the sidebar to vote on which ones you'd like to keep, and which ones you aren't into. thanks in advance!), so I've save Fix It Friday for next week. Confusing, I know...
With that being said, let's take a look at the posts that made me laugh and cry this week. Although, I mostly laughed. And, come to think of it, never cried. Oh well, it just sounded more poetic that way!
"All Sorts of Celebrations" by A. Ann. Her pictures? Awesome! Enough said, really. It amazes me how God works in her life, and yes, I know He works in all of ours. But the way she puts them into words, and just plain recognizes them? I'm awestruck.
"Holy Sunburn, Batman" by Patrice. I laughed...and then I cringed. After I got over the fact that it wasn't photo-shopped, I started to wonder what kind of bathing suit would make that pattern. I even wondered if I could get one.
"The Single Lady Pancake" by Joy. I wonder if us young women, married or not, have ever had some of Joy's hilarious thoughts run though our heads. Admit it, because I am. :)
"It Must Be Rough" by AllisonO. Okay, I've got to come clean on this one: I was one of those girls who followed a baby, along with the mom, around the house, but never worked up the courage to ask to hold said baby. The only difference between me and those girls? 1. I'm not a blond. That was a given! 2. I own no Aeropostale shirts, much to my friend's dismay and 3. Well, plainly put, I don't have an OBaby to dote on. I'll have to fix that...
"What's in a Name" by Tiffany. I just started following Tiffany's blog, and I have to say I'm so glad I did. She's got such a great outlook on life, along with a great relationship with God, so it's a win-win for us all.
Make sure to vote on the poll, okay? Pretty please? Just think about it, why don't you? Kidding, kidding...