Summer Days are Here!

Summer + slower pace = fun family times. Not that we couldn't be busy this summer but there are more important things than being busy. Here's this past week:

Kroger had their raspberries on sale the past two weeks for a $1, so that gave good reason to make up some jam. There were 20 jars but one has already been opened to go on toast for breakfast - marvelous stuff!

We tried out a "new-to-us" park on Tuesday evening at Mt. Airy Forest that has a really cool treehouse!

We had fun exploring there and then decided to take a little hike. The boys are always looking for an adventurous walk in the woods - pretending a myriad of things along the way. It was HOT the middle of last week and so we were thoroughly soaked and worn out by the time we got back to the van (but little people sleep better when they're all worn out :o) Here's Stephen with his hiking stick "whip, whip, whip"ing away at whatever he's whipping - have no idea where he got it from!

Allan wanted me to take a picture of a tree with arms -

Then Wednesday was spent in the garden....all day.... finishing the planting that needed to be done for this year. We would have to choose the hottest day of this year so far to finish but since we were leaving on Thursday it couldn't wait any longer. I broke down and bought Preen (which I should have done two months ago!) so that I don't have to spend the rest of the summer weeding. So now all the cucumbers, squash, cantelope, and okra are planted and I took time to stake the tomatoes.

Thursday we headed to Tennessee!

Where we stayed at the Valentine's home -

And grilled our meals while enjoying the lovely patio and gazebo area that had a swing and table -

While the boys explored the woods and spent time playing on the swing -

Enjoyed some awesome scenery in the Great Smokey Mountains - what a wonderful change of pace from the city. God is such an awesome Creator!

Enjoyed all the flowers that were blooming (including Mountain Laurel and azaleas) but missed getting pictures of the turkeys.

Two different days we took the boys to Cosby Creek to throw rocks and just enjoy the outdoors. They had a marvelous time!

All too soon it was time to pack up and head back to Cincinnati - we arrived home last evening a little after 5:30, had some homemade pizza, took our Saturday night baths and headed to bed.

Today we had lunch with our special friends, Michael and Linda Schaub, and their girls (all four of them :o). Tonight we have to say goodbye (again!) since they're taking their new little one and heading back to Florida. I'm so thankful they were able to be here for the birth of the baby and we got to meet Maddie before they had to go back South. We will miss them!

Friday

Tomato canning day! Let's see I believe it made 4 quarts and three pints. Everything I canned this week sealed the first time around...so much for the old wives tale that your jars won't seal if you're pregnant.

Friday morning I went to see the chiropractor. This week was one that hasn't been kind to my lower back.







That afternoon I hung the curtains I found the day before in Philip's office. (The curtains were on clearance at Wal-Mart for $11 :o) BTW: The Thomas Kincaide border - my first attempt at wallpapering) was purchased at a yard sale for $2 a roll :o)













When we got home the boys wanted to get into the pool so I joined them and we had a blast!

Friday evening we went to Mom Brown's for grilled salmon and shrimp (Yummy!) and then came home and crashed. The boys are coming down with something and both of them went to sleep early and slept until 7:30 Saturday morning.

Thursday

Today was the day to finish the processing of the cinnamon pickles so they were canned and they made 11 pint jars. Allan ate almost one whole one himself and then we took some to the Brown's Friday night so I don't think they'll last long. Thursday morning I had some business to take care of so the boys and I did some running around and then went to WalMart. Alex took his nap here and I caught up on some housework that I'd been neglecting.





 Oh, it's been a long process but I'm still trying to get pictures on the walls and curtains hung. The sway I got on e-bay arrived today so I did a grouping at the bottom of the stairs leading to third floor using some of my P. Graham Dunn pieces. It turned out nice (much nicer than the pictures!)

Wednesday

We got a notice that corn was going to be delivered to the school today so I scrapped the plans I had previously so that I could do some (since the squirrels ate most of mine). Kathryn and Alex were here in the morning when it arrived and so everyone (except Alex) pitched in to get it husked. I worked the afternoon getting it cleaned and cooked before we left for church. After prayer meeting I cut, bagged and cleaned up the kitchen and even made it to bed by 11:15. The 81 ears made 28 two cup bags of corn.

Tuesday

Chelsea moved into the dorm so I watched Alex and Kathryn so they wouldn't be underfoot. I made and canned the jelly - though it didn't gel at least all of the jars sealed. I believe it made 18 jars. The ministerial faculty had a get together Tuesday evening and I contributed the brownies. Since all the men were at the Brown's home in KY I had all the Brown ladies and kids here for supper.

Happenings

It has been a whirlwind month at the Brown residence. The short news is: 1. Philip has completed the RHB (Reader's Hebrew Bible) dubbed "The Project" by Allan. YEA!!! It's in China waiting to be printed and should be released next spring. This allows for some extra family time which we have all loved.

2. Daniel has 4 teeth, seasonal allergies, double ear infection, and we're weaning him off the bottle - not an overly happy camper but it will get better.
 
A cake done for a church's pastor appreciation.
3. Allan has been enjoying the fall leaves, campfires, poking dragons (this one I don't totally understand), and taking advantage of the last few warm days to play in the sandbox.
4. I've been trying to keep the normal working machinery of a home working smoothly while starting fall housecleaning and canning some apple pie filling. Throw in GBS Homecoming, revival, Pastor Appreciation, Dr.'s appointments, the never ending laundry pile and you have very full days! But we love the fall and are starting to think about Christmas...Philip even suggested that we start playing some Christmas music. That was a surprise! (he's the one who slept until 8:00 the morning of our first Christmas! Never in my life had a met someone who slept in CHRISTMAS morning.) I think perhaps I'm having a good influence on him :o) Have a great week!