Third time around....and Jetta!

First and formost I want to get on here quickly (before another day goes by) and let everyone know about Jetta. She celebrated her 10th birthday yesterday. I'm so proud to have her for a daughter. She's a real trooper and does just as much work as a woman on allot of days. She can do laundry from sorting it all out to folding and putting away. She cleans, does dishes and even some cooking. She also has a job every Mon and Fri from 9-5 where she can make some spending money and also learn more about taking care of babies. I love her to pieces. I didn't get on here yesterday due to going out shopping to get her birthday bike and then with camp at nite... kinda got hectic. So....to our Jetta, happy, happy birthday...we love you so much.

And then on to vacation. This is Nadia at Cade's Cove. Sun was awfully bright that day and she kept snooting! I love to see her snoot!!

This was the view we got every night out our bedroom window. The colors were so pretty this night. Course the pole right in the middle is kinda distracting....

This was the train ride at Dollywood. Bia fell asleep after getting cinders in her eye and crying buckets about it. Wore her plumb out.

The one night we went to Comedy Barn. They have all the kids come up on stage at one point. At another point they have about 10 kids up to help in the "magic" act. Reagan was called up for that and was dubbed...."Harry Potter"!!!

Once again...more to follow.

Round two...

This was the main deck on our chalet. Troll was taking a few minutes of quiet time before we headed out for the next thing.
Dad and Nadia did a pose for me while we waited on everyone else to get into the van. That puppy Nadia is holding doesn't leave her side. She kisses and hugs it and even feeds it cheerios on a regular basis!!This was Austin's first big ride at Dollywood. I didn't take the video camera and I wish I would have as this thing gave me some hilarious shots of his face!!!

Jetta decided to plop down on the curb as we waited for Troll to bring the little kids with the stroller.

Bia is famous for her "papaw" looks. Here she is beside a "potty" girl at Dollywood. The week we were there was part of Kidfest and everything was geared towards kids.

More to follow...

Of gardens and vacation.

Things are hopping (once again) for us this summer. Our garden, consisting of three rows that are 115 (give or take a few inches) feet long, is producing in massive amounts. Our first picking of green beans ended up in 41 quarts!! It's been allot of fun for us as we all head out to weed and pick the fruits of our labors. Week before last I picked and canned cherries. Ended up with 37 quarts of those. Last week we headed to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN for a week of rest. We haven't been on a vacation like this since Jetta was 11 months old. This was the chalet we stayed in called "Heaven's Gate". Perched right on the side of a mountain, it was a gorgeous retreat.


This was one of the veiws we were afforded. I loved how the clouds were flowing out of the mountains.

My parents and their prison baby, Nadia, went with us. They'd never been to this area of TN. before so we took them along to share with them the beauty this state offers.

I love this picture I snapped right outside the chalet. She's a beautiful little girl and so special to us.
The last Saturday we went to Cade's Cove and did some hiking around. Bia took the liberty of hopping on Austin's neck for a ride back to the van.

I will post more pictures from the week over the next few days. So stay tuned!!!

Laugh and a 1/2

So from the kids' mouths......

Last night I was helping Ethan with his prayers and was at the end. Just got done saying, "In Jesus Name, amen" and he says, "Mom!!! You forgot to pray for Pepper! (Troll's dad's weiner dog)!!!

A couple days ago we were watching flies in the kitchen so we could whack them with the flyswatter. Bia freaked out and said, "Mom!!! There's twins!"

Today I was cooking supper for our friends when I hear Bia at the door. "Mommy, I found a worm." I told her that that was cool as they are always finding earthworms. Next thing I hear is, "Mommy, it's really small." So I turned around with dread in my heart to see that she had found a maggot!!! Gag!!!


Just a few laughs we've been having this week.

July 4th weekend.

Yesterday was the 4th of July program at our church. We had a great turnout and the kids/youth did a great job. Thanks to all of you that helped out in the making of costumes and all the other things that went into this.


These two were a hit. Singing in their own little world! So cute.