Matt made a couple of collages

 

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

14 years ago this afternoon.....

 

Ollie's room

This was Matt's nursery set when he was a baby. I know that these aren't the best pictures but they were taken in the attic. The second picture is of the end of the crib. There is also a changing table which Matt didn't photograph. Now my question for the bloggers and readers is... should we use it? We are unsure. Missy says yes and I usually agree with her taste. That's the only opinion we have gotten so far. Please let me know what you think. Is it retro cool or just too groovy (as Kendra would say)? Thanks!!

favorite new things

These are a few of my favorite new things:
1. Everyone's favorite new blogger!
2. We finally have great new neighbors!!! After 6 years as a trashy rental the new owners are really fixing this place up. As you can see they are adding new windows and other luxuries such as central heat and an a/c. But more than that, they are such sweet people!
3. Have you guys tried the new chocolate Chex Mix? The peanut butter kind tastes just like puppy chow.
4. If you do not have a Swiffer sweep and vac, stop what you are doing and go buy one right now. It has absolutely revolutionized my life. Can you tell that I don't work outside of the house?
Now, please tell me what the best new thing in your life is.

 

When Tango's away....

Just thought you might like to see what your pool has been up to.

the Burch 7

We wanted to know what deputation will be like for the Testers so we took 5 kids on a mini vacation. We had a great time swimming and staying at Big Cedar and we checked out the new Branson Landing. We had a blast and we hope the kids did too.

 

summertime

My favorite things about summer:

so much daylight!!!

wearing a bathing suit all day

grilling (actually just eating grilled food, I've never grilled anything in my life)

eating outside

suntanned kids

patriotic holidays

sundresses

lingering outside when we return home talking to our neighbors

spending time with sweet Morgan

fun parties at the "pool houses" (Jeppsens and Demers)

and of course....the fair and Firefall

Now, please tell me what your favorite things about summer are.

Look Laura, 2 parties in one night!

The Testers' going away party
Millie's third birthday

 

Birthdays, Blueberries, and Brittany

So yesterday was my dad's big 65th. Festivities included dinner at Rib Crib followed by a trip to my grandma's house. She lives in a bad part of town. I mean a really scary, bad part of town. We try to get out of our van and into the house super quick so as not to bring attention to ourselves. She made a delightful lemon cake for my dad. So delightful in fact that she had already helped herself to 3 pieces.

Turns out my pickin' hands were bigger than my freezer. 3 gallons of blueberries is a whole lot. We have been eating so much of them around here that I'm expecting one of us to swell up like Veruica. We went around and gave some away to neighbors tonight. And we gave some to our gradmas. And some to our friends. We still have more than 2 gallons left. Anyone have any great blueberry recipes?

I watched the Brittany Spears interview last night. I've always liked her and I do think that the media gives her an extra hard time. However, the girl was chewing gum! During a nationally televised interview with Matt Lauer! She had a false eyelash that was falling off and she was spilling out of her dress. A dress that she should of only worn 3 sizes ago. Where are her p.r. people?

Hillenblogs wife- Wonderful blog! You guys certainly are living the American dream.

Hillenjunior- Great clips of the funniest show to ever come across the airwaves. I have a request; can you show "the kiss"? Is that too mushy for a boy? I would like to see it again. And again. And again.

 

Pappie's pickin' patch

We had a great day picking blueberries despite getting in trouble for bringing too many kids. Now who would ever think that 20 is too many?

 

rumors, rumors, rumors

Seems like Springfield is abuzz with talk concerning the mall. Does anyone know what stores we are actually getting? I've heard from various "very reliable sources" conflicting stories. Pottery Barn, Gap, Banana Republic? Maybe a certain someone who works at the mall might know...

Why we blog...

I must say that I do love the blogging world. It's fun and not a totally mindless form of entertainment. As a writer, it is somewhat therapeutic to relive experiences. Doogie Howser was on to something. As a reader, I've enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of your lives. I feel that we all benefit from this experience. Blogging has created a community spirit among us. A spirit that is hard to come by in our fast paced world. However, I have been saddened and angered recently. A certain "anonymous" has left two comments on my blog speaking sarcastic insults against two of my friends. The most recent one involved a child who can and does read the blogs. Most of you probably never saw either one as I removed them within hours of posting. I don't know who you are and I don't want to know. I only wish for you to stop. Sorry to be so heavy but I have been livid about last night's comment. We are here to inform, entertain, and communicate. Not to insult or hurt feelings.

Phelps Grove wading pool

If you have kids under the age of 7 that like to swim, this is the place for you. And its free!

 

Today was a great mail day...

First there was an invitation to a bridal shower (my cousin's), a snazzy revamped High Street Highway, a flip-flop chain letter from Mandy, and good ads. (You know, ads that are for things other than just pizza and tires.) Then, as I was opening all of the bills and credit card offers, I happened upon IT. The letter that I have been anticipating for months. It was thin which usually means disappoiontment. I read the first line with great fear and trepidation: "On behalf of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, we are pleased (this is when I started to let myself get excited) to notify you that you have been approved for an adoption assistance grant in the amount of $3000." Any of you familiar with the adoption rigamaroo know that assistance is hard to come by if you are adopting a healthy baby as opposed to a special needs or older waiting child. It is even harder to get when you have 2 biological children and the physical capability to have more. We are thrilled for this help! We cannot wait to see how God will be providing the next $8,000!

 

When Chan's away, the girls will play!

With Chandler gone to JV camp, we had a girly girl great time. (We love you Chan but some things you just can't do with a boy around!) We made swim bags on Monday and then planned a tea party for Tuesday. We invited those Jeppsen girls to join us. The girls ate tea sandwiches and parfaits before playing with paperdolls. What fun!

 

I went to a garden party....

Croquet, ice cream sandwiches, bubbles, juggling... who could ask for anything more?
Look closely and see if you can figure out who's sporting a new haircut.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Tucker