4th of July

This year we did something out of the ordinary for 

🧨 the 4th of July 🧨

We went to a Demolition Derby!

I knew we were into something exciting when there were

a lot of young men wearing these brightly colored shirts!

The idea in a demolition derby is to hit 

and wreck, smash, crush

 and disable your competitor.

It was very hot, extremly loud (ear plugs are a-must)

and very dusty but FUN!

We were out in ALL the elements!

We went with our friends,

 who make this a family tradtion

every 4th of July.

 

As the sun was setting, 

this Red White and Blue stripped car was the winner! How appropriate that he was the last car standing!

~~~~****~~~~

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

 

End of November

 The end of November was full of giggles and love.

The "Three Little Guys",

had an overnight with us, while the rest of the family were

at home, in bed with illnesses. 

 We treated them to lunch at Costco.

Boys this age (9, 6, 4), are not finicky about where,

 as much as what is for lunch.

So it was Hotdogs and Pizza!

To cold to go outside, so we had "table time", 

coloring!

Nathan found Papa's funny glasses.

:::::::::::::~~~:::::::::::

Thanksgiving in Tacoma, Washington!

Tom and I went back "home" to see our other grand kids and family.

It has been a few years since we traveled back to the Seattle area.

Sure have missed the sights!

Mt. Rainier greeted us with all  it's splender.

And the kids greeted us with splender, too!

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a demonstration 

of  LOVE at the door!

Huxley is now 3 years old and just like his dad,

loves being in the kitchen, helping to cook up something.

Christmas presents were opened early and enjoyed for hours.

Turkey is ready!

Look who is back at the stove!

Group picture!

My older brother, Steve and his wife Jeanne were invited.

Trey was on his tip toes (haha), sweet Scarlett was still

enjoying her new nightgown and Tom was trying to make Steve laugh.

Brother Steve and Tom acted like little kids.

They really have missed each other!

Our last night together we went out for a seafood dinner.

You just can't get fresh seafood in Idaho like you can in Seattle.

Ahhhh.... home again, after a wonderful and

happy time with family.

~~~~~~***~~~~~~

"In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

Home School Time

Kimmy, our daughter, is a Home School mom of 6 kids, 

(15,13,11,9,6,4 yrs).

She also has a Home School class that she teaches once a month,

 for younger children.

Friends, neighbors and church familes, have signed up their

younger children to learn about God's creation.

What a special time for the youngsters to learn 

how to sit, create, play, listen, share and 

have fun while doing all of this. 

The moms enjoy time with the little ones plus visiting with other moms.

It's always held outside,

 in their beautiful backyard, year round!

This year Ila May has graduated out of the class but wanted to still be apart of the fun.

Kimmy recruited her, as her assistant, 

along with a special girlfriend.

We thought it would be fun to identify the assisstants, by wearing an apron.

Kimmy, "Mom can you make aprons for Ila May and her friend?"

Me, "Sure!"

So off to the store to find the perfect material.

We looked at several colors and different prints.

This is the one we came up with!

Back and front

Ila had a specific style she wanted.

No patterned needed for this adorable apron.

(Pockets will be added on soon.)

What would we do without YouTube?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqF8mb5eSFc

Kimmy's assistnants, 

ready for students.

I added an extra long ties to make 

BIG bows.

The girls are ready to help, if needed.

Kimmy with her assistiants.

Grammy-Goo with the girls.

I found a gift bag that almost is the same print!

I ended up making a total of four aprons.

You never know if there will be more assistants in the future.

We are ready, just in case.

~~~~****~~~~

As each has recieved a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10

 

Celebrating 246 Years !

Happy 4th of July!

This is a beautiful, handmade quilt, 

that was given to me from a good friend 

who still lives in the Seattle area.

It needed to be quilted.

So, another good friend (here in Idaho),

volunteered to quilt the back for me.

 Now it's my turn 

to hand stich the boarder.

It's priceless to me!

~~~***~~~

Top Down!

Tom and I took a Sunday, evening drive into the country 

and drove past farm after farm.

It smelled so good.

We headed back home as the sun went behind clouds.

Big day tomorrow, 4th of July.

~~~***~~~

That's Tom behind the flag- haha

We found "our " spot along the parade route.

This is Melba, Idaho, a small town, 

with a perfct, small town parade.

Lulu, Kimmy and me

It is always well attended and everyone is so

patriotic, courteous, and friendly. 

Small Town!

To start the parade off, 

the motorcycles revved up their engines!

My favorite part!

This parade is so friendly. 

Ila and her friend, asked the horsewoman a question. 

She even stopped to answer them!

You always know when the parade is over.

~~~***~~~

After the parade we set up camp for a great view 

for the fireworks.

We had time to go home, to feed the dog and some of us, took a nap.

Then we headed back down to where we had left our "camp".

We brought our RV,

 so we can have the comfort of 

all it's facilities.

While waiting, it was a great time to play, 

snack and get caught up on life.

The kids enjoyed rolling down the hill on the blankets.

Mark is a great dad! 

More like a kid himself.

Creativity abounds while waiting

~~~***~~~

Then, right on time,

the show begins...

Then the  ooouuu's and ahhh's  can be heard all during the show.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; the people whom he has chosed for his inheritance."

Psalm 33:12

 

Ila’s Birthday Tea Party

"Mom, can I have a Tea Party for my Birthday?"

 

Ila May was turning 11 and 

Kimmy wanted to make it fun and special.

Kimmy then called her mother in-law, who is a Picker.

Mema collected everything for this Tea Party.

 

When each girl arrived, she recieved gloves, pearls to wear, plus, and a tea cup to use and take home.

The food table was full of goodies.

Kimmy and Ila May.

Each place setting was colorfully coordinated and

perfectly set.

The inside of the tent was fitted with a chandelier and 

lace curtians that flowed in the wind.

All the girls were thrilled to be at a real Tea Party.

 Mema, IlaMay and me.

My absolute, favorite picture of Ila May,

waiting for her friends to arrive

before her Tea Party.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"  delclares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11