Pancake Breakfast

For those days you just need to smile. We love our little buddy, Hickory.

Annie's First Field Trip

Annie is loving preschool, and this week, she got to ride her first yellow school bus and go on her first field trip to the pumpkin patch. Her daddy and I got to go along, too!

Surprise!

Well, turnabout is fair play. My parents pulled off another surprise and showed up in Nebraska for a lovely visit with us. They'll be leaving way too soon (as they usually do), but we've really enjoyed our time together

Anti-Fidget Pills for the football game

.

Busy Kitchen

I've been canning and cooking and trying new things. From Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls to yellow pasta sauce. My kitchen has been humming(and smelling really good!)

Scrapping - Annie 2013

Finally made some time and took advantage of a free book offer to get Annie's first year with us documented in a photo book.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Visit Shutterfly.com to create your own personalized photobook.

New Cello Adventures

Dayna had her first audition this month for the Lincoln Junior Youth Orchestra. She worked so hard, and played so incredibly well. Yet, her first audition did not land her a spot in the ensemble.

We were encouraged when the director sought out another opportunity and happily passed it along to us. Dayna is now playing in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Honors Orchestra. She practices for two hours on Saturday mornings and has really stretched her musical wings as she plays with a large group. I can't wait to see what her next steps will be!

A Slow Month for Projects

It's been a busy month, which means my needles haven't accomplished much. However, this hat was made with much love for a dear friend who is battling breast cancer. Several people in town threw a surprise hat party for her. I bought the lovely pima cotton this summer, and had no idea why I bought pink. But now I know. Paula - you are loved so much, and I hope this hat brings you comfort while you fight.

An Annie Day

Poor girl has been down a few times this month. I really loved this moment on a recent sick day when Annie was telling her doll and puppy a Bible story. Because the best thing a mom can do for her children is tell them about Jesus. She took it to heart!

An Unusual Camping Trip

When the budget precludes you from a planned holiday weekend roadtrip, you improvise! We had an unforgettable camping adventure right in our backyard.

Chili dogs and s'mores over the fire pit. Card games in the tent. And waking to the gentle swell of the earth shifting two states away.

Yup - an earthquake in Oklahoma was felt all the way up here. It's been so long since I've experienced an earthquake, it took awhile to register that's what was happening. But sure enough, my cot was rocking back and forth for about a minute while the rest of the family slept.

Farewell, Summer

With Labor Day weekend came the official end of the swimming season. We enjoyed another summer at the local water park, and it was hard for our little fishies to say goodbye to the pool.